What's 3 like?
Sexbomb
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As a general mobile network operator? I'm thinking of going to them from 02 as i find its crap for coverage. Been hearing good things about 3.
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Sexbomb
Posts: 20,005 Sexbomb
Posts: 20,005
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If it's 2G it's unlikely Three will give you better 3G coverage. If it's 3G coverage then yes Three will most likely (9 times out of 10) be better.
You have a point, but honestly 3 does suffer from only having 2.1GHz spectrum for 3G as far as in building penetration is concerned. Hopefully 800MHz and VoLTE will fix that
I find that some people like to say 3 are crap because they tried them years ago (when they really were crap) or assume that no or poor signal in their home means no or poor signal anywhere.
But given the numbers of people who persevere with O2 and Vodafone's shambolic network and assume that "they're all the same", I don't think people actually care, unfortunately
Not in my experience. Three mostly beats EE 3G indoors as no 2g but it kills battery life.
How does that work. Indoor coverage on 3G should be identical. EE would be better as 2G is at 1800MHz compared to 2100MHz for 3G (same as Three).
Coverage isn't the same. In many places Three's antennas are higher on the mast than EEs. physical location is important as well as freq band. Esp with cell breathing the coverage of the two networks from same location varies.
Different handsets choose when to swap down to 2G. With three they keep going until the connection fails. On EE they swap to 2g long before the end of signal on 3G.
O2 and Voda sims seem to have a 2g preference higher than EE sims.
I would imagine that at some point all of the networks will offer it, if not right now. In 3's case they have rubbish 4G coverage and an extensive 3G network so there is no rush
3 and EE share the same antenna for 3G (MBNL) sites. From the planning applications I've seen recently there will be new antennas for 4G 800mhz which Three will be rolling out to most sites from what I understand with EE having a selected rollout at 800mhz. On the flip side there are new antennas for 4G 2600mhz which obviously only EE can utilise as Three do not have a license for. At some sites I believe the new antennas are capable of doing 800 and 26000mhz. A bit of a mix really
Ohh exciting, forget building penetration though, I doubt that could get through a plastic fork. On the upside, 20Gbps?
All the networks will have VoLTE, EE first and then probably Three follow. Vodafone and O2 will probably be last to roll it out (it's not as important to them having 900MHz spectrum for voice already in use).
Ignorance is bliss. And why let them on to a network where they'll share your data! Let them think Three is crap and stick with GPRS or EDGE, or think that H+ offers speeds of as much as 3 or 4Mbps instead of 5, 10, 15 or 20Mbps.
Some networks are better than others in different parts of the country, if Im going to go for a sumary then it would be:
Vodafone Good overall coverage in most places, crap for data
O2 - again good overall coverage a little more expensive, data a bit better than Vodafone
T Mobile/Orange/EE Good signal in most places, expensive, data good
Three: good Signal in most places however this can struggle a bit in older ( ie thick stone walled ) buildings, and outside in dense woodland/ bottom steep valleys - but this is countered by an excellent value for money, and a usually excellent 3G signal and data speed that can put 4G to shame
Three is going to launch VoLTE. In fact, every network will. It's vital to properly roll out 4G and break the current necessary link with 2G or 3G networks for voice.
I don't see why Three needs to say anything until it's ready to launch, any more than it's saying much about its plans for 800MHz. You'll probably not get anything about that away from forums like this.
I'd assume also that the upgrades and some of the infrastructure needed for the intouch app will also be part of VoLTE
Without mentioning MVNO's
Three UK - Strictly a data network also can be cheap
EE - Expensive but a reliable network
Virgin - Cheap network great for allowances, but doesn't do much in terms of data usage
O2 - As the saying goes 'We're better connected'.
Vodafone - Don't deserve to be in this list, enough said...
Three UK is the best overall in my opinion although if you want a solid network and a signal absolutely everywhere then EE is your choice.
I agree. When you have a signal Three is brilliant with a typically fast and reliable service. However there are too many places (typically indoors) that I found when using Three that you will have no signal. I have the same problem on EE unfortunately.
Fully agree with you both. I had a terible 2 years with Three and had the same problems like yours plus more. Glad i'm back with O2 now!