Do o2 still upgrade their network to 3G?

Sam-w · 18-05-2009, 19:31

I have been looking to get an iPhone, but I know that where I live and the local area there is no 3G coverage with o2. Every other network has total 3G coverage.

In fact, o2 used to have 3G coverage here years ago, but for some reason it has been withdrawn and now they only offer GSM. o2 still seem to be active on 3G (and even HSDPA) just down the road is pretty much every direction, so much that they seem to have a dedicated 3G cell for some towns near me with a much lower population coverage than my area which is lacking 3G.

I know its not just a fault, as its been this way for a year at least.

Do o2 still expand there network or is it likely to stay this way for a while?

kosmos5457 · 18-05-2009, 19:45

I don't expect O2 or any other network will be upgrading to 3G in my area any time soon.

With what your saying, it would be quite possible that your area is a priority if they have a list of areas that need upgrading. Though I don't think they upgrade masts all that often.

Dark 1 · 18-05-2009, 19:59

I don't know the full details, but I hear that O2 and Vodafone will be amalgamating their networks into one at some point. That should improve the 3G coverage of both.

ney · 18-05-2009, 20:38

Whats the next best thing to 3G dose anyone know.

Darren

russellelly · 18-05-2009, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by ney

Whats the next best thing to 3G dose anyone know.

Darren

EDGE is the next best, followed by standard GSM.

O2 have been in trouble with Ofcom for their poor 3G coverage (I frequently get no 2G or 3G O2 signal on my iPhone and I'm definitely not in the countryside!) so they should still be expanding. Not sure at what rate though. There's a map including planned coverage on their website, but for where I am it's completely inaccurate.

ney · 18-05-2009, 21:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellelly

EDGE is the next best, followed by standard GSM.

O2 have been in trouble with Ofcom for their poor 3G coverage (I frequently get no 2G or 3G O2 signal on my iPhone and I'm definitely not in the countryside!) so they should still be expanding. Not sure at what rate though. There's a map including planned coverage on their website, but for where I am it's completely inaccurate.

My Sony W302 that I got in March on 02 has Edge so thats fine if the Edge is the next best thing to having 3G like you say. My sister was going to get a 3G mobile but the 02 shop told her that the 3G coverage around here is patchy. so she just went and got herself a cheap Nokia out the 02 shop.

Darren

Appleseed · 18-05-2009, 21:13

O2 have only just fitted a mast to cover the area where I live - and it's not a 3G one - how bad's that for forward planning?

Ash104 · 21-05-2009, 15:33

I work for one of the big networks and the most common call we have is about poor signal. Its annoying for the customer and also the csr whom is powerless to help. One thing to consider however is that its not always down to the networks penny pinching over sites its simply because its so incredibly difficult to get planning permission. The company I work for have to apply 4,5,6 or even more times to get planning permission even then they offten fail. Another problem we have in this country is that most sites cover a small area this is to ensure minimal disruption if there is a channel rate failer or worse still a power cut. The downside of this is the sites are running on a very low power setting which means buildings and even trees hedges etc all have an impact. So next time you see a bunch of bored retired people protesting against a mast being built counteract it with your own demo and don't sign their petitions.

18-05-2009, 19:31	#1
Sam-w Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 86	Do o2 still upgrade their network to 3G? I have been looking to get an iPhone, but I know that where I live and the local area there is no 3G coverage with o2. Every other network has total 3G coverage. In fact, o2 used to have 3G coverage here years ago, but for some reason it has been withdrawn and now they only offer GSM. o2 still seem to be active on 3G (and even HSDPA) just down the road is pretty much every direction, so much that they seem to have a dedicated 3G cell for some towns near me with a much lower population coverage than my area which is lacking 3G. I know its not just a fault, as its been this way for a year at least. Do o2 still expand there network or is it likely to stay this way for a while?

18-05-2009, 19:45	#2
kosmos5457 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Anglesey Posts: 1,262	I don't expect O2 or any other network will be upgrading to 3G in my area any time soon. With what your saying, it would be quite possible that your area is a priority if they have a list of areas that need upgrading. Though I don't think they upgrade masts all that often.

18-05-2009, 19:59	#3
Dark 1 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,975	I don't know the full details, but I hear that O2 and Vodafone will be amalgamating their networks into one at some point. That should improve the 3G coverage of both.

18-05-2009, 20:38	#4
ney Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scotland, Dunfermline Area Posts: 10,704	Whats the next best thing to 3G dose anyone know. Darren

18-05-2009, 20:41	#5
russellelly Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Scotland Posts: 10,720	Quote: Originally Posted by ney Whats the next best thing to 3G dose anyone know. Darren EDGE is the next best, followed by standard GSM. O2 have been in trouble with Ofcom for their poor 3G coverage (I frequently get no 2G or 3G O2 signal on my iPhone and I'm definitely not in the countryside!) so they should still be expanding. Not sure at what rate though. There's a map including planned coverage on their website, but for where I am it's completely inaccurate.

18-05-2009, 21:02	#6
ney Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scotland, Dunfermline Area Posts: 10,704	Quote: Originally Posted by russellelly EDGE is the next best, followed by standard GSM. O2 have been in trouble with Ofcom for their poor 3G coverage (I frequently get no 2G or 3G O2 signal on my iPhone and I'm definitely not in the countryside!) so they should still be expanding. Not sure at what rate though. There's a map including planned coverage on their website, but for where I am it's completely inaccurate. My Sony W302 that I got in March on 02 has Edge so thats fine if the Edge is the next best thing to having 3G like you say. My sister was going to get a 3G mobile but the 02 shop told her that the 3G coverage around here is patchy. so she just went and got herself a cheap Nokia out the 02 shop. Darren

18-05-2009, 21:13	#7
Appleseed Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3,673	O2 have only just fitted a mast to cover the area where I live - and it's not a 3G one - how bad's that for forward planning?

21-05-2009, 15:33	#8
Ash104 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 89	I work for one of the big networks and the most common call we have is about poor signal. Its annoying for the customer and also the csr whom is powerless to help. One thing to consider however is that its not always down to the networks penny pinching over sites its simply because its so incredibly difficult to get planning permission. The company I work for have to apply 4,5,6 or even more times to get planning permission even then they offten fail. Another problem we have in this country is that most sites cover a small area this is to ensure minimal disruption if there is a channel rate failer or worse still a power cut. The downside of this is the sites are running on a very low power setting which means buildings and even trees hedges etc all have an impact. So next time you see a bunch of bored retired people protesting against a mast being built counteract it with your own demo and don't sign their petitions.

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Do o2 still upgrade their network to 3G?