Share your experience!
I have a strange problem with Xperia M, When i Set the 'Network Mode' to WCDM only or WCDMA (preferred)/GSM and switch off the data connection the network connectivity is lost, In short the sim becomes inactive but the range indicator shows proper signal. I changed the handset to xperia U and it worked fine in this handset. I also restored the phone to factory setting but it did not helped , I also repaired the firmware but the problem is not solved. The same problem is with Xperia SP with IDEA network in maharashtra circle (INDIA).
You need to set APN settings, which you can get olny from your mobile provider 
this video shows instruction from my provider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onfx4aKfb3M as example,
but your provider use different setup 
its the network provider problem.. in places where network is week the network gets disconnect and keep connecting.. in such conditions Data connection takes time to connect again.. I had this problem.. i simply ported to Another network with 3g Circle 