Does "Enable 3G" drain battery if you only get EDGE?

[TheSpaz]

I always have "Enable 3G" turned on, but does it affect my battery if i'm not actually on 3G?

I'm guessing it does a little bit since it's probably constantly searching for a 3G signal, but do you think it's as bad as actually using 3G?

 

[peperoni]

The constant searching for 3G network drains the battery. When you're hooked to 3G, it only uses the 3G network and it doesn't need to search for any other network. When on 2G it has to maintain the 2G connection + search for 3G so it will drain more than with only 3G. Also with good/v. good 3G connection the 3G battery drain isn't a lot bigger than 2G battery drain.

 

[TheSpaz]

The constant searching for 3G network drains the battery. When you're hooked to 3G, it only uses the 3G network and it doesn't need to search for any other network. When on 2G it has to maintain the 2G connection + search for 3G so it will drain more than with only 3G. Also with good/v. good 3G connection the 3G battery drain isn't a lot bigger than 2G battery drain.

Thank you. I think I'll still leave 3G on so that I'll know exactly when they turn on 3G in my area. They're supposed to be turning it on in the middle of next month... I'm excited!