Windows Mobile 6.5 and the Automatic Data Connection

While using Windows Mobile (WinMo) 6.5, I found that some programs and processes are running in the background that use data connection beyond my control. This could mean that my data charges are beyond my control as well.

I have a Samsung Omnia Pro B7330, a Windows smartphone (non-touchscreen) running on Windows Mobile (WinMo) 6.5. What’s one thing I hate about it is that some programs running in the background are actually using data connections without my prior intervention–i.e., without me actually initializing them.

I have installed the SPB Wireless Monitor to monitor which programs have actually invoked the use of the data connection, and at what time were data connectivity used. I discovered the following are some of the programs that were started and used data beyond my control:

  • gpsdriver.dll
  • rilgsm.dll
  • dhcp.dll
  • system
  • home.exe
  • WINDIAG.dll

They actually used minimal data, just a few KB and most are less than 1Kb, but were connecting at different times or intervals during the day. I find this not a problem if I’m using Globe’s per KB charging. But I totally switched to TIME browsing since I really need to download some emails and attachments while on the go–that which I’ll be charged based on a per 15-minute interval.

I’m not actually sure which one is causing this problem, either my particular phone unit or WinMo 6.5 itself. Nevertheless, if I don’t have the control over when these programs or processes run and use the data connection, that means I won’t have the control over my courier charges as well. There has got to be a way, which fortunately I found from this forum post: Tip: Disable Data Windows Mobile 6.5 (Disable 3G & GPRS).

The solution (which should apply to any Windows Mobile 6.5 and even previous versions):

  1. Create a new connection. Under Settings>>Connections>>GPRS>>Create New. Connects to “The Internet”. You can leave the “Access point” and other settings blank. We can also call this connection “Disable Data”;
  2. Use the connection “Disable Data” when we don’t want the phone connected to the internet via GPRS/3G. Under Settings>>Connections, click on Menu and select Advanced. Internet connection should be set to “Disable Data”;
  3. Use the regular connection when we need the access to internet. In No. 2 above, after selecting Advanced, select the regular connection for the label “Internet Connection”. For Globe subscribers this should be “myGlobe Internet”.

I know this is a bit tedious process that requires additional steps to start connecting to the internet using the data connection, unlike when I was yet using a Nokia E51 phone wherein unless internet connection is actually invoked, no data charges are incurred. But this is the only workaround so far I found. Hope this post help all other WinMo users as well.

For questions and comments, feel free to lodge them below.

No Comments

johan November 4, 2011 Reply

i have a omnia pro 7330.i accidentally disconnected my cellular data and now my phone only have service on big town,sometimes it doesnt have service. can u please help me??

deuts November 5, 2011 Reply

You just have to create, if there’s none yet, the proper APN settings and make that as default when connecting to the net. By the way, from what country are you from?

johan November 10, 2011 Reply

i am from south afrika. thank you i dont have my phone on me now, i sent it away for repairs and they said the problem is liquid damage,but it wasn’t near water. i will sertainly try your method when i get my phone back. thank you for the reply, i wil inbox you when i get it fixed

velpur June 13, 2012 Reply

Hello !

Im working on WM based terminal device, which is giving some connectivity problem.
situation:
assume that the data connectivity is established already,
when ever any incoming call comes and after finishing the call, the GPRS data connectivity has to re-connect.
I donno why ?
any suggestions …

AJ February 21, 2013 Reply

Hey there. I know its an old post but thanks for the tip.

Cheers from South Africa
A.J

bynz April 3, 2013 Reply

ive reset my phone,, i have problem connecting through the net,,, pls help

deuts April 3, 2013 Reply

Get an iPhone. That’s my suggestion.

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