Thread: downloading and streaming problem

Hi All, I'm new here but hopefully you guys who have the HD longer than me can give some pointers to my problem.

Firstly, really annoying that BBC Iplayer doesnt work over 3g and it redirects to the useless mobile site.

Anyway, secondly the actual problem I'm finding. When I do find an interesting download/stream the connection isnt stable enough to be useful.
I receive a stable 1 bar of HSDPA, 2-4 bars of EDGE and 2-4 bars of GPRS.
When I start a download on HSDPA the phone almost invariably steps down to EDGE which usually cuts the download dead, what is then even more infuriating is if it does carry on it cant maintain EDGE either and steps down to GPRS which if the download hasnt stopped by then becomes so painfully slow I cant be bothered to wait anyway.

If using the network menu in Comms Manager I force the phone into UMTS(800+2100) so it stays on HSDPA it will maintain the download/stream perfectly at 1 bar.

My questions are if no 3g is available but EDGE is, can I force the phone to maintain EDGE and not drop back to GPRS?
Are there any settings or applications which can stabilise the network data so if a faster service is available the phone actually uses it?

Thanks in advance, hopefully my ramblings havent put anybody to sleep