[Everything Goes]

Orange will launch its 3G service on the 19th July with a 66% UK coverage. Like Vodafone it will start with Data only services, but handsets will become availble in the Autumn when some decent handsets become available.

The Data Card will be able to handle speeds of 384 kilobits per second, and costs £10 per month with a one off fee of £170, an unlimited use package at £75 per month with a one-off fee of £85 is available as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3855681.stm

[Pingu]

Wow, much better than Vodafone's prices - they could do well with this

[*Joe*]

How can people complain about 3's coverage at 72%??? Orange are also going to be offering voice, with handsets from LG and Sony Erricson! with just 66% coverage!!!

Vodaphone dont even have 50% coverage on their network for 3G yet

[nickgold]

I heard three heard had 78% about 3 months ago
the only network on 3g we get here is 3 and a weak t-mobile

[Everything Goes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Joe*

How can people complain about 3's coverage at 72%??? Orange are also going to be offering voice, with handsets from LG and Sony Erricson! with just 66% coverage!!!

Vodaphone dont even have 50% coverage on their network for 3G yet

Its taken 3 a year to get to 72% or 78% with a fully operational network. Orange will have better coverage in less time 66% at the initial Data only rollout sounds good to me.

[wavejockglw]

3's network is still pretty unstable so they cant offer data services for now. Still lots of call dropping, dissapearing texts, walled garden and x/net mms unavailable. Orange's seamless 3G looks far more promising than the 'cheap + nasty' 3UK service that has duped 1000's. I will be happy to give Orange or Vodfone a try and will also be happy paying the price for a service that not only works well but which has staff that can provide decent support.

[Chris Ellis]

I was down south this weekend and my 3G phone actually managed to pick up Orange 3G when i was searching for networks manualy. I tried a few times around Bourmouth, Poole and Swansea and it picked it up every time. From what i have seen it's got more coverage then 3G!!! Let me know on other peoples finds.

[Dan 8t1]

I had similar findings to Chris while on the train from Loughborough to Durham last weekend.. did a few network scans along the way and found 'ORANGE 3G' in several places.

Also (and sorry to go a bit OT here), I have just recently joined 3 (and so can only go on my first impressions) but in response to wavejockglw, my experience so far has been a good one. Have had a dropped call in an area with a poor signal, and I can imagine how frustrating this must be if you live in such an area. But luckily, the signal here in Loughborough is full strength.

I've also been impressed by their Indian customer support. Have called twice, once to arrange for my O2 number to be ported over, and once to enquire about what I get free during the first month. Both times the staff had no problems understanding me, didn't need me to repeat anything, and were very efficient and courteous. Their standard beats many UK call centres I've dealt with.

Dan