Sidekick 3 gets an OTA update

For those complaining about coverage and network problems with the Sidekick III, here comes a solution (Hopefully). Between Today (May 19th) and May 30th, Sidekick III users should be receiving text messages asking you to backup your contacts. In addition, you may want to backup your pictures and media as these may also be deleted during the update. As Hiptop3 reported, this is what is included in this OTA (Over the Air) update:

* GSM network feature enhancements
* Enhanced USSD Support
* Retry option for failed Text Messages
* Enhanced SIM PIN protection
* Optimized PLMN scan algorithm to improve network registration time when returning to good coverage
* Faster PLMN searches

So on the user-end, coverage should improve, and when going from an area without coverage, to one with coverage, you should see less time before you receive a signal. Hopefully this doesn’t wear out the battery even more when no coverage is available, like many phones do. T-mobile is really pushing the fact that this update should lower the number or dropped calls, but we’ll be the judges of that. After you have backed-up all of your contacts and registered to receive the update, you wont have to wait too long. Updates will be sent out starting June 2nd, and the last update will be sent on June 13th. Anyone who receives this update, let us know if you see any differences.

Click Here for T-mobile’s instructions regarding the SK3 Update.