If you‘ve been a Verizon Wireless customer for a while, especially in the days of 3G devices, you may have dialed 228 on occasion to update your phone‘s Preferred Roaming List, or PRL. But what exactly is 228, how does it work, and is it still relevant today?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into everything you need to know about *228 on Verizon. Whether you‘re curious about the history of this special code, need help troubleshooting an older 3G device, or just want to understand how mobile networks handle roaming behind the scenes, read on for all the details.
What Is *228 and What Does It Do?
The code *228 is a special command that Verizon Wireless customers could dial from their mobile devices to initiate an update of the Preferred Roaming List, or PRL. The PRL is essentially a database stored on your device that tells it which cell towers and networks it can connect to when outside of Verizon‘s native coverage area.
Verizon would regularly update the PRL to add new roaming partners, remove old ones, or optimize network connectivity. By dialing *228, you could force your device to download the latest version of the PRL directly from Verizon.
In addition to updating the PRL, 228 also served as a way to activate new 3G devices or troubleshoot issues with existing ones. Dialing 228 and selecting the appropriate menu options could often resolve problems like lost data connectivity or dropped calls.
The History of *228 and the PRL
The concept of a preferred roaming list dates back to the early days of cellular networks in the 1980s. As carriers began to build out their coverage areas, they realized that customers would need a way to stay connected when traveling outside of their home network.
The original analog cellular networks used a rudimentary system called the System Identification Number (SID) to tell devices which towers they could connect to. But as networks became more complex and more carriers entered the market, a more sophisticated solution was needed.
In the 1990s, the PRL was developed as a standardized database format that could be used by multiple carriers and devices. The PRL contained information about each carrier‘s network, including the frequencies and technologies used, as well as roaming agreements with other carriers.
Verizon began using 228 as a way for customers to update their PRL in the early 2000s, as 3G networks were first rolling out. By dialing 228, customers could ensure they had the latest roaming information and take advantage of Verizon‘s growing network of partners.
How *228 Worked on Verizon 3G Devices
To use *228 on a Verizon 3G device, customers would simply dial the code from their phone‘s keypad and then follow the prompts. The exact steps could vary slightly depending on the device and software version, but in general, it would go something like this:
- Dial *228 from your Verizon 3G device
- Listen to the automated message and select option 2 to "Update your roaming capabilities"
- Wait for the update to complete. This could take up to several minutes.
- Once the update is finished, you should see a confirmation message on your screen or hear a voice prompt.
In most cases, the *228 process was fairly quick and painless. However, there were a few things that could cause it to fail or take longer than expected:
-
Weak or no cellular signal: *228 required a strong, stable connection to Verizon‘s network in order to download the PRL update. If you were in an area with poor coverage, the update might fail or take a long time to complete.
-
Device compatibility issues: Not all devices were compatible with *228, particularly older or non-Verizon branded ones. If your device wasn‘t fully supported, you might not be able to update your PRL using this method.
-
Network outages or maintenance: Occasionally, Verizon‘s systems would be down for maintenance or experiencing an outage, which could prevent *228 from working temporarily.
Despite these potential issues, 228 was generally a reliable way to keep your Verizon 3G device‘s roaming capabilities up to date. By dialing 228 every few months, you could ensure you had access to the latest network improvements and roaming partnerships.
The Benefits of Updating Your PRL with *228
So why bother updating your PRL with *228? There were actually several benefits to doing so regularly:
-
Improved roaming coverage: By downloading the latest PRL, your device would have access to Verizon‘s most up-to-date list of roaming partners. That meant you were more likely to get service when traveling outside of Verizon‘s native coverage area.
-
Better network performance: The PRL also contained information about the optimal frequencies and technologies to use in different areas. By keeping your PRL current, you could ensure your device was always using the best available network resources.
-
Fewer dropped calls and lost connections: An outdated PRL could sometimes cause issues like dropped calls or lost data connections. Updating the PRL regularly helped minimize these problems.
-
Access to new features and services: As Verizon rolled out new network technologies and features, they would often update the PRL to enable them on devices. By updating your PRL, you could take advantage of these enhancements as soon as they became available.
Overall, regularly updating your PRL with *228 helped keep your Verizon 3G device running smoothly and ensured you had the best possible network experience.
The Future of PRL Updates and *228
As mobile networks have evolved, the need for manual PRL updates has diminished. With the widespread adoption of 4G LTE and now 5G technologies, most modern devices no longer rely on a locally-stored PRL to manage roaming and network connectivity.
Instead, carriers like Verizon now use more advanced methods to keep devices connected, such as using embedded SIMs (eSIMs) that can be remotely provisioned and updated over the air. In addition, the move towards 5G Standalone (SA) networks is enabling a more seamless and automated approach to network management.
As a result, Verizon has been gradually phasing out support for 228 and 3G devices in general. As of 2022, most Verizon devices no longer support 228, and the carrier has announced plans to completely shut down its 3G network by the end of 2024.
If you‘re still using a Verizon 3G device and are having trouble with *228, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer 4G LTE or 5G device. Not only will you no longer need to worry about manually updating your PRL, but you‘ll also benefit from faster speeds, better coverage, and access to the latest features and services.
Conclusion
228 may not be as well-known as some other mobile carrier codes, but for Verizon 3G device users, it was an important tool for staying connected and getting the best possible network performance. By dialing 228 and updating the Preferred Roaming List regularly, customers could ensure they had access to Verizon‘s latest network enhancements and roaming partnerships.
While 228 and manual PRL updates are becoming a thing of the past as mobile networks evolve, they played a crucial role in the development and growth of 3G networks. So the next time you seamlessly connect to a 4G or 5G tower while traveling, take a moment to remember the humble 228 code that helped pave the way.
