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Old 09-04-2016, 11:43
jonmorris
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I understand you in your role Jon could want and need that, however most of us retail customers could get by on 3meg I'm sure?
Of course it depends on your needs. As I've said before, for consuming content or using social media etc, lower latency is probably more important than speed.

Hence why I said that a lot of the speed-related issues are more for people using 4G to connect a laptop/PC and sending/receiving files, syncing to the cloud etc.

I do both, so speed is valuable and I'm willing in those cases to pay a premium. For watching YouTube, where 150Mbps won't make any difference at all (well, bar it caching the video faster so if I lost signal later, I'd still be able to watch), it isn't that important.
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Old 09-04-2016, 12:00
blueacid
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I understand you in your role Jon could want and need that, however most of us retail customers could get by on 3meg I'm sure?
Well that's been my feeling for my mobile connection: most of my use is streaming music, which (since not in a lossless format, but with the quality set to "Max") is 320Kbit/sec, or 0.31Mbit/sec. So 3Mbit would be ample: Three's 3g typically provides much more than this, so I'm sorted. If I moved to another network which could match that speed in most places, I'd be happy - hence my recent thread asking whether other networks had decent enough coverage on the motorways and A-roads. The answer seemed to be "CTIL doesn't match MBNL on this yet, but they're making very good progress on changing this"

The one thing I have noticed is the lower latency with 4G; web browsing feels a lot snappier. I'd think that as the networks get busier, keeping latency low will probably be a more important aspect than whether the speedtest shows 10 or 70Mbit.
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Old 09-04-2016, 14:01
wb9999
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I was at Wembley Stadium last Sunday with 60,000 other people. Vodafone was consistently 30 Mbps during the game and at half time. Before and after the match I was getting 90-141 Mbps on 2600 without carrier aggregation (my phone doesn't support it).
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Old 09-04-2016, 14:44
davybhoy
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Can anyone tell me how to access the menu on a Samsung Galaxy S7 that shows the 4G band you are using? I remember using it on the Galaxy S5 but can't find one for the S7.

Got a letter the other day to say that 800mhz was being rolled out (I appreciate that it could be any network), and that if it affects free view signal to let them know.

I don't use free view but I'm interested to see what 4G band I'm using...
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Old 09-04-2016, 14:46
d123
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See this Vodafone 4G speed test and then you realise that even parts of their 4G network are ancient and creaking.

http://s19.postimg.org/es6jf0z4j/image.jpg
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Old 09-04-2016, 15:11
DavidGover
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See this Vodafone 4G speed test and then you realise that even parts of their 4G network are ancient and creaking.

http://s19.postimg.org/es6jf0z4j/image.jpg
Vodafone 4G in central Bournemouth is around 4-5Mbps whenever I test. EE I get around 10-15Mbps and Three 35-40Mbps. Not quite what you'd expect. Vodafone don't really seem to be investing heavily in 4G.
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Old 09-04-2016, 15:49
d123
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Vodafone 4G in central Bournemouth is around 4-5Mbps whenever I test. EE I get around 10-15Mbps and Three 35-40Mbps. Not quite what you'd expect. Vodafone don't really seem to be investing heavily in 4G.
I wasn't going to directly compare (as it makes Vodafone look even more crap), but seeing as you mentioned EE, this is EE at the same location.

http://s19.postimg.org/oqri1i8k3/image.jpg
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Old 09-04-2016, 16:58
wb9999
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I've had sub-1 Mbps on EE 4G frequently, which is why I switched to Vodafone. 3 months after ditching EE and I don't regret the move. It all depends on the location.
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Old 09-04-2016, 17:21
jchamier
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Vodafone 4G in central Bournemouth is around 4-5Mbps whenever I test. EE I get around 10-15Mbps and Three 35-40Mbps. Not quite what you'd expect. Vodafone don't really seem to be investing heavily in 4G.
I've seen that in busy areas on Voda 4G as well. They could roll out 2600mhz but I wonder if they've decided that is a problem for indoor coverage.

It could be as simple as a LOT of vodafone users in that area with 4G enabled handsets have already overloaded the cells. Due to the cell spacing for 900mhz (3G/2G) and 800mhz (4G) both Vodafone and O2 are at greater risk of this. EE and Three have more cell density due to 2100mhz 3G and 1800mhz 4G.

Voda will be back and will probably upgrade more sites/install more cells, within 12 months i would expect. They seem to be on a "mission" to upgrade.
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Old 09-04-2016, 17:50
M1kos
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councils are causing a major headache continuously turning down street-works sites which are urgently need EE/3 have more sites due to there original closer cell spacing its another delay for VO2 as they often have to go to a[ppeal
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Old 09-04-2016, 17:58
davybhoy
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I've had sub-1 Mbps on EE 4G frequently, which is why I switched to Vodafone. 3 months after ditching EE and I don't regret the move. It all depends on the location.
My speeds were good with EE but I moved anyway as Vodafone offered better deal. Haven't anything to complain about to be honest.
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Old 09-04-2016, 18:28
beans0ntoast
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See this Vodafone 4G speed test and then you realise that even parts of their 4G network are ancient and creaking.

http://s19.postimg.org/es6jf0z4j/image.jpg
This is another reason why Vodafone should be using 4G1800 and 4G2600 on every town and city mast, rather than just let 800 totally collapse under the strain!
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Old 09-04-2016, 18:31
clewsy
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councils are causing a major headache continuously turning down street-works sites which are urgently need EE/3 have more sites due to there original closer cell spacing its another delay for VO2 as they often have to go to a[ppeal
However I notice that one part completed site in Stoke is still like that for over a year now. It's a 22m pole that is being installed though, so guessing that isn't the usual run of the mill task. In Stoke it seemed like everything they applied for got passed.
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Old 10-04-2016, 09:59
jaffboy151
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Some councils have a great approach to site upgrades, others often in smaller towns have what I can only describe as a outdated approach to approvals, often driven by influential busy bodies in the areas concerned, the average person now values having good quality strong mobile communications and whilst 10 or more years ago it would mean having a ugly lattice tower near your house which obviously most people objected to, now with Street poles your average person won't even realise they have one in there Street, the only issues/complaints might be the amount of cabinets in the street, which if planned right like many VO2 sites you only end up with 1 large or 2 neat ones.
My understanding on the speed front is whilst we all get a bit excited with triple digit speed tests, this speed is there for future capacity not long term super speed, I don't remember the average expected speeds talked about networks when launching 4g now but I'm sure they were only somewhere in the 20s or 30s if that,
Higher speeds are great to see but as 4g and data use continues to grow, we are going to have to get used to high speeds above 40mbps being the exception not the rule across all networks.
A bit like jonmorris, I value upload just as much as download, as long as both stay in double figures, I will be more then happy.
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Old 10-04-2016, 10:11
mobilecentre
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It will be interesting to see how EE's planning applications will be treated for the 500 odd new sites they propose to build for the ESN as Airwave due to the nature of what they were doing made it a worthy cause for approval in most cases. This should give EE an edge in getting permission where it may or already has struggled in the past.
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Old 10-04-2016, 12:24
M1kos
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Will be interesting if they can use the safety critical rule used by the railway
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Old 10-04-2016, 18:18
Stereo Steve
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Our council has been positive about any application so far and I have spoken up and proposed support which has been agreed by my fellow councilors.
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Old 10-04-2016, 19:56
M1kos
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Cornwall are excellent just approved everything!!!
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Old 10-04-2016, 20:11
moox
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Cornwall are excellent just approved everything!!!
Then I hope to see some actual meaningful difference in VO2 coverage soon then

Honestly it would be a bit strange for them to refuse that sort of thing, they had enough forethought to lead the country in terms of rural broadband
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Old 10-04-2016, 20:23
Stereo Steve
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Then I hope to see some actual meaningful difference in VO2 coverage soon then

Honestly it would be a bit strange for them to refuse that sort of thing, they had enough forethought to lead the country in terms of rural broadband
Big changes lately surely? If you are on the south coast anyway. In the South Hams we continue to 'skirted around'.
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Old 10-04-2016, 20:25
moox
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Big changes lately surely? If you are on the south coast anyway. In the South Hams we continue to 'skirted around'.
tbh I haven't checked recently, at some point I might actually put some credit on a SIM to have a play
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Old 10-04-2016, 20:29
Stereo Steve
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tbh I haven't checked recently, at some point I might actually put some credit on a SIM to have a play
Good luck. I can't actually top up on mine. Website doesn't work, ever. Different PCs, browsers etc. Can't connect to the app as no 3G or even EDGE around me and even if I drive to a 3G place, I have to swap the SIM into slot 1 in my phone and then it mucks up Three In Touch when I swap them back.

Bit of a joke really. I suppose I need to buy one of those top up cards or whatever. You would think they would want my money.
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Old 11-04-2016, 08:29
M1kos
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Our council has been positive about any application so far and I have spoken up and proposed support which has been agreed by my fellow councilors.

if you mean South Hams do you know what is happening with the Cornworthy app Six months is too long to decide and the MIP is being wound down now unfortunately!
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Old 11-04-2016, 09:48
jonmorris
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Vodafone seems to have a bit more confidence in its network now. Sure, we could always get a PAYG SIM to have a play/test of the network, but now everyone has some 'security' when signing a contract...

Originally Posted by Vodafone Press Release
11 April 2016

VODAFONE UK LEADS TELECOMS INDUSTRY IN OFFERING 30 DAY NETWORK GUARANTEE FOR CUSTOMERS

· Vodafone 30 Day Network Guarantee gives all new and upgrading mobile customers 30 days to try us, love us or leave us – with no strings attached

· The guarantee applies to consumers and small businesses buying any of Vodafone’s bundles or devices

· The commitment leads the industry and goes far beyond a customer’s statutory rights


Choosing a new network provider can be complicated - it’s a combination of a strong network with great coverage and impressive speeds with a cost that doesn’t break the bank each month. We know it’s a big decision to agree to any commitment lasting 12 months or more - so from today we’re introducing the Vodafone 30 Day Network Guarantee which gives new and upgrading customers the freedom to experience the strength and quality of our Network before they fully commit.

It’s a mark of confidence in our network and services – in which we’ve invested more than £2 billion since 2014. We’ve spent over £200 million in London during 2014 and 2015 to provide 99% 4G population coverage and our coverage is now unbeatable in 40 large towns and cities across the UK. We want every customer to feel they have made the right decision, so before they fully commit they can try out their new purchase and really put our network to the test. We’re confident that after 30 days they’ll know they’ve made the right choice.

Jeroen Hoencamp, CEO, Vodafone UK said “This industry first guarantee, for all new and upgrading mobile customers, truly puts the needs of our customers at the heart of our business. We’ve invested heavily in our network and services over the past few years so we’re now giving our customers the freedom to really test the strength and speed of our network across the UK and, if they’re not totally happy, they can come back to us within 30 days and we’ll cancel their agreement – no questions asked.”

The guarantee applies to all new and upgrading Pay monthly and Pay as you go bundles purchased through Vodafone direct channels, such as our 500 retail outlets, online shop and over the phone, so customers have the reassurance that if it’s not for them, they can return it to us, no questions asked.

More information on the Network Guarantee is available here: www.vodafone.co.uk/30daynetworkguarantee
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Old 11-04-2016, 10:00
Everything Goes
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Vodafone seems to have a bit more confidence in its network now. Sure, we could always get a PAYG SIM to have a play/test of the network, but now everyone has some 'security' when signing a contract...
Its a good idea if their diabolical customer service let's you return the phone. In the south west of Scotland Vodafone is still a poor 4th. Surprisingly O2 are better than them. While it looks like they are doing upgrades in England, where as north of the border things have almost ground to a halt after the initial 4G upgrades to places that aready have 3G. Vodafone could be a good alternative but they are a letdown where I live
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