Three UK VoIP WiFi App (like O2's TuGo App)?

PaoloD · 15-05-2014, 22:30

Anyone heard if/when Three UK plan to release a VoIP WiFi App (like O2's TuGo App) for those of us who live/work in areas which currently have poor 3G/4G mobile coverage?

The Sack · 16-05-2014, 11:01

Soon i hope, in my house there is no signal unless you stand in a corner with a bucket on your head reciting the works of Bungle from Rainbow.

allie4 · 16-05-2014, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sack

Soon i hope, in my house there is no signal unless you stand in a corner with a bucket on your head reciting the works of Bungle from Rainbow.

It's like that in my house - in fact my neighbourhood and it drives us all to drink. (good excuse anyway)
I'm O2 and will not leave while they have apps like Tu Go. I can now call or be called on my mobile at home!

Thine Wonk · 16-05-2014, 19:05

All we know is that it should be coming soon, hang in there it's on the way.

moox · 16-05-2014, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sack

Soon i hope, in my house there is no signal unless you stand in a corner with a bucket on your head reciting the works of Bungle from Rainbow.

Have you tried asking for a home signal box?

Ben_Fisher · 17-05-2014, 14:43

I have a home signal box from my old house where I had poor signal, I spoke to three about returning it but they said keep it in case the local mast ever has issues.

My signal is so strong on my current mast I can't get it to even connect to the signal box.

The Sack · 22-05-2014, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

Have you tried asking for a home signal box?

Didn't even know such a thing existed mate, only been on Three a week. It's not as bad as I made out to be honest, just a bit flaky downstairs

jonmorris · 22-05-2014, 23:30

It's coming. Can't say much more than that though.

The home signal box is a good option though, if you can get one. If more people had them, assuming they were happy to then be restricted to the speed of their Internet connection (quite likely lower than their 3G/4G connection) then it would take a lot of pressure off the phone networks.

I really wish someone would make a generic femtocell that you could buy in PC World, Amazon etc and then configure to work with your chosen SIMs. Or even a router with a femtocell built in, but I guess it's not as easy as that.

jabbamk1 · 22-05-2014, 23:36

EE's rumoured app has probably been canned by now as I haven't heard anything for a while.

moox · 23-05-2014, 00:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sack

Didn't even know such a thing existed mate, only been on Three a week. It's not as bad as I made out to be honest, just a bit flaky downstairs

They're free and easy to get if you are on a 12 month or longer contract. Might be worth asking about if it's too annoying..

I had no signal at all downstairs (none of the networks are that good here) and now I have an excellent signal everywhere, including across the road in the car and up the garden.

Batch · 23-05-2014, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

I really wish someone would make a generic femtocell that you could buy in PC World, Amazon etc and then configure to work with your chosen SIMs. Or even a router with a femtocell built in, but I guess it's not as easy as that.

Actually it probably is as easy as that to make.

The problem IMHO is the administration/provisioning and core network to support it. i.e. more staff and equipment needed....

Even so, Vodafone manage it...

In any case I hope this app pops up and is available to PAYG customers so that I can ditch Voda (no 3G at home - tho not an issue , no 3G at work..)

The Sack · 23-05-2014, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

They're free and easy to get if you are on a 12 month or longer contract. Might be worth asking about if it's too annoying..

I had no signal at all downstairs (none of the networks are that good here) and now I have an excellent signal everywhere, including across the road in the car and up the garden.

3 of us are on 1 month contracts with a forth coming so even though they are not long contacts it is 4 lots of cash a month. Ill happily pay 50 quid for one looking at what people have had to say to be honest, its got to be worth it just so you aren't looking for sweet spots downstairs.

The Sack · 23-05-2014, 16:40

I explained the situation to Three and despite me saying i was willing to pay for a Home Signal box i was told i do not qualify for one.

A bit of a strange decision on their part if you ask me, in fact it has left me rather puzzled as to why they wouldn't want their customers to have the best service possible. It's like they are more than happy to take the monthly fee but not willing to make sure you can use it, bizarre.

Does anyone know if Three are ever going to upgrade the weaker areas? My village is shown as outdoor 3g coverage only, ironically all the fields around the village show great indoor 3g signal so at least the Rabbits and Badgers will be happy.

jonmorris · 23-05-2014, 16:45

Well, Hutchison does have a history with Rabbits...

The Sack · 23-05-2014, 16:55

Aye and with the signal i have i might as well walk to the shop to use it

moox · 23-05-2014, 17:46

Did they say they were "checking" the signal on your phone?

The Sack · 23-05-2014, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

Did they say they were "checking" the signal on your phone?

No mate they just said im not on a 24 month contract so tough, i can get a signal downstairs but i have to be really specific where i place the phone.

battlezone · 23-05-2014, 18:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sack

I explained the situation to Three and despite me saying i was willing to pay for a Home Signal box i was told i do not qualify for one.

A bit of a strange decision on their part if you ask me, in fact it has left me rather puzzled as to why they wouldn't want their customers to have the best service possible. It's like they are more than happy to take the monthly fee but not willing to make sure you can use it, bizarre.

Does anyone know if Three are ever going to upgrade the weaker areas? My village is shown as outdoor 3g coverage only, ironically all the fields around the village show great indoor 3g signal so at least the Rabbits and Badgers will be happy.

I had an odd situation when my signal kept failing. I asked for a Home Signal Box but like you was told I didn't qualify. However, I got one in the end. The problem was that according to 3 my signal should be ok anywhere inside my house. But recently we had new windows fitted which had a UV reflective film on the glass. This effectively blocked the signal. Once this was explained 3 agreed to let me buy a HSB for £50. That was about two years ago. I've yet to be billed for the box! There is only one downside to the HSB in that should you be on a call and leave the area covered and the phone jumps onto the proper 3 network the call will be dropped. Other than that it works a treat. We have two 3 phones on contract.

The Sack · 23-05-2014, 18:19

Ill ring them again tomorrow, as is usually the case with these things the next person you speak to will have a different tale to tell.

My wife reckons she has no signal on her number about 75% of the time when downstairs so thats no good is it.

moox · 23-05-2014, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sack

No mate they just said im not on a 24 month contract so tough, i can get a signal downstairs but i have to be really specific where i place the phone.

That's interesting. I was on a 1 month SIM only contract, they did the whole "we're testing your phone" dance, and then said "we'll give you a box if you agree to 12 months, if you agree I'll transfer you to the upgrades department".

I cheated slightly by making sure the phone was in the very worst spot for reception while they "tested" it.

The Sack · 24-05-2014, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

That's interesting. I was on a 1 month SIM only contract, they did the whole "we're testing your phone" dance, and then said "we'll give you a box if you agree to 12 months, if you agree I'll transfer you to the upgrades department".

I cheated slightly by making sure the phone was in the very worst spot for reception while they "tested" it.

Thing is i offered to buy it so i do not understand their reluctance to provide one, it feels a bit like buying a car and then no one being willing to sell you petrol.

Thine Wonk · 24-05-2014, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sack

Thing is i offered to buy it so i do not understand their reluctance to provide one, it feels a bit like buying a car and then no one being willing to sell you petrol.

It is based around the fact that if they sell the device to you, there is also a cost of managing and adding capacity to the back end servers that the device connects to, as well as an increase in support overhead in dealing with another device that you might need support with, will need replacing if it breaks etc.

The Tugo style app is on the way anyway, so hang in there for a bit until it's available.

The Sack · 24-05-2014, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thine Wonk

It is based around the fact that when they sell the device to you, there is also a cost of managing and adding capacity to the back end servers that the device connects to, as well as an increase in support overhead in dealing with another device that you might need support with, will need replacing if it breaks etc.

The Tugo app is on the way anyway, so hang in there for a bit until it's available.

True but the kudos they would get for being a company that actually helps people is something money cant buy. My daughter has said they can bugger off if they are that unwilling to help, she will stay with GiffGaff so because they refused the device they have missed out on £154.80 a year from her.

We're looking in to other alternatives after only 2 weeks with them, if we leave as well that's another £310 a year they are missing out on and yet more voices added to the "Dont join Three, its shite" brigade.

Thine Wonk · 24-05-2014, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sack

True but the kudos they would get for being a company that actually helps people is something money cant buy. My daughter has said they can bugger off if they are that unwilling to help, she will stay with GiffGaff so because they refused the device they have missed out on £154.80 a year from her.

We're looking in to other alternatives after only 2 weeks with them, if we leave as well that's another £310 a year they are missing out on and yet more voices added to the "Dont join Three, its shite" brigade.

Three do offer them based on certain conditions though, you have to be on a contract excluding the 1 month and your signal level has to be poor.

The network you choose it up to you or your sister, different networks all have the pros and cons. Three's 3G/4G data geographical coverage is 30% better across the country than the likes of O2 & Vodafone, away from geographical coverage the Three's population coverage of 3G/4G is 98%, which again is much higher.

A basic signal or 1 or 2 bars is usually ok for calls and texts, and most people have wifi at home for data. You'll need wifi for the TuGo style app and you'll need an internet connection for the femtocell as well.

wavejockglw · 24-05-2014, 10:50

3's 4G coverage is nowhere close to that of Vodafone or O2's presently.

Their coverage map confirms they are available in far fewer areas than any of the other networks currently.

3's 3G coverage is the same as EE's (both use the MBNL RAN) but O2 and Vodafone have additional 900MHz coverage in major centres which is more robust then 2100MHz MBNL have, especially penetrating buildings.

As ever the onus is on the customer to do some research and test a PAYG SIM before making a long term commitment.

15-05-2014, 22:30	#1
PaoloD Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 16	Three UK VoIP WiFi App (like O2's TuGo App)? Anyone heard if/when Three UK plan to release a VoIP WiFi App (like O2's TuGo App) for those of us who live/work in areas which currently have poor 3G/4G mobile coverage?

16-05-2014, 11:01	#2
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Soon i hope, in my house there is no signal unless you stand in a corner with a bucket on your head reciting the works of Bungle from Rainbow.

16-05-2014, 16:05	#3
allie4 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: London Posts: 10,750	Quote: Originally Posted by The Sack Soon i hope, in my house there is no signal unless you stand in a corner with a bucket on your head reciting the works of Bungle from Rainbow. It's like that in my house - in fact my neighbourhood and it drives us all to drink. (good excuse anyway) I'm O2 and will not leave while they have apps like Tu Go. I can now call or be called on my mobile at home!

16-05-2014, 19:05	#4
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	All we know is that it should be coming soon, hang in there it's on the way.

16-05-2014, 20:42	#5
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by The Sack Soon i hope, in my house there is no signal unless you stand in a corner with a bucket on your head reciting the works of Bungle from Rainbow. Have you tried asking for a home signal box?

17-05-2014, 14:43	#6
Ben_Fisher Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Lincoln Posts: 577	I have a home signal box from my old house where I had poor signal, I spoke to three about returning it but they said keep it in case the local mast ever has issues. My signal is so strong on my current mast I can't get it to even connect to the signal box.

22-05-2014, 23:14	#7
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Quote: Originally Posted by moox Have you tried asking for a home signal box? Didn't even know such a thing existed mate, only been on Three a week. It's not as bad as I made out to be honest, just a bit flaky downstairs

22-05-2014, 23:30	#8
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	It's coming. Can't say much more than that though. The home signal box is a good option though, if you can get one. If more people had them, assuming they were happy to then be restricted to the speed of their Internet connection (quite likely lower than their 3G/4G connection) then it would take a lot of pressure off the phone networks. I really wish someone would make a generic femtocell that you could buy in PC World, Amazon etc and then configure to work with your chosen SIMs. Or even a router with a femtocell built in, but I guess it's not as easy as that.

22-05-2014, 23:36	#9
jabbamk1 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: London, UK Posts: 8,759	EE's rumoured app has probably been canned by now as I haven't heard anything for a while.

23-05-2014, 00:28	#10
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by The Sack Didn't even know such a thing existed mate, only been on Three a week. It's not as bad as I made out to be honest, just a bit flaky downstairs They're free and easy to get if you are on a 12 month or longer contract. Might be worth asking about if it's too annoying.. I had no signal at all downstairs (none of the networks are that good here) and now I have an excellent signal everywhere, including across the road in the car and up the garden.

23-05-2014, 14:02	#11
Batch Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Swindon Posts: 2,894	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris I really wish someone would make a generic femtocell that you could buy in PC World, Amazon etc and then configure to work with your chosen SIMs. Or even a router with a femtocell built in, but I guess it's not as easy as that. Actually it probably is as easy as that to make. The problem IMHO is the administration/provisioning and core network to support it. i.e. more staff and equipment needed.... Even so, Vodafone manage it... In any case I hope this app pops up and is available to PAYG customers so that I can ditch Voda (no 3G at home - tho not an issue , no 3G at work..)

23-05-2014, 14:06	#12
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Quote: Originally Posted by moox They're free and easy to get if you are on a 12 month or longer contract. Might be worth asking about if it's too annoying.. I had no signal at all downstairs (none of the networks are that good here) and now I have an excellent signal everywhere, including across the road in the car and up the garden. 3 of us are on 1 month contracts with a forth coming so even though they are not long contacts it is 4 lots of cash a month. Ill happily pay 50 quid for one looking at what people have had to say to be honest, its got to be worth it just so you aren't looking for sweet spots downstairs.

23-05-2014, 16:40	#13
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	I explained the situation to Three and despite me saying i was willing to pay for a Home Signal box i was told i do not qualify for one. A bit of a strange decision on their part if you ask me, in fact it has left me rather puzzled as to why they wouldn't want their customers to have the best service possible. It's like they are more than happy to take the monthly fee but not willing to make sure you can use it, bizarre. Does anyone know if Three are ever going to upgrade the weaker areas? My village is shown as outdoor 3g coverage only, ironically all the fields around the village show great indoor 3g signal so at least the Rabbits and Badgers will be happy.

23-05-2014, 16:45	#14
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Well, Hutchison does have a history with Rabbits...

23-05-2014, 16:55	#15
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Aye and with the signal i have i might as well walk to the shop to use it

23-05-2014, 17:46	#16
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Did they say they were "checking" the signal on your phone?

23-05-2014, 17:59	#17
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Quote: Originally Posted by moox Did they say they were "checking" the signal on your phone? No mate they just said im not on a 24 month contract so tough, i can get a signal downstairs but i have to be really specific where i place the phone.

23-05-2014, 18:07	#18
battlezone Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oxford (formally Newcastle) Posts: 1,813	Quote: Originally Posted by The Sack I explained the situation to Three and despite me saying i was willing to pay for a Home Signal box i was told i do not qualify for one. A bit of a strange decision on their part if you ask me, in fact it has left me rather puzzled as to why they wouldn't want their customers to have the best service possible. It's like they are more than happy to take the monthly fee but not willing to make sure you can use it, bizarre. Does anyone know if Three are ever going to upgrade the weaker areas? My village is shown as outdoor 3g coverage only, ironically all the fields around the village show great indoor 3g signal so at least the Rabbits and Badgers will be happy. I had an odd situation when my signal kept failing. I asked for a Home Signal Box but like you was told I didn't qualify. However, I got one in the end. The problem was that according to 3 my signal should be ok anywhere inside my house. But recently we had new windows fitted which had a UV reflective film on the glass. This effectively blocked the signal. Once this was explained 3 agreed to let me buy a HSB for £50. That was about two years ago. I've yet to be billed for the box! There is only one downside to the HSB in that should you be on a call and leave the area covered and the phone jumps onto the proper 3 network the call will be dropped. Other than that it works a treat. We have two 3 phones on contract.

23-05-2014, 18:19	#19
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Ill ring them again tomorrow, as is usually the case with these things the next person you speak to will have a different tale to tell. My wife reckons she has no signal on her number about 75% of the time when downstairs so thats no good is it.

23-05-2014, 20:23	#20
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by The Sack No mate they just said im not on a 24 month contract so tough, i can get a signal downstairs but i have to be really specific where i place the phone. That's interesting. I was on a 1 month SIM only contract, they did the whole "we're testing your phone" dance, and then said "we'll give you a box if you agree to 12 months, if you agree I'll transfer you to the upgrades department". I cheated slightly by making sure the phone was in the very worst spot for reception while they "tested" it.

24-05-2014, 08:42	#21
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Quote: Originally Posted by moox That's interesting. I was on a 1 month SIM only contract, they did the whole "we're testing your phone" dance, and then said "we'll give you a box if you agree to 12 months, if you agree I'll transfer you to the upgrades department". I cheated slightly by making sure the phone was in the very worst spot for reception while they "tested" it. Thing is i offered to buy it so i do not understand their reluctance to provide one, it feels a bit like buying a car and then no one being willing to sell you petrol.

DS Forums

Three UK VoIP WiFi App (like O2's TuGo App)?

24-05-2014, 10:07	#22
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Quote: Originally Posted by The Sack Thing is i offered to buy it so i do not understand their reluctance to provide one, it feels a bit like buying a car and then no one being willing to sell you petrol. It is based around the fact that if they sell the device to you, there is also a cost of managing and adding capacity to the back end servers that the device connects to, as well as an increase in support overhead in dealing with another device that you might need support with, will need replacing if it breaks etc. The Tugo style app is on the way anyway, so hang in there for a bit until it's available.

24-05-2014, 10:24	#23
The Sack Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S6 1SW WTID UTO FTB Posts: 6,327	Quote: Originally Posted by Thine Wonk It is based around the fact that when they sell the device to you, there is also a cost of managing and adding capacity to the back end servers that the device connects to, as well as an increase in support overhead in dealing with another device that you might need support with, will need replacing if it breaks etc. The Tugo app is on the way anyway, so hang in there for a bit until it's available. True but the kudos they would get for being a company that actually helps people is something money cant buy. My daughter has said they can bugger off if they are that unwilling to help, she will stay with GiffGaff so because they refused the device they have missed out on £154.80 a year from her. We're looking in to other alternatives after only 2 weeks with them, if we leave as well that's another £310 a year they are missing out on and yet more voices added to the "Dont join Three, its shite" brigade.

24-05-2014, 10:38	#24
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Quote: Originally Posted by The Sack True but the kudos they would get for being a company that actually helps people is something money cant buy. My daughter has said they can bugger off if they are that unwilling to help, she will stay with GiffGaff so because they refused the device they have missed out on £154.80 a year from her. We're looking in to other alternatives after only 2 weeks with them, if we leave as well that's another £310 a year they are missing out on and yet more voices added to the "Dont join Three, its shite" brigade. Three do offer them based on certain conditions though, you have to be on a contract excluding the 1 month and your signal level has to be poor. The network you choose it up to you or your sister, different networks all have the pros and cons. Three's 3G/4G data geographical coverage is 30% better across the country than the likes of O2 & Vodafone, away from geographical coverage the Three's population coverage of 3G/4G is 98%, which again is much higher. A basic signal or 1 or 2 bars is usually ok for calls and texts, and most people have wifi at home for data. You'll need wifi for the TuGo style app and you'll need an internet connection for the femtocell as well.

24-05-2014, 10:50	#25
wavejockglw Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Glasgow Posts: 10,276	3's 4G coverage is nowhere close to that of Vodafone or O2's presently. Their coverage map confirms they are available in far fewer areas than any of the other networks currently. 3's 3G coverage is the same as EE's (both use the MBNL RAN) but O2 and Vodafone have additional 900MHz coverage in major centres which is more robust then 2100MHz MBNL have, especially penetrating buildings. As ever the onus is on the customer to do some research and test a PAYG SIM before making a long term commitment.