DS Forums

 
 

Vodafone and O2 4G experience thread


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 16-10-2016, 01:11
Ed3925
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 97
I've even gotten speeds above 200Mbps : http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/i/1805833240

The problem is the huge inconsistency of Vodafone across London and the fact that they do not seem to have a single 2100Mhz or 2600Mhz mast in North London where O2 are managing the network. That means that in North London (starting from Fitzrovia and Marylebone) I often get dismal speeds of 1-2Mbps.

Central and South London Vodafone usually offer solid LTE-A.
It is rather unfortunate and the same up North ie. 2100 MHz 4g only in regions managed by Vodafone; 1800 MHz 4g in areas managed by O2.
Ed3925 is offline   Reply With Quote
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
Old 16-10-2016, 10:23
georgi_prodanov
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 306
No, I'm jumping the gun at the moment - fibre installation to the mast is on roadworks.org. Well, it was the last time I looked - it's been on and been removed once before, so time will tell...
How do you know that the work is being done on the mast. I try to see sometimes but cant understand. Can you give me location of the mast on roadworks so I can check. And who is doing the work? BT Virgin or Voda it self
georgi_prodanov is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-10-2016, 10:51
CheshireBumpkin
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Cheshire/Shropshire Border
Posts: 589
How do you know that the work is being done on the mast. I try to see sometimes but cant understand. Can you give me location of the mast on roadworks so I can check. And who is doing the work? BT Virgin or Voda it self
If you click on the telephone symbol that shows when telecomms work is taking place, it will bring up the details of the work and who is doing it. In this case it's BT and it says something like 'install 300m of ducting and fibre to Vodaphone (sic!) mast'.

They're not always so specific, and you do need to change the date range as by default it only brings up results in the very near future.
CheshireBumpkin is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 16-10-2016, 10:55
Gigabit
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 2,875
Not in Waterloo!
Gigabit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-10-2016, 20:13
rasseru16
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Suffolk, East Anglia
Posts: 665
I've even gotten speeds above 200Mbps : http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/i/1805833240

The problem is the huge inconsistency of Vodafone across London and the fact that they do not seem to have a single 2100Mhz or 2600Mhz mast in North London where O2 are managing the network. That means that in North London (starting from Fitzrovia and Marylebone) I often get dismal speeds of 1-2Mbps.

Central and South London Vodafone usually offer solid LTE-A.
Where is there a map which shows which parts 02 manage and Vodafone manage please?

Thanks!
rasseru16 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-10-2016, 20:31
georgi_prodanov
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 306
If Voda were more clever they could use 4G2600, 4G2100, 4G1800 and as last option only for VoLTE 4G800 and then they will be very powerful. What do you guys think?
georgi_prodanov is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-10-2016, 21:23
David_bl1
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 118
If Voda were more clever they could use 4G2600, 4G2100, 4G1800 and as last option only for VoLTE 4G800 and then they will be very powerful. What do you guys think?
Theoretically this would be the "gold standard" to aim for, but in practical teams it would significantly increase the cost, complexity and time of every site upgrade.

It would also mean every site would require full planning consent (a time consuming process) as all antennas and probably the mast itself would require changing. 800Mhz rollout can often be done within the existing permissions.

Besides very few sites would require this level of capacity. Capacity costs money, so commercially the cost of over-capacity would have to passed on in higher tariffs to customers.
David_bl1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-10-2016, 21:29
georgi_prodanov
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 306
Theoretically this would be the "gold standard" to aim for, but in practical teams it would significantly increase the cost, complexity and time of every site upgrade.

It would also mean every site would require full planning consent (a time consuming process) as all antennas and probably the mast itself would require changing. 800Mhz rollout can often be done within the existing permissions.

Besides very few sites would require this level of capacity. Capacity costs money, so commercially the cost of over-capacity would have to passed on in higher tariffs to customers.
Ok I understand that but I would prefer to pay more for a good service than what is happening now. This is just my oppinion. But I am sure out there are a lot of customers who want this type of service-good coverage and capacity. Also with the speed VO2 rolling out their upgrade I dont think they will meet their targets
georgi_prodanov is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-10-2016, 17:36
bikerlad
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 391
My recent experience - I took out a Vodafone Sim Only deal at £15.30 for 12GB data and 4GB EU Data. It was £19.20 but a further discount code worked on check out. Vodafone can't seem to bill correctly but have said they'll honour it, so for the last three months I've been assured they'll fix it but they always reduce my bill when I call in.

So with the Now TV deal and cashback it's only cost about £20 for a year, not bad at all.

Speeds are decent around Canary Wharf, and the EU roaming is great, tried it in Aarhus and Stockholm, saving myself £18 by not using my EE SIM (6 days worth). Great speeds roaming on 4G. WIll be good to try the World Passport addon when I'm in Canada and the US. Bit more expensive than a Three PAYG SIM but worth the extra to have usable data speeds.

So except for the recurring billing issues, I'm quite happy with Vodafone. Not sure I'll cancel my EE SIM just yet and will wait and see what happens with the EU rates next year. (Currently also got a 18GB EE SIMO for £16.30 a month)
bikerlad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-10-2016, 21:00
georgi_prodanov
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 306
My recent experience - I took out a Vodafone Sim Only deal at £15.30 for 12GB data and 4GB EU Data. It was £19.20 but a further discount code worked on check out. Vodafone can't seem to bill correctly but have said they'll honour it, so for the last three months I've been assured they'll fix it but they always reduce my bill when I call in.

So with the Now TV deal and cashback it's only cost about £20 for a year, not bad at all.

Speeds are decent around Canary Wharf, and the EU roaming is great, tried it in Aarhus and Stockholm, saving myself £18 by not using my EE SIM (6 days worth). Great speeds roaming on 4G. WIll be good to try the World Passport addon when I'm in Canada and the US. Bit more expensive than a Three PAYG SIM but worth the extra to have usable data speeds.

So except for the recurring billing issues, I'm quite happy with Vodafone. Not sure I'll cancel my EE SIM just yet and will wait and see what happens with the EU rates next year. (Currently also got a 18GB EE SIMO for £16.30 a month)
I had similar problem with Voda. This summer they gave me 30GB of roaming data for 90 days but there was extra charge all the time and had to call Voda after the bill came out so they can reumburse me but that is Voda haha.
georgi_prodanov is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-10-2016, 21:04
georgi_prodanov
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 306
Guys have you noticed the Voda map only shows unexpected issues. No planned upgrades anywhere. Very odd. This is since last week
georgi_prodanov is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-10-2016, 20:45
georgi_prodanov
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 306
2 monopoles was expected to be replaced by Voda last week but removed from roadworks. Any idea why this has happend?
georgi_prodanov is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-10-2016, 09:35
M1kos
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 499
Just the usual delays it happens all the time in London probably lack of equipment or persons they be rescheduled no doubt
M1kos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-10-2016, 11:12
jaffboy151
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire
Posts: 1,672
At last.. Some possible upgrade movement around my area!
I know it's of no interest to the city folk but this could be great news for people travelling around this area if it actually happens..
Loggerheads mast (02) has popped up on the predicted 3g map, three and EE share the mast and already have 4g 1800/800mhz from here, will cover a big area if it goes live, there is a mouldy old Vodafone mast near the bottom of the hill, buried in trees, surely they wouldn't choose that one over the O2 site,backhaul would be a bitch to get to it..
Also the main mast in Market Drayton is on the 3g map so some hope for that side too, Newport in Shropshire also now showing on the 4g predicted map (was previously but only on the 3g maps) these three will fill in some large holes in the coverage, not only data but if they use some of the O2 masts some better call coverage all round..
Sadly for CheshireBumpkin...
Seems the work on your mast has vanished from roadworks.org also nothing on the Vodafone maps. Also seems the 2g mast in Whitchurch next to McDonald's has been dropped too
jaffboy151 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-10-2016, 11:48
CheshireBumpkin
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Cheshire/Shropshire Border
Posts: 589
Sadly for CheshireBumpkin...
Seems the work on your mast has vanished from roadworks.org also nothing on the Vodafone maps. Also seems the 2g mast in Whitchurch next to McDonald's has been dropped too
Darn - that would have been a valuable fall-back solution for me.

Having said that, my main 4G broadband connection is currently served from EE's 1800 mast in Ellesmere via an external antenna - so there's a chance I might pick up a Vodafone signal from Market Drayton at a push.

I may already be able to pick a usable signal up from one of the areas they currently have covered towards the North and from Nantwich - I really should get a PAYG SIM card and do some testing.

Edit: It's still showing on roadworks.org for me.... https://1drv.ms/i/s!Ahjj61QCjK5mhtQL1xyL-oRnrsRdcA
CheshireBumpkin is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 21-10-2016, 13:34
jaffboy151
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire
Posts: 1,672

I may already be able to pick a usable signal up from one of the areas they currently have covered towards the North and from Nantwich - I really should get a PAYG SIM card and do some testing.

Edit: It's still showing on roadworks.org for me.... https://1drv.ms/i/s!Ahjj61QCjK5mhtQL1xyL-oRnrsRdcA
That's good news, I didn't realise that was the same works on roadworks.org as I can't read all the description anymore
You should get a bit of 4g/3g from Vodafone right now where you live unless your in a hole as they have a mast near Ellesmere, one to the north of Audlem near Nantwich and one going live north of Wem.. They just seem to have a problem with Whitchurch itself.
They really could do with using some of the O2 sites as they are much better placed around here then the Vodafone ones providing much stronger coverage, travel on many of the A roads between Shrewsbury, market Drayton, Newport, Eccleshall or Stafford and you'll barely have a Vodafone signal but will have a rock solid (2g) O2 signal.
jaffboy151 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-10-2016, 14:54
Ashley_Bradbury
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 105
I had the opposite issue with voda billing. I didn't get a single charge for 10 months, I'd get bills for like 4pence and it would never go out of my account. I eventually recieved and email saying there had been an error, that they would honor the bills and not back charge me.
Ashley_Bradbury is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-10-2016, 23:14
CheshireBumpkin
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Cheshire/Shropshire Border
Posts: 589
That's good news, I didn't realise that was the same works on roadworks.org as I can't read all the description anymore
You should get a bit of 4g/3g from Vodafone right now where you live unless your in a hole as they have a mast near Ellesmere, one to the north of Audlem near Nantwich and one going live north of Wem.. They just seem to have a problem with Whitchurch itself.
They really could do with using some of the O2 sites as they are much better placed around here then the Vodafone ones providing much stronger coverage, travel on many of the A roads between Shrewsbury, market Drayton, Newport, Eccleshall or Stafford and you'll barely have a Vodafone signal but will have a rock solid (2g) O2 signal.
Yeah, I must do some VF testing soon - I really need a backup connection.

Agree on the O2 mast front, they have rock-solid 2G around here - if only CTIL would upgrade some of it!
CheshireBumpkin is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 23-10-2016, 16:38
clewsy
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Midlands
Posts: 2,860
At last.. Some possible upgrade movement around my area!
I know it's of no interest to the city folk but this could be great news for people travelling around this area if it actually happens..
Loggerheads mast (02) has popped up on the predicted 3g map, three and EE share the mast and already have 4g 1800/800mhz from here, will cover a big area if it goes live, there is a mouldy old Vodafone mast near the bottom of the hill, buried in trees, surely they wouldn't choose that one over the O2 site,backhaul would be a bitch to get to it..
Also the main mast in Market Drayton is on the 3g map so some hope for that side too, Newport in Shropshire also now showing on the 4g predicted map (was previously but only on the 3g maps) these three will fill in some large holes in the coverage, not only data but if they use some of the O2 masts some better call coverage all round..
Sadly for CheshireBumpkin...
Seems the work on your mast has vanished from roadworks.org also nothing on the Vodafone maps. Also seems the 2g mast in Whitchurch next to McDonald's has been dropped too
It's strange how they come and go. Assuming something happens that stops the work being done the current time so they just move on to the next?
clewsy is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 23-10-2016, 22:16
Gigabit
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 2,875
I notice Vodafone are no longer claiming "unbeatable" 4G coverage in London...

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/explore/ne...ents/index.htm
Gigabit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24-10-2016, 07:02
jaffboy151
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire
Posts: 1,672
It's strange how they come and go. Assuming something happens that stops the work being done the current time so they just move on to the next?
My guess is (and it's purely a guess) that cornerstone are solely reliant on BT fibre networks in this part of the country, which is being rolled out now, albeit very slowly, one roadside O2 2g mast has had a huawei 4g cabinet installed for around 18 months now but still no upgrade, it's a massive hole in Vodafone overall coverage in the area and a blackhole for data all round so must be waiting for backhaul surely. Alot of Vodafone & O2 masts are not in easy accessible locations unlike mbnl which has a wider range of masts to choose from and have already but the fibre legwork in over many years and have seemingly chose the best ones to beef up and make 4g. Still quite a few 3g/2g mbnl/EE masts around here.
The other thing I was thinking that might cause delays is planned work permits and landlord permission..
On some joint sites EE & three were quick off the mark and upgraded them. Surely in some cases if cornerstone rock up 6-12 months later and want the same thing done again they might hit some resistance getting permission to dig up and/or disrupt a given area again in such a short time.
jaffboy151 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24-10-2016, 07:05
jaffboy151
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire
Posts: 1,672
I notice Vodafone are no longer claiming "unbeatable" 4G coverage in London...

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/explore/ne...ents/index.htm
Not surprising.. They need to sort out this restriction on rolling out certain technologies such as 4g 1800mhz, 2100mhz between North and south London and the East and West of the country, sounds like it's really starting to hurt them.. Is it a technical restriction or a corporate one?
jaffboy151 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-10-2016, 12:49
lightspeed2398
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,294
Thought this thread had died then trying to look for it after being away for a while!

Got a comparison GIF of Voda 4G vs Voda 4G planned for any interested parties. Is 32mb though so wouldn't use your mobile data for it. http://imgur.com/a/JpuXN
lightspeed2398 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-10-2016, 13:53
interactiv-uk
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 587
Thought this thread had died then trying to look for it after being away for a while!

Got a comparison GIF of Voda 4G vs Voda 4G planned for any interested parties. Is 32mb though so wouldn't use your mobile data for it. http://imgur.com/a/JpuXN
Thats just a black window for me - am I doing something wrong or is that the point..?!
interactiv-uk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31-10-2016, 14:32
lightspeed2398
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,294
Thats just a black window for me - am I doing something wrong or is that the point..?!
Big file seems to mess with a lot of browsers I've had it working. I'll put it in Dropbox or Mega or something.
lightspeed2398 is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply




 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 17:57.