Somehow my Kindle 2 always connect to WhisperNet via GPRS network, not 3G network in HK. A great tips from reader John and also Mobileread.com, you can actually select the network you want !!
First, turn on the wireless connection of your Kindle, then press “Home”, “Menu”, “Setting” and in that screen, press “311” (yap, that’s the magic number) from the Kindle keyboard. Then mysteriously, an application pops up and will warn you about this command, just select “OK”, and then you will see a message – “Scanning for available wireless providers …”.
About a minute later, a full list of network services providers (with both 2G and 3G connections) will be displayed. Just pick the one you want and that’s it !!. Try “Menu” again, and you shall see the “3G” symbol next to the signal bars, instead of previously the “GPRS“.
Please note that it does not matter whether you have a data plan with the network company to make this work, looks like Amazon already has a deal with the one listed …
Now my Kindle not only synchronize faster, it also works a lot faster when browsing the Kindle Store.
Enjoy !!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Michael,
Does this mean that even in countries that are not officially under the “International Kindle” list like Singapore we can now wirelessly sync from amazon.com kindle store considering that we can connect to the kindle store via 3G?
Hi Jagmagh,
No, I guess it still won’t work in Singapore, not until Amazon has completed a deal with Telcos in Singapore.
Hope it helps.
The situation is a bit interesting for Singapore.
I have my Kindle International in Singapore right now. Although WhisperNet is not “officially” supported in Singapore, I’m able to use it to register my device without any problem. I used the above method suggested by Michael, and I was able to select among the Singtel, M1 and Starhub (both 2G and 3G) networks.
Thanks Andy. Good to know … may be soon Kindle is officially supported in Singapore. Enjoy your Kindle !!
Tried PCCW 3G in Hong Kong. It doesn’t work after waited for a couple of minutes
but Smartone works with full signal strength in Central!
Good to know that, Emil. Have you tried the Three 3G network ?
hey i tried the 311 trip but nothign happened ????
it says im not a registered user?? when though im on amazon
when press register is comes up with kindle can not connect at this time??
any suggestions? thanks
Hi Samantha,
In that case, probably the Kindle 2 you have is an US version. And therefore, you shall turn off the wireless, it won’t work in Australia … and you cannot register your Kindle hardware. But you still can buy eBooks after register your Kindle “logically” thru the Amazon account.
For the 311 trick, may be it will work only in the International version with the latest firmware … that I am not too sure.
Hope it helps.
well that sucks
i really want that new update 
stupid american kindle!
Well well, since you can do most of the things with the USB connection … so just enjoy your Kindle
thats ok thanks for your help – i ended up buying an australia version
Great !! Then the 311 trick to select network shall work … Enjoy your new Kindle !!
Hi All,
i am actually looking for a device that allows me solely to read PDF files.
-Do you think Kindle is a good choice to buy for such purpose?
-Can Kindle be used to read PDFs without subscribing for a wireless connection?
Thanks for advice.
Hi Cath,
Kindle is still a good choice if the sole purpose is to read PDF files, but I think Kindle DX (with bigger screen) is the better choice. And yes, even without the wireless connection, you still can copy the PDF files to your Kindle thru the USB cable.
Hope it helps.
Hi Michael,
Thank you !!!…for your reply. Appreciated.
Could you advise where i could see a demo of Kindle and Kindle DX?
And how much is one unit?
What is latest Kindle version?
i heard of Kindle and could only find info on Kindle version online a few weeks ago… now there is Kindle DX version…woooh..
How long has Kindle been out in the market?
Thank you heaps, Michael.
Your advise appreciated
Hi Cath,
Since Kindle 2 and DX are available from Amazon, so you won’t / can’t really see a “demo” … unless you know someone also have one. Kindle 2 and DX are the latest version already (just DX with bigger screen) and they’ve been out for quite some time. For instance, Kindle 2 is released in March last year.
Hope it helps.
Hi Michael,
Is there a way to ensure that i get an International version and not a US version
from Amazon.com?
For wireless connection – you mean with mobile provider?
If so, in that case it means the unit cannot be connected with internet/computer provider?
Thanks again.
Hi Cath,
Well if you surf to Amazon, you will find that the International version is the one you can buy now.
And yes, there is no WiFi with the Kindle but I think that’s good as I don’t need to find hotspots to download stuff. And of course 3G network is eveywhere here in Hong Kong.
Hope it helps.
Thanks for ALL the useful info, Michael.
It helps heaps !!