The service I'm currently getting from Three is a total joke. I was in Milton Keynes last week and couldn't get any data through unless I stood outside. I keep finding that the phone says "not registered on network" even when there is a signal present. I want to cancel my contract mid-term because the level of service I'm getting is unacceptable.

 

I was just trying to talk to my wife on her mobile, and I might as well have been using tin cans and string. I had more reliable mobile phone coverage in 1993.

 

In terms of choices, Vodafone are also rubbish in this area (I was with them before Three), and in any case don't pay UK Corporation tax despite huge profits, so they can bugger off.

 

O2 are the devil incarnate when it comes to the mobile phone market. I'd rather have no phone at all than go back to them.

 

EE/TMobile are also rubbish here. I have to keep my work phone (EE) on 2G or it keeps falling off the network. All companies say that there's no issues at my postcode.

 

Doesn't leave much does it? Any suggestions?

They're all as bad as eachother! It seems there's no such thing as a competitive edge in the mobile communications world, no motivation to do better (forgetting about handset sales and contract prices for the moment), they just like your money even if you tell them the service they provide is crap. Most of them bum off eachother's satellites anyway. 

 

I left Vodafone for Three and noticed a vast difference and now get 3G everywhere, as they were the only one to get their A into G and upgrade their masts a few years back to deliver a better network. Definitely the best of a bad bunch in my book, unfortunately results are very different depending on where you live.

Edited 26 February, 201412 yr by Ben90

I would recommend EE.. who not so long ago merged with T-Mobile who I have been with for 5years or so. And the coverage should be good in almost all parts of the country...

 

Im waiting for an upgrade on my Galaxy S3 to either a note or maybe the S5 which is due out in April sometime.. in which case I should be able to run 4G.. instead of the 3G I am currently...

 

Having said all this I have just received a letter from EE saying they are changing the terms and conditions to my contract.. 

 

The terms being if they increase the price plan charge.. they will always use the latest rate of inflation (based on the latest published RPI figure at the the time they send the notification). They say if the increase is higher than this figure.. then I will be able to cancel the plan without charge.. Hmm...

 

They go on to say the new terms will take effect fromt he 26th March 2014...

 

They also say these terms only affect customers who joined or upgraded before 30th October 2012...

 

Well this is the 2nd price hike in a year or so... great...

 

I can cancel the contract but I find EE to be ablut the best network out there.. and have never wanted to change.. 

 

I just wonder how this price increase will affect my upgrade..

 

I hope this information may help you...

To find your nearest mobile phone cell mast, use this website...... http://www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/search 

 

Once you have determined who is closest, I think you'll be in a better position, and make a more appropriate choice based on an informed decision.  :yes:

 

I haven't mentioned which network I'm on as I feel that's unimportant at this stage, as what works for me might not work for you.

 

Good luck 2SkodaFamily, and keep us updated please.

It seems, from that link, as though the nearest mast to where I have the most trouble hosts 3 and T-Mobile! The very networks I have a problem with! They could barely get a mast closer to me!

Out of them all I'd say EE. Coverage is much better than O2 or Vodafone both of which I have experience of and find rubbish - especially Vodafone.

If your phone is always dropping off the network I'd say you may have a phone or sim card issue. Personal phone is EE and I rarely have issues where as Vodafone I'm lucky to be able to get 1 bar in most of the country.

I dumped Orange/EE/TMobile due to poor customer service after 8yrs.

Now with Tesco Mobile. Simple, straightforward, flexible, 4G for free and great banter via their Twitter feed.

Also try checking out an app by Rootmetrics which uses real world crowd sourced results.

Also on Tesco now, much cheapness, but we're pretty rural and I don't expect to get 3G. In most urban areas I get H+ which is super 3G apparently and in theory I can get 4G.

Turns out that having got a data contract I don't actually use it much.

Very disappointed - with mobile operators at the moment. I've been with T-mobile now EE for years, and all they seem to be interested in is pushing forwards with 'Superfast 4G'  at the significant expense of voice signal. I use a fairly modest amount of mobile data and am not overly concerned about speed (I have my home internet and WiFi for that). But the fact that I can barely use my phone for phone calls any more is a huge issue for me as I require it for work. EE's policy is that now they have merged the Orange and T-mobile networks, that they can switch off half the transmitters meaning that the infrastructure is completely over crowded and even with full signal you still can't make or receive calls half the time. My contract ends in a couple of months and I will be leaving - if this wasn't the case I would be considering taking them to the small claims court as they are failing to provide me with a service which they are contracted to do.

 

I'm probably going to go to Tesco Mobile as they seem to be the best of what is available.

 

Rant over

Very disappointed - with mobile operators at the moment. I've been with T-mobile now EE for years, and all they seem to be interested in is pushing forwards with 'Superfast 4G'  at the significant expense of voice signal. I use a fairly modest amount of mobile data and am not overly concerned about speed (I have my home internet and WiFi for that). But the fact that I can barely use my phone for phone calls any more is a huge issue for me as I require it for work. EE's policy is that now they have merged the Orange and T-mobile networks, that they can switch off half the transmitters meaning that the infrastructure is completely over crowded and even with full signal you still can't make or receive calls half the time. My contract ends in a couple of months and I will be leaving - if this wasn't the case I would be considering taking them to the small claims court as they are failing to provide me with a service which they are contracted to do.

 

I'm probably going to go to Tesco Mobile as they seem to be the best of what is available.

 

Rant over

Never had a problem with making or receiving calls with EE tbh.. sometimes theres seems to be some lag.. or I make a call and it just ends... before ringing.. but doesnt happen very often at all..

Thats just my personal experience of EE.

Very disappointed - with mobile operators at the moment. I've been with T-mobile now EE for years, and all they seem to be interested in is pushing forwards with 'Superfast 4G' at the significant expense of voice signal. I use a fairly modest amount of mobile data and am not overly concerned about speed (I have my home internet and WiFi for that). But the fact that I can barely use my phone for phone calls any more is a huge issue for me as I require it for work. EE's policy is that now they have merged the Orange and T-mobile networks, that they can switch off half the transmitters meaning that the infrastructure is completely over crowded and even with full signal you still can't make or receive calls half the time. My contract ends in a couple of months and I will be leaving - if this wasn't the case I would be considering taking them to the small claims court as they are failing to provide me with a service which they are contracted to do.

I'm probably going to go to Tesco Mobile as they seem to be the best of what is available.

Rant over

The mast switch off is an offcom requirement.

As for Tesco, it's running on O2 but SWMBO never got a signal at home but her sister on O2 got a full signal in the same location.

She was glad she was on a 30 day rolling contract so she could bin them off

Strange, I'm all over MK everyday and cant say I experience any black spots anywhere. Of all the networks 3 seems to be the best for me!

Look at Giff Gaff specially for price, & they sell phones as well ( unlocked) - They piggyback O2 like Tesco.

 

Sainsbury now piggy back Vodafone

Asda piggy back EE

 

So unless a brand new service appears that has it own masts, looks like you are stuck with picking the best of a bad bunch.