Upgrading to iPhone 5

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 00:16

I currently have an iPhone 4S with a 500mb data allowance package. Since starting a new job I have been using a lot more data, my company do not have wifi access (which I accept totally). As I am now out of contract with O2 (switched to a 30 day simplicity deal with 500mb allowance, as I said this is too little. Therefore I would like to start up a new contract, but should I wait for the iPhone 6 to come out so I can get the 5 cheaper? Am I right in assuming the likes of O2 and tmobile will make the iPhone 5 cheaper on both handset cost and monthly cost, once the 6 is announced/released?

I'm also considering jumping ship from O2 to tmobile as O2 do not offer an unlimited data allowance and I feel their 1GB deals will not be sufficient. How do you find tmobile for 3G cover in general vs O2. I work in centre of London, if that helps.

Thanks!

Everything Goes · 08-06-2013, 01:21

The iPhone 6 will most likely be released in the Autumn of 2014. So you will have a long time to wait!

I cannot really say what tariffs will be available in 2014 but if you are worried about data this year perhaps go with Three who offer All You Can Eat data. T-Moblies similar Full Monty offering is speed capped.

-GONZO- · 08-06-2013, 08:38

If you change to Three they've just had an iPhone 5 price drop with no up front cost with the cheapest plan being £31.
http://store.three.co.uk/view/produc...e/2493?ID=1523

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 09:43

Thanks for the responses! I assume the next phone will be the 5s then? So if that's out this year, iPhone 5 prices will drop? I'm not fussed about having the latest phone, I just want sufficient data. I know that 3 have good offers, I'm just wondering if their coverage is good. I will check their site for that. And I know they have a return policy, so if coverage is bad I can cancel.

If the O2 retention team offer me a decent deal when I leave, then I may accept a 1gb deal from them. But who knows, they may want me gone!

I've just checked 3, for £89 upfront and £31 a month I can get the 32gb iPhone. That is a good deal! Think a change will be imminent for me.

Everything Goes · 08-06-2013, 10:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Hertford

Thanks for the responses! I assume the next phone will be the 5s then? So if that's out this year, iPhone 5 prices will drop? I'm not fussed about having the latest phone, I just want sufficient data. I know that 3 have good offers, I'm just wondering if their coverage is good. I will check their site for that. And I know they have a return policy, so if coverage is bad I can cancel.

If the O2 retention team offer me a decent deal when I leave, then I may accept a 1gb deal from them. But who knows, they may want me gone!

I've just checked 3, for £89 upfront and £31 a month I can get the 32gb iPhone. That is a good deal! Think a change will be imminent for me.

Three have better 3G coverage than O2

Added bonus Three wont charge you extra for 4G but O2 have hinted that they will.

Since you live in the centre of London I think coverage will be very good. But check it anyway to be sure:

http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Coverage

*MikeB* · 08-06-2013, 11:16

I'd recommend 3 also for an iPhone 5. Their network is very fast (it supports a far faster speed than O2's). 3G coverage is excellent.

Unlimited data is a must for me as I can make use of my phone to its fullest, rather than worrying about my data use.

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

Three have better 3G coverage than O2

Added bonus Three wont charge you extra for 4G but O2 have hinted that they will.

Since you live in the centre of London I think coverage will be very good. But check it anyway to be sure:

http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Coverage

You say 3 have better coverage, how do I know that is the case? I did a coverage check and I was able to get 3's superfast speed at home and (Greenwich Borough) and my nans (also Greenwich borough but a bit closer to centre of London) but not at work (yet) which is Bishopsgate in London. I just rang O2 to check a refund was put through for a double purchase of data (in app error causesd it to charge twice). The lady asked me if I was happy with my current tarriff, I said no and that I was going to be calling in a few days to cancel, she was adamant their re contract team could match the 3 deal: 500 mins, 5000 texts unlim data for £31 and £99 for the iPhone 5 32gb, I said they won't be able to, low and behold they couldn't. The best they could offer was £32 a month, 600 mins (far more than I need...) unlim texts and 750mb data but they did reduce the phone price drastically to £99. Sadly it isn't a close enough match. Maybe with 1gb I would have gone for it.

I'm reading conflicting reports of 3's customer service and of their coverage. My concern is that I get the phone and find I have little/no coverage at work (where I use the majority). I have read 3's return policy and they do not accept a phone back that has been opened and used (surely the only true way to test if it). Everyone on here has said that 3 is good. Ah it's something I want to sort sooner rather than later as I have paid £9 this month alone for data bolt ons with O2. (500 with my tarriff, then an extra 100 which still didn't last and now an extra 500 to cover me)

Holy crap that's a big message...

Everything Goes · 08-06-2013, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Hertford

You say 3 have better coverage, how do I know that is the case? I did a coverage check and I was able to get 3's superfast speed at home and (Greenwich Borough) and my nans (also Greenwich borough but a bit closer to centre of London) but not at work (yet) which is Bishopsgate in London. I just rang O2 to check a refund was put through for a double purchase of data (in app error causesd it to charge twice). The lady asked me if I was happy with my current tarriff, I said no and that I was going to be calling in a few days to cancel, she was adamant their re contract team could match the 3 deal: 500 mins, 5000 texts unlim data for £31 and £99 for the iPhone 5 32gb, I said they won't be able to, low and behold they couldn't. The best they could offer was £32 a month, 600 mins (far more than I need...) unlim texts and 750mb data but they did reduce the phone price drastically to £99. Sadly it isn't a close enough match. Maybe with 1gb I would have gone for it.

I'm reading conflicting reports of 3's customer service and of their coverage. My concern is that I get the phone and find I have little/no coverage at work (where I use the majority). I have read 3's return policy and they do not accept a phone back that has been opened and used (surely the only true way to test if it). Everyone on here has said that 3 is good. Ah it's something I want to sort sooner rather than later as I have paid £9 this month alone for data bolt ons with O2. (500 with my tarriff, then an extra 100 which still didn't last and now an extra 500 to cover me)

Holy crap that's a big message...

Just ask anyone on the forum about O2's 3G coverage (except Wavejock)! Ofcom had to threaten to fine O2 and shorten their length of 3G licence for failing to keep up with coverage targets. They still have the lowest 3G coverage of any network. Their 2G coverage is very good but useless for data. O2 do fine in heavily populated areas but are sadly lacking else where.

Three's customer service used to be diabolical when they started but they have improved a lot. The do have an offshore call centre.

enapace · 08-06-2013, 12:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Hertford

You say 3 have better coverage, how do I know that is the case? I did a coverage check and I was able to get 3's superfast speed at home and (Greenwich Borough) and my nans (also Greenwich borough but a bit closer to centre of London) but not at work (yet) which is Bishopsgate in London. I just rang O2 to check a refund was put through for a double purchase of data (in app error causesd it to charge twice). The lady asked me if I was happy with my current tarriff, I said no and that I was going to be calling in a few days to cancel, she was adamant their re contract team could match the 3 deal: 500 mins, 5000 texts unlim data for £31 and £99 for the iPhone 5 32gb, I said they won't be able to, low and behold they couldn't. The best they could offer was £32 a month, 600 mins (far more than I need...) unlim texts and 750mb data but they did reduce the phone price drastically to £99. Sadly it isn't a close enough match. Maybe with 1gb I would have gone for it.

I'm reading conflicting reports of 3's customer service and of their coverage. My concern is that I get the phone and find I have little/no coverage at work (where I use the majority). I have read 3's return policy and they do not accept a phone back that has been opened and used (surely the only true way to test if it). Everyone on here has said that 3 is good. Ah it's something I want to sort sooner rather than later as I have paid £9 this month alone for data bolt ons with O2. (500 with my tarriff, then an extra 100 which still didn't last and now an extra 500 to cover me)

Holy crap that's a big message...

True about coverage best thing I can suggest about that is to buy a cheap phone from CW and get a three sim so you can test the coverage yourself. Though from what I remember hearing all of london will be fully on MBNL by end of summer so you should be okay for signal.

BTW 3's superfast basically means you won't get DC-HSDPA most places get HSPA+ which is what you would likely get on O2 anyway.

Suppose it also matters do you care about LTE or not.

Everything Goes · 08-06-2013, 12:07

This is from 6 months ago comparing O2 3G and EE 3G coverage. You will be in for a shock

O2 3G Coverage Map

EE 3G Coverage Map

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1759592

enapace · 08-06-2013, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

This is from 6 months ago comparing O2 3G and EE 3G coverage. You will be in for a shock

O2 3G Coverage Map

EE 3G Coverage Map

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1759592

Not really I do like O2's coverage checker though it seems a lot more sophisticated than Three's or EE. O2 have managed increase it a fair bit since then as they have been using the 900 frequency but they still lagging massively behind and EE has also increased due to MBNL which is going strong still.

Lidtop2013 · 08-06-2013, 12:22

Worth noting Three is the only network with proper unlimited data, all others that are "unlimited" have a fair use policy.

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidtop2013

Worth noting Three is the only network with proper unlimited data, all others that are "unlimited" have a fair use policy.

That's one of my biggest draws to 3, not having to worry about using too much.

I really appreciate everyone's input on here, I'm on a train in to London right now with me nan (first time up here in around 50 years) and my mum. Would be a perfect test for 3! I will re read it all when I get in. I'm going to contact 3 very soon (tonight if I have time) and ask them about their returns policy, just in case I find out my coverage is shite at work. I can read all the coverage maps in the world and still find my work is a bad spot.

That aside, their offer is amazing... Even for the 64gb it is £169! God knows what O2 would charge for that.

Everything Goes · 08-06-2013, 12:48

Best test is to pop a Pay As You Go sim card in your phone (no need to top up up). You will need a Micro sim and supermarkets, mobile phone shops, and even places like Poundland have them. If your phone is locked to O2 then you can get it unlocked for free here from O2:

https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?...locking%20Form

kyussmondo · 08-06-2013, 12:57

I am with 3. Excellent 3G coverage, truly unlimited with tethering on the One Plan. I can even get 3G coverage in the countryside. I use tethering all the time because I refuse to spend extra on a 3G iPad (not paying for data twice) and at work the Wi-Fi gets hammered and becomes very slow so I regularly tether to my Mac and get stuff done a lot quicker.

3 support used to be bad, but the last couple of times I have called them they have been really helpful and fixed both my problems over the phone.

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

Best test is to pop a Pay As You Go sim card in your phone (no need to top up up). You will need a Micro sim and supermarkets, mobile phone shops, and even places like Poundland have them. If your phone is locked to O2 then you can get it unlocked for free here from O2:

https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?...locking%20Form

How comes there is no need to top up to test data?

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyussmondo

I am with 3. Excellent 3G coverage, truly unlimited with tethering on the One Plan. I can even get 3G coverage in the countryside. I use tethering all the time because I refuse to spend extra on a 3G iPad (not paying for data twice) and at work the Wi-Fi gets hammered and becomes very slow so I regularly tether to my Mac and get stuff done a lot quicker.

3 support used to be bad, but the last couple of times I have called them they have been really helpful and fixed both my problems over the phone.

I currently have tethering on O2, I very rarely use it, only on my iPad once in a while. I won't miss that much, especially with unlimited data available on my phone. If I know I'll need it then I will buy the £5 add on.

enapace · 08-06-2013, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Hertford

I currently have tethering on O2, I very rarely use it, only on my iPad once in a while. I won't miss that much, especially with unlimited data available on my phone. If I know I'll need it then I will buy the £5 add on.

The one plan is only 4 pound a month extra a month at 35 and you get 2000 minutes instead of 500

Everything Goes · 08-06-2013, 17:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Hertford

I currently have tethering on O2, I very rarely use it, only on my iPad once in a while. I won't miss that much, especially with unlimited data available on my phone. If I know I'll need it then I will buy the £5 add on.

Three's The One Plan (All You Can Eat data) allows tethering as part of the plan

Everything Goes · 08-06-2013, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Hertford

How comes there is no need to top up to test data?

You can top it up if you need to test data speeds. If you just want to check the signal then no need really.

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by enapace

The one plan is only 4 pound a month extra a month at 35 and you get 2000 minutes instead of 500

I really do not need that many minutes. And I do not use tethering very much. Not worth the £4 a month extra in the long term.

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 22:24

So my plan is to go to my local 3 store tomorrow, sort out that contract but ask for reassurance that if the coverage does happen to be poor at work, and other places, that I can return it as it wouldn't be fit for purpose. The lack of an unlimited plan on o2 really is not good. So, we shall see tomorrow, if I return with the phone!

Thanks again everyone.

James_Hertford · 08-06-2013, 23:16

Hmm.

I've just looked more into the coverage of 3. Although their site says my works postcode is fine for normal coverage (doesn't have their superfast coverage yet) I have just looked up mast locations, and didn't find a single one close to where I work.

Does this mean definitively that I will not have a good 3g signal? OR do 3 use another providers masts? This is the location I will use most of my 3g data, so it is the most important to me.

grumpyoldbat · 09-06-2013, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_Hertford

Hmm.

I've just looked more into the coverage of 3. Although their site says my works postcode is fine for normal coverage (doesn't have their superfast coverage yet) I have just looked up mast locations, and didn't find a single one close to where I work.

Does this mean definitively that I will not have a good 3g signal? OR do 3 use another providers masts? This is the location I will use most of my 3g data, so it is the most important to me.

As someone said, fill out the online form to get your current iPhone unlocked. When that's done, get a PAYG sim from Three and top it up with £15 so you can test the data for up to a month. Pop the Three SIM in your phone and use it for a few days at home and at work to test out the data coverage and speeds. If you're happy, go to Three and get the new phone on contract.

That said, I'm yet to find a place in London that doesn't have coverage. I live in a village in the countryside and I even have good, speedy Three coverage here. O2 only offer GPRS here.

James_Hertford · 09-06-2013, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpyoldbat

As someone said, fill out the online form to get your current iPhone unlocked. When that's done, get a PAYG sim from Three and top it up with £15 so you can test the data for up to a month. Pop the Three SIM in your phone and use it for a few days at home and at work to test out the data coverage and speeds. If you're happy, go to Three and get the new phone on contract.

That said, I'm yet to find a place in London that doesn't have coverage. I live in a village in the countryside and I even have good, speedy Three coverage here. O2 only offer GPRS here.

The only issue with that is the deal can end at any time between now and the 30th June. I need to do it sooner rather than later, I'm spending far more money on data bolt ons when I don't need to. Hoping to ask around office tomorrow to see if anyone is on three and what their coverage is like

Having spoken to 3, the salesman said there are 4 three location things near my office and that I should get a really good signal. He said there are two within 250 meters and that the upgrade to superfast will be done beginning of July. Can anyone confirm the location of base stations near my work?

08-06-2013, 00:16	#1
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Upgrading to iPhone 5 I currently have an iPhone 4S with a 500mb data allowance package. Since starting a new job I have been using a lot more data, my company do not have wifi access (which I accept totally). As I am now out of contract with O2 (switched to a 30 day simplicity deal with 500mb allowance, as I said this is too little. Therefore I would like to start up a new contract, but should I wait for the iPhone 6 to come out so I can get the 5 cheaper? Am I right in assuming the likes of O2 and tmobile will make the iPhone 5 cheaper on both handset cost and monthly cost, once the 6 is announced/released? I'm also considering jumping ship from O2 to tmobile as O2 do not offer an unlimited data allowance and I feel their 1GB deals will not be sufficient. How do you find tmobile for 3G cover in general vs O2. I work in centre of London, if that helps. Thanks!

08-06-2013, 01:21	#2
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	The iPhone 6 will most likely be released in the Autumn of 2014. So you will have a long time to wait! I cannot really say what tariffs will be available in 2014 but if you are worried about data this year perhaps go with Three who offer All You Can Eat data. T-Moblies similar Full Monty offering is speed capped.

08-06-2013, 08:38	#3
-GONZO- Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 8,954	If you change to Three they've just had an iPhone 5 price drop with no up front cost with the cheapest plan being £31. http://store.three.co.uk/view/produc...e/2493?ID=1523

08-06-2013, 09:43	#4
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Thanks for the responses! I assume the next phone will be the 5s then? So if that's out this year, iPhone 5 prices will drop? I'm not fussed about having the latest phone, I just want sufficient data. I know that 3 have good offers, I'm just wondering if their coverage is good. I will check their site for that. And I know they have a return policy, so if coverage is bad I can cancel. If the O2 retention team offer me a decent deal when I leave, then I may accept a 1gb deal from them. But who knows, they may want me gone! I've just checked 3, for £89 upfront and £31 a month I can get the 32gb iPhone. That is a good deal! Think a change will be imminent for me.

08-06-2013, 10:20	#5
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Quote: Originally Posted by James_Hertford Thanks for the responses! I assume the next phone will be the 5s then? So if that's out this year, iPhone 5 prices will drop? I'm not fussed about having the latest phone, I just want sufficient data. I know that 3 have good offers, I'm just wondering if their coverage is good. I will check their site for that. And I know they have a return policy, so if coverage is bad I can cancel. If the O2 retention team offer me a decent deal when I leave, then I may accept a 1gb deal from them. But who knows, they may want me gone! I've just checked 3, for £89 upfront and £31 a month I can get the 32gb iPhone. That is a good deal! Think a change will be imminent for me. Three have better 3G coverage than O2 Added bonus Three wont charge you extra for 4G but O2 have hinted that they will. Since you live in the centre of London I think coverage will be very good. But check it anyway to be sure: http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Coverage

08-06-2013, 11:16	#6
MikeB Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 4,807	I'd recommend 3 also for an iPhone 5. Their network is very fast (it supports a far faster speed than O2's). 3G coverage is excellent. Unlimited data is a must for me as I can make use of my phone to its fullest, rather than worrying about my data use.

08-06-2013, 11:42	#7
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes Three have better 3G coverage than O2 Added bonus Three wont charge you extra for 4G but O2 have hinted that they will. Since you live in the centre of London I think coverage will be very good. But check it anyway to be sure: http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Coverage You say 3 have better coverage, how do I know that is the case? I did a coverage check and I was able to get 3's superfast speed at home and (Greenwich Borough) and my nans (also Greenwich borough but a bit closer to centre of London) but not at work (yet) which is Bishopsgate in London. I just rang O2 to check a refund was put through for a double purchase of data (in app error causesd it to charge twice). The lady asked me if I was happy with my current tarriff, I said no and that I was going to be calling in a few days to cancel, she was adamant their re contract team could match the 3 deal: 500 mins, 5000 texts unlim data for £31 and £99 for the iPhone 5 32gb, I said they won't be able to, low and behold they couldn't. The best they could offer was £32 a month, 600 mins (far more than I need...) unlim texts and 750mb data but they did reduce the phone price drastically to £99. Sadly it isn't a close enough match. Maybe with 1gb I would have gone for it. I'm reading conflicting reports of 3's customer service and of their coverage. My concern is that I get the phone and find I have little/no coverage at work (where I use the majority). I have read 3's return policy and they do not accept a phone back that has been opened and used (surely the only true way to test if it). Everyone on here has said that 3 is good. Ah it's something I want to sort sooner rather than later as I have paid £9 this month alone for data bolt ons with O2. (500 with my tarriff, then an extra 100 which still didn't last and now an extra 500 to cover me) Holy crap that's a big message...

08-06-2013, 11:57	#8
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Quote: Originally Posted by James_Hertford You say 3 have better coverage, how do I know that is the case? I did a coverage check and I was able to get 3's superfast speed at home and (Greenwich Borough) and my nans (also Greenwich borough but a bit closer to centre of London) but not at work (yet) which is Bishopsgate in London. I just rang O2 to check a refund was put through for a double purchase of data (in app error causesd it to charge twice). The lady asked me if I was happy with my current tarriff, I said no and that I was going to be calling in a few days to cancel, she was adamant their re contract team could match the 3 deal: 500 mins, 5000 texts unlim data for £31 and £99 for the iPhone 5 32gb, I said they won't be able to, low and behold they couldn't. The best they could offer was £32 a month, 600 mins (far more than I need...) unlim texts and 750mb data but they did reduce the phone price drastically to £99. Sadly it isn't a close enough match. Maybe with 1gb I would have gone for it. I'm reading conflicting reports of 3's customer service and of their coverage. My concern is that I get the phone and find I have little/no coverage at work (where I use the majority). I have read 3's return policy and they do not accept a phone back that has been opened and used (surely the only true way to test if it). Everyone on here has said that 3 is good. Ah it's something I want to sort sooner rather than later as I have paid £9 this month alone for data bolt ons with O2. (500 with my tarriff, then an extra 100 which still didn't last and now an extra 500 to cover me) Holy crap that's a big message... Just ask anyone on the forum about O2's 3G coverage (except Wavejock)! Ofcom had to threaten to fine O2 and shorten their length of 3G licence for failing to keep up with coverage targets. They still have the lowest 3G coverage of any network. Their 2G coverage is very good but useless for data. O2 do fine in heavily populated areas but are sadly lacking else where. Three's customer service used to be diabolical when they started but they have improved a lot. The do have an offshore call centre.

08-06-2013, 12:03	#9
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by James_Hertford You say 3 have better coverage, how do I know that is the case? I did a coverage check and I was able to get 3's superfast speed at home and (Greenwich Borough) and my nans (also Greenwich borough but a bit closer to centre of London) but not at work (yet) which is Bishopsgate in London. I just rang O2 to check a refund was put through for a double purchase of data (in app error causesd it to charge twice). The lady asked me if I was happy with my current tarriff, I said no and that I was going to be calling in a few days to cancel, she was adamant their re contract team could match the 3 deal: 500 mins, 5000 texts unlim data for £31 and £99 for the iPhone 5 32gb, I said they won't be able to, low and behold they couldn't. The best they could offer was £32 a month, 600 mins (far more than I need...) unlim texts and 750mb data but they did reduce the phone price drastically to £99. Sadly it isn't a close enough match. Maybe with 1gb I would have gone for it. I'm reading conflicting reports of 3's customer service and of their coverage. My concern is that I get the phone and find I have little/no coverage at work (where I use the majority). I have read 3's return policy and they do not accept a phone back that has been opened and used (surely the only true way to test if it). Everyone on here has said that 3 is good. Ah it's something I want to sort sooner rather than later as I have paid £9 this month alone for data bolt ons with O2. (500 with my tarriff, then an extra 100 which still didn't last and now an extra 500 to cover me) Holy crap that's a big message... True about coverage best thing I can suggest about that is to buy a cheap phone from CW and get a three sim so you can test the coverage yourself. Though from what I remember hearing all of london will be fully on MBNL by end of summer so you should be okay for signal. BTW 3's superfast basically means you won't get DC-HSDPA most places get HSPA+ which is what you would likely get on O2 anyway. Suppose it also matters do you care about LTE or not.

08-06-2013, 12:07	#10
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	This is from 6 months ago comparing O2 3G and EE 3G coverage. You will be in for a shock O2 3G Coverage Map EE 3G Coverage Map http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1759592

08-06-2013, 12:10	#11
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes This is from 6 months ago comparing O2 3G and EE 3G coverage. You will be in for a shock O2 3G Coverage Map EE 3G Coverage Map http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1759592 Not really I do like O2's coverage checker though it seems a lot more sophisticated than Three's or EE. O2 have managed increase it a fair bit since then as they have been using the 900 frequency but they still lagging massively behind and EE has also increased due to MBNL which is going strong still.

08-06-2013, 12:22	#12
Lidtop2013 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2,450	Worth noting Three is the only network with proper unlimited data, all others that are "unlimited" have a fair use policy.

08-06-2013, 12:36	#13
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Quote: Originally Posted by Lidtop2013 Worth noting Three is the only network with proper unlimited data, all others that are "unlimited" have a fair use policy. That's one of my biggest draws to 3, not having to worry about using too much. I really appreciate everyone's input on here, I'm on a train in to London right now with me nan (first time up here in around 50 years) and my mum. Would be a perfect test for 3! I will re read it all when I get in. I'm going to contact 3 very soon (tonight if I have time) and ask them about their returns policy, just in case I find out my coverage is shite at work. I can read all the coverage maps in the world and still find my work is a bad spot. That aside, their offer is amazing... Even for the 64gb it is £169! God knows what O2 would charge for that.

08-06-2013, 12:48	#14
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Best test is to pop a Pay As You Go sim card in your phone (no need to top up up). You will need a Micro sim and supermarkets, mobile phone shops, and even places like Poundland have them. If your phone is locked to O2 then you can get it unlocked for free here from O2: https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?...locking%20Form

08-06-2013, 12:57	#15
kyussmondo Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk Posts: 1,731	I am with 3. Excellent 3G coverage, truly unlimited with tethering on the One Plan. I can even get 3G coverage in the countryside. I use tethering all the time because I refuse to spend extra on a 3G iPad (not paying for data twice) and at work the Wi-Fi gets hammered and becomes very slow so I regularly tether to my Mac and get stuff done a lot quicker. 3 support used to be bad, but the last couple of times I have called them they have been really helpful and fixed both my problems over the phone.

08-06-2013, 14:25	#16
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes Best test is to pop a Pay As You Go sim card in your phone (no need to top up up). You will need a Micro sim and supermarkets, mobile phone shops, and even places like Poundland have them. If your phone is locked to O2 then you can get it unlocked for free here from O2: https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?...locking%20Form How comes there is no need to top up to test data?

08-06-2013, 14:27	#17
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Quote: Originally Posted by kyussmondo I am with 3. Excellent 3G coverage, truly unlimited with tethering on the One Plan. I can even get 3G coverage in the countryside. I use tethering all the time because I refuse to spend extra on a 3G iPad (not paying for data twice) and at work the Wi-Fi gets hammered and becomes very slow so I regularly tether to my Mac and get stuff done a lot quicker. 3 support used to be bad, but the last couple of times I have called them they have been really helpful and fixed both my problems over the phone. I currently have tethering on O2, I very rarely use it, only on my iPad once in a while. I won't miss that much, especially with unlimited data available on my phone. If I know I'll need it then I will buy the £5 add on.

08-06-2013, 14:33	#18
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by James_Hertford I currently have tethering on O2, I very rarely use it, only on my iPad once in a while. I won't miss that much, especially with unlimited data available on my phone. If I know I'll need it then I will buy the £5 add on. The one plan is only 4 pound a month extra a month at 35 and you get 2000 minutes instead of 500

08-06-2013, 17:17	#19
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Quote: Originally Posted by James_Hertford I currently have tethering on O2, I very rarely use it, only on my iPad once in a while. I won't miss that much, especially with unlimited data available on my phone. If I know I'll need it then I will buy the £5 add on. Three's The One Plan (All You Can Eat data) allows tethering as part of the plan

08-06-2013, 17:18	#20
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Quote: Originally Posted by James_Hertford How comes there is no need to top up to test data? You can top it up if you need to test data speeds. If you just want to check the signal then no need really.

08-06-2013, 22:22	#21
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Quote: Originally Posted by enapace The one plan is only 4 pound a month extra a month at 35 and you get 2000 minutes instead of 500 I really do not need that many minutes. And I do not use tethering very much. Not worth the £4 a month extra in the long term.

DS Forums

Upgrading to iPhone 5

08-06-2013, 22:24	#22
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	So my plan is to go to my local 3 store tomorrow, sort out that contract but ask for reassurance that if the coverage does happen to be poor at work, and other places, that I can return it as it wouldn't be fit for purpose. The lack of an unlimited plan on o2 really is not good. So, we shall see tomorrow, if I return with the phone! Thanks again everyone.

08-06-2013, 23:16	#23
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Hmm. I've just looked more into the coverage of 3. Although their site says my works postcode is fine for normal coverage (doesn't have their superfast coverage yet) I have just looked up mast locations, and didn't find a single one close to where I work. Does this mean definitively that I will not have a good 3g signal? OR do 3 use another providers masts? This is the location I will use most of my 3g data, so it is the most important to me.

09-06-2013, 13:44	#24
grumpyoldbat Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,636	Quote: Originally Posted by James_Hertford Hmm. I've just looked more into the coverage of 3. Although their site says my works postcode is fine for normal coverage (doesn't have their superfast coverage yet) I have just looked up mast locations, and didn't find a single one close to where I work. Does this mean definitively that I will not have a good 3g signal? OR do 3 use another providers masts? This is the location I will use most of my 3g data, so it is the most important to me. As someone said, fill out the online form to get your current iPhone unlocked. When that's done, get a PAYG sim from Three and top it up with £15 so you can test the data for up to a month. Pop the Three SIM in your phone and use it for a few days at home and at work to test out the data coverage and speeds. If you're happy, go to Three and get the new phone on contract. That said, I'm yet to find a place in London that doesn't have coverage. I live in a village in the countryside and I even have good, speedy Three coverage here. O2 only offer GPRS here.

09-06-2013, 14:50	#25
James_Hertford Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 25	Quote: Originally Posted by grumpyoldbat As someone said, fill out the online form to get your current iPhone unlocked. When that's done, get a PAYG sim from Three and top it up with £15 so you can test the data for up to a month. Pop the Three SIM in your phone and use it for a few days at home and at work to test out the data coverage and speeds. If you're happy, go to Three and get the new phone on contract. That said, I'm yet to find a place in London that doesn't have coverage. I live in a village in the countryside and I even have good, speedy Three coverage here. O2 only offer GPRS here. The only issue with that is the deal can end at any time between now and the 30th June. I need to do it sooner rather than later, I'm spending far more money on data bolt ons when I don't need to. Hoping to ask around office tomorrow to see if anyone is on three and what their coverage is like Having spoken to 3, the salesman said there are 4 three location things near my office and that I should get a really good signal. He said there are two within 250 meters and that the upgrade to superfast will be done beginning of July. Can anyone confirm the location of base stations near my work?