Pros and cons of 3

markrduk · 22-02-2011, 21:27

I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move.

The obvious pro is the price saving (£15 down to £10) of my mins, texts and internet package vs. the
possible risk of coverage issues when travelling. I am also aware 3 don't charge extra for tethering the data connection, which is a pretty big plus (although there are ways of doing this with other networks

)

I was wondering if there are any (maybe more subtle) differences or quirks I should be aware of, such as hidden charges and such I should be aware of.

frailfury · 22-02-2011, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrduk

I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move.

The obvious pro is the price saving (£15 down to £10) of my mins, texts and internet package vs. the
possible risk of coverage issues when travelling. I am also aware 3 don't charge extra for tethering the data connection, which is a pretty big plus (although there are ways of doing this with other networks

)

I was wondering if there are any (maybe more subtle) differences or quirks I should be aware of, such as hidden charges and such I should be aware of.

No nothing. Been with 3 for about 5 years and wouldn't use another network now. 3 have improved signal and coverage so much that they are the best at the moment.

I want to upgrade but not sure which phone to go for.

jay2009 · 23-02-2011, 01:13

Only thing I can come up with are Indian call centers, at least when I was with them back untill May '09. And you have to pay for voice mail if I remember rightly.

markrduk · 23-02-2011, 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay2009

Only thing I can come up with are Indian call centers, at least when I was with them back untill May '09. And you have to pay for voice mail if I remember rightly.

Unfortunately I have been getting that with O2 of late as well - seems to be something of a lottery where you get through to. It is a real problem as everything seems scripted to the letter. You can tell they don't know what they are talking about half the time and they seem to pull answers from the script, hoping it answers the question! A lot of the time they seem to work on keywords - conversations tend to go something like this:

Me: "I want to check how much internet I have left"

CC: "No problem Mr. Myname, just let me check that for you"

(5 minutes on hold)

CC: "You have 500mb of internet per month Mr. Myname" (pronouncing it wrong... or calling me Mrs - which happens often!)

Me: "Yes I know, but I want to know how much I have used"

CC: "Sure Mr. Myname, just let me check that for you"

(5 mins on hold)

CC: "Send a blank text to 21202 to get your balance"

Me: "Yes I know, but it doesn't give me my internet usage"

(2 minutes on hold)

CC: "That should work My Myname"

Me: "Yes I know, but it doesn't give me my internet usage"

(3 minutes on hold)

CC: "Oh dear, I'm very sorry to hear that Mr. Myname. There must be some system problem, let me transfer you to one of my collegues

(5 minute wait)

UK CC: "This is Linda at O2, how can I help"

Me: "Hello there, I want to know how much internet I have used this month"

UK CC: "No problem, let me just get that checked out for you"

(1 minute wait)

UK CC: "Okay you have only used 97mb, so you have more than 400mb remaining."

Me: "Thank you"

20 minutes later, I get the answer to the question I wanted - talk about blood out of a stone!

On the voicemail, can it not come out of you minutes allowance?

Stuart P · 23-02-2011, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrduk

I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move.

you thinking sim only or long term contract?

markrduk · 23-02-2011, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart P

you thinking sim only or long term contract?

30 day sim only to begin with. I wouldn't consider a full term contract with them until I knew what I was 'getting in to bed with' so to speak!

Stuart P · 23-02-2011, 09:48

why not try them with a pay as you go sim or a 30 day sim? then you could switch to another network after that time if 3 did not work out.

davethorp · 23-02-2011, 10:00

You'd have been better logging into my O2 on the website to check your data usage

As the others have said best thing is probably to give them a try either with a pay as you go sim card or a sim only. Can always move back if things don't work out

QTC13 · 23-02-2011, 10:04

Voicemail on 3 is FREE.

Been with 3 for many years now, a very happy customer.

DotNetWill · 23-02-2011, 10:13

I had a 30day sim with them then switched to a full on contract. I find them good so long as you don't have to contact them for anything

goomba · 23-02-2011, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrduk

Unfortunately I have been getting that with O2 of late as well - seems to be something of a lottery where you get through to.

O2 call centres are all in the UK.

thedrewser · 23-02-2011, 10:33

My wife toojk delivery of a new iPhone 4 yesterday with a Three contract sim. Although the Three online map, and a guy in one of their shops confirming it, that there should be really good coverage where we live, the best she can get is 2 bars.

It might be going back and she'll take an upgrade from O2 instead which we know has good reception where we are.

It's things like this that put you off a network for ever.

mtaylor1811 · 23-02-2011, 10:41

Nothing wrong with 3 I have been with them on and off for over 5 years from the days when they used to trade in Superdrug. I have never had any problem with Indian call centres the only grumble I have got if you can call it that is if you want to leave 3 they are very persistent and wont take no for an answer, but its worth listening to whats on offer cos they dont have come up with some cracking deals to keep you on there books!

red_g00ner · 23-02-2011, 10:44

If l am not mistaken even if you only have 1 bar on a 3G signal, that is not going to stop you making/receiving calls with any drop in call quality.

Certainly has been my experience.

markrduk · 23-02-2011, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by goomba

O2 call centres are all in the UK.

I could be getting confused with Vodafone... I have definitely had a similar conversation to that with one of them.

mtaylor1811 · 23-02-2011, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by red_g00ner

If l am not mistaken even if you only have 1 bar on a 3G signal, that is not going to stop you making/receiving calls with any drop in call quality.

Certainly has been my experience.

You are so right as most of the time I only get 1 x bar up and if I go upstairs I sometimes get two and the calls are always crystal clear with no dropped/lost calls etc

jay2009 · 23-02-2011, 13:26

I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres.

markrduk · 23-02-2011, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay2009

I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres.

As I said, I must be getting my phone companies confused. I can't say their customer service is amazing though - very recently I needed to change my internet bolt (this definitely was O2!) on and it took about 7 phonecalls for them to get it right - at least the calls are free on contract. If I was on Pay as You Go I would have been fuming!

battlezone · 23-02-2011, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrduk

I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move.

Been with 3 from the early days. Then it could be bad, the phone selection was abysmal! Now, however, what can I say...

Waiting delivery of IP4 on the 'one plan'. In the meantime they have knocked a fiver off per month and added 2Gb of data which can be tethered (and it does!)

Checking usage is a breeze. Once you've got your account and logged on you can view your current usage for everything. Add extras as necessary. If you do use something which is not in your plan you get a text advising how much you've spent.

The service I have had has been good. Even when I lost a phone whilst abroad. I cancelled both phone and sim and on returning to the UK another was dispatched and up and running within 48 hours. Yes, the call centres are abroad, but aren't a lot of others too these days!

In my opinion go for it. AFAIK they will even let you try their system for 14 days and if you haven't abused it and are not happy they will give you a full refund minus any calls, data etc.

Lummo · 23-02-2011, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay2009

I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres.

From what I remember when my sister has called O2 about her iPhone before, she has spoken to a foreign CS agent, that's for sure.

Red Arrow · 23-02-2011, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay2009

I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres.

Strange that, they have a massive call centre in Glasgow

DotNetWill · 23-02-2011, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Arrow

Strange that, they have a massive call centre in Glasgow

haha, they have a fairly large in Preston Brook aswell, Warrington area.

markrduk · 23-02-2011, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Arrow

Strange that, they have a massive call centre in Glasgow

Have you not heard of that English tennis player Andy Murray?

He is supposed to be very good you know!

Red Arrow · 23-02-2011, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by markrduk

Have you not heard of that English tennis player Andy Murray?

He is supposed to be very good you know!

Until he is poor, then suddenly he becomes Scottish

frailfury · 23-02-2011, 17:32

I called them and they said £30 a month for the 3GS which is too much for me.

They have instead, put me on a 'flexible' plan, £5.32 a month with my existing phone, 600 texts, 75mins, 2GB internet, 3000 3 to 3 minutes. They told me I can upgrade at any point during this contract. It's a new 12 month contract from today. I thought it was pretty good.

Does that mean I pay no early termination fees then when I do decide to upgrade?

22-02-2011, 21:27	#1
markrduk Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,225	Pros and cons of 3 I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move. The obvious pro is the price saving (£15 down to £10) of my mins, texts and internet package vs. the possible risk of coverage issues when travelling. I am also aware 3 don't charge extra for tethering the data connection, which is a pretty big plus (although there are ways of doing this with other networks ) I was wondering if there are any (maybe more subtle) differences or quirks I should be aware of, such as hidden charges and such I should be aware of.

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22-02-2011, 21:32	#2
frailfury Guest Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6,966	Quote: Originally Posted by markrduk I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move. The obvious pro is the price saving (£15 down to £10) of my mins, texts and internet package vs. the possible risk of coverage issues when travelling. I am also aware 3 don't charge extra for tethering the data connection, which is a pretty big plus (although there are ways of doing this with other networks ) I was wondering if there are any (maybe more subtle) differences or quirks I should be aware of, such as hidden charges and such I should be aware of. No nothing. Been with 3 for about 5 years and wouldn't use another network now. 3 have improved signal and coverage so much that they are the best at the moment. I want to upgrade but not sure which phone to go for.

23-02-2011, 01:13	#3
jay2009 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London Posts: 2,211	Only thing I can come up with are Indian call centers, at least when I was with them back untill May '09. And you have to pay for voice mail if I remember rightly.

23-02-2011, 09:07	#4
markrduk Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,225	Quote: Originally Posted by jay2009 Only thing I can come up with are Indian call centers, at least when I was with them back untill May '09. And you have to pay for voice mail if I remember rightly. Unfortunately I have been getting that with O2 of late as well - seems to be something of a lottery where you get through to. It is a real problem as everything seems scripted to the letter. You can tell they don't know what they are talking about half the time and they seem to pull answers from the script, hoping it answers the question! A lot of the time they seem to work on keywords - conversations tend to go something like this: Me: "I want to check how much internet I have left" CC: "No problem Mr. Myname, just let me check that for you" (5 minutes on hold) CC: "You have 500mb of internet per month Mr. Myname" (pronouncing it wrong... or calling me Mrs - which happens often!) Me: "Yes I know, but I want to know how much I have used" CC: "Sure Mr. Myname, just let me check that for you" (5 mins on hold) CC: "Send a blank text to 21202 to get your balance" Me: "Yes I know, but it doesn't give me my internet usage" (2 minutes on hold) CC: "That should work My Myname" Me: "Yes I know, but it doesn't give me my internet usage" (3 minutes on hold) CC: "Oh dear, I'm very sorry to hear that Mr. Myname. There must be some system problem, let me transfer you to one of my collegues (5 minute wait) UK CC: "This is Linda at O2, how can I help" Me: "Hello there, I want to know how much internet I have used this month" UK CC: "No problem, let me just get that checked out for you" (1 minute wait) UK CC: "Okay you have only used 97mb, so you have more than 400mb remaining." Me: "Thank you" 20 minutes later, I get the answer to the question I wanted - talk about blood out of a stone! On the voicemail, can it not come out of you minutes allowance?

23-02-2011, 09:19	#5
Stuart P Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hitchin Posts: 922	Quote: Originally Posted by markrduk I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move. you thinking sim only or long term contract?

23-02-2011, 09:34	#6
markrduk Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,225	Quote: Originally Posted by Stuart P you thinking sim only or long term contract? 30 day sim only to begin with. I wouldn't consider a full term contract with them until I knew what I was 'getting in to bed with' so to speak!

23-02-2011, 09:48	#7
Stuart P Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hitchin Posts: 922	why not try them with a pay as you go sim or a 30 day sim? then you could switch to another network after that time if 3 did not work out.

23-02-2011, 10:00	#8
davethorp Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Preston, Lancashire Posts: 7,255	You'd have been better logging into my O2 on the website to check your data usage As the others have said best thing is probably to give them a try either with a pay as you go sim card or a sim only. Can always move back if things don't work out

23-02-2011, 10:04	#9
QTC13 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 3,282	Voicemail on 3 is FREE. Been with 3 for many years now, a very happy customer.

23-02-2011, 10:13	#10
DotNetWill Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 4,398	I had a 30day sim with them then switched to a full on contract. I find them good so long as you don't have to contact them for anything

23-02-2011, 10:30	#11
goomba Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,444	Quote: Originally Posted by markrduk Unfortunately I have been getting that with O2 of late as well - seems to be something of a lottery where you get through to. O2 call centres are all in the UK.

23-02-2011, 10:33	#12
thedrewser Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,818	My wife toojk delivery of a new iPhone 4 yesterday with a Three contract sim. Although the Three online map, and a guy in one of their shops confirming it, that there should be really good coverage where we live, the best she can get is 2 bars. It might be going back and she'll take an upgrade from O2 instead which we know has good reception where we are. It's things like this that put you off a network for ever.

23-02-2011, 10:41	#13
mtaylor1811 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 224	Nothing wrong with 3 I have been with them on and off for over 5 years from the days when they used to trade in Superdrug. I have never had any problem with Indian call centres the only grumble I have got if you can call it that is if you want to leave 3 they are very persistent and wont take no for an answer, but its worth listening to whats on offer cos they dont have come up with some cracking deals to keep you on there books!

23-02-2011, 10:44	#14
red_g00ner Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: UK Posts: 790	If l am not mistaken even if you only have 1 bar on a 3G signal, that is not going to stop you making/receiving calls with any drop in call quality. Certainly has been my experience.

23-02-2011, 11:03	#15
markrduk Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,225	Quote: Originally Posted by goomba O2 call centres are all in the UK. I could be getting confused with Vodafone... I have definitely had a similar conversation to that with one of them.

23-02-2011, 11:34	#16
mtaylor1811 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 224	Quote: Originally Posted by red_g00ner If l am not mistaken even if you only have 1 bar on a 3G signal, that is not going to stop you making/receiving calls with any drop in call quality. Certainly has been my experience. You are so right as most of the time I only get 1 x bar up and if I go upstairs I sometimes get two and the calls are always crystal clear with no dropped/lost calls etc

23-02-2011, 13:26	#17
jay2009 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London Posts: 2,211	I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres.

23-02-2011, 13:42	#18
markrduk Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,225	Quote: Originally Posted by jay2009 I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres. As I said, I must be getting my phone companies confused. I can't say their customer service is amazing though - very recently I needed to change my internet bolt (this definitely was O2!) on and it took about 7 phonecalls for them to get it right - at least the calls are free on contract. If I was on Pay as You Go I would have been fuming!

23-02-2011, 13:52	#19
battlezone Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oxford (formally Newcastle) Posts: 1,813	Quote: Originally Posted by markrduk I have become increasingly disillusioned with O2 and am considering more and more seriously a move from o2 sim only to 3 sim only and I'm wondering what some of the pros and cons are (in people's experience) with such a move. Been with 3 from the early days. Then it could be bad, the phone selection was abysmal! Now, however, what can I say... Waiting delivery of IP4 on the 'one plan'. In the meantime they have knocked a fiver off per month and added 2Gb of data which can be tethered (and it does!) Checking usage is a breeze. Once you've got your account and logged on you can view your current usage for everything. Add extras as necessary. If you do use something which is not in your plan you get a text advising how much you've spent. The service I have had has been good. Even when I lost a phone whilst abroad. I cancelled both phone and sim and on returning to the UK another was dispatched and up and running within 48 hours. Yes, the call centres are abroad, but aren't a lot of others too these days! In my opinion go for it. AFAIK they will even let you try their system for 14 days and if you haven't abused it and are not happy they will give you a full refund minus any calls, data etc.

23-02-2011, 13:54	#20
Lummo Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6,737	Quote: Originally Posted by jay2009 I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres. From what I remember when my sister has called O2 about her iPhone before, she has spoken to a foreign CS agent, that's for sure.

23-02-2011, 13:59	#21
Red Arrow Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Mars Posts: 10,688	Quote: Originally Posted by jay2009 I had a look, and it seems o2 ARE English call centres. Strange that, they have a massive call centre in Glasgow

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Pros and cons of 3

23-02-2011, 14:04	#22
DotNetWill Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 4,398	Quote: Originally Posted by Red Arrow Strange that, they have a massive call centre in Glasgow haha, they have a fairly large in Preston Brook aswell, Warrington area.

23-02-2011, 14:08	#23
markrduk Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 1,225	Quote: Originally Posted by Red Arrow Strange that, they have a massive call centre in Glasgow Have you not heard of that English tennis player Andy Murray? He is supposed to be very good you know!

23-02-2011, 15:05	#24
Red Arrow Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Mars Posts: 10,688	Quote: Originally Posted by markrduk Have you not heard of that English tennis player Andy Murray? He is supposed to be very good you know! Until he is poor, then suddenly he becomes Scottish

23-02-2011, 17:32	#25
frailfury Guest Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6,966	I called them and they said £30 a month for the 3GS which is too much for me. They have instead, put me on a 'flexible' plan, £5.32 a month with my existing phone, 600 texts, 75mins, 2GB internet, 3000 3 to 3 minutes. They told me I can upgrade at any point during this contract. It's a new 12 month contract from today. I thought it was pretty good. Does that mean I pay no early termination fees then when I do decide to upgrade?