[Discuss] cell Network time no longer provided

[mark at buttery.org (Shirley Márquez Dúlcey)]

CDMA networks (Verizon, Sprint, and their MVNOs) are unlikely to make
that change because they MUST have accurate time sources available at
every cell site. Correct operation of the network requires that the
sites be synchronized within milliseconds, because CDMA does soft
handoffs as you travel. The network can reassemble partial reception
from more than one site to piece together your conversation, and that
requires that the timing be accurate. It's done by having a GPS time
reference at each site. Since accurate time must be available in any
case, they might as well continue to provide it to customers.

T-Mobile, the other major GSM network in the US, still provides network time.

On Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 8:58 AM, Jerry Feldman <gaf at blu.org> wrote:
> My mother complained that her phone time did not update to daylight
> savings time and she was told by AT&T that they no longer provide time
> on their network. This morning I got a notification on my Galaxy S5 that
> network time is not provided, switching to manual. Cell providers have
> been providing time forever. I think this is a quiet change at least by
> AT&T, but I'm sure it is with other networks also.
>
>
> --
> Jerry Feldman <gaf at blu.org>
> Boston Linux and Unix
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