What's 3 like?

Sexbomb · 23-11-2014, 19:00

As a general mobile network operator? I'm thinking of going to them from 02 as i find its crap for coverage. Been hearing good things about 3.

Richard_T · 23-11-2014, 19:10

Try it out with a pay as you go sim before you sign up to any contract

Gigabit · 23-11-2014, 19:24

O2 - crap for what coverage? 2G? 3G?

If it's 2G it's unlikely Three will give you better 3G coverage. If it's 3G coverage then yes Three will most likely (9 times out of 10) be better.

enapace · 23-11-2014, 19:56

It's sad that some people still seem be under the delusional that Three is a crap network. Had a discussion about mobile networks quality couple of nights ago 3 were with EE and 2 with O2 when I said I was with Three they all basically Aah the crap network. I honestly find there 3G coverage to be excellent I don't have any complaints there though there 4G coverage leaves a lot to be desired.

moox · 23-11-2014, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by enapace

It's sad that some people still seem be under the delusional that Three is a crap network. Had a discussion about mobile networks quality couple of nights ago 3 were with EE and 2 with O2 when I said I was with Three they all basically Aah the crap network. I honestly find there 3G coverage to be excellent I don't have any complaints there though there 4G coverage leaves a lot to be desired.

You have a point, but honestly 3 does suffer from only having 2.1GHz spectrum for 3G as far as in building penetration is concerned. Hopefully 800MHz and VoLTE will fix that

I find that some people like to say 3 are crap because they tried them years ago (when they really were crap) or assume that no or poor signal in their home means no or poor signal anywhere.

But given the numbers of people who persevere with O2 and Vodafone's shambolic network and assume that "they're all the same", I don't think people actually care, unfortunately

Gigabit · 23-11-2014, 20:20

You can't bad mouth Three's 3G coverage and then say EE's 3G coverage is good - they're identical in 99% of cases.

Sexbomb · 23-11-2014, 20:23

I've got 1 bar on 02 here and I find 3g slow so looking for an alternative.

jchamier · 23-11-2014, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

You can't bad mouth Three's 3G coverage and then say EE's 3G coverage is good - they're identical in 99% of cases.

Not in my experience. Three mostly beats EE 3G indoors as no 2g but it kills battery life.

Gigabit · 23-11-2014, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

Not in my experience. Three mostly beats EE 3G indoors as no 2g but it kills battery life.

How does that work. Indoor coverage on 3G should be identical. EE would be better as 2G is at 1800MHz compared to 2100MHz for 3G (same as Three).

jchamier · 23-11-2014, 20:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

How does that work. Indoor coverage on 3G should be identical. EE would be better as 2G is at 1800MHz compared to 2100MHz for 3G (same as Three).

Coverage isn't the same. In many places Three's antennas are higher on the mast than EEs. physical location is important as well as freq band. Esp with cell breathing the coverage of the two networks from same location varies.

Different handsets choose when to swap down to 2G. With three they keep going until the connection fails. On EE they swap to 2g long before the end of signal on 3G.

O2 and Voda sims seem to have a 2g preference higher than EE sims.

neilybealy · 23-11-2014, 20:51

Didn't think 3 are doing voLTE?

moox · 23-11-2014, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilybealy

Didn't think 3 are doing voLTE?

I would imagine that at some point all of the networks will offer it, if not right now. In 3's case they have rubbish 4G coverage and an extensive 3G network so there is no rush

matty1000kk · 23-11-2014, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

Coverage isn't the same. In many places Three's antennas are higher on the mast than EEs. physical location is important as well as freq band. Esp with cell breathing the coverage of the two networks from same location varies.

Different handsets choose when to swap down to 2G. With three they keep going until the connection fails. On EE they swap to 2g long before the end of signal on 3G.

O2 and Voda sims seem to have a 2g preference higher than EE sims.

3 and EE share the same antenna for 3G (MBNL) sites. From the planning applications I've seen recently there will be new antennas for 4G 800mhz which Three will be rolling out to most sites from what I understand with EE having a selected rollout at 800mhz. On the flip side there are new antennas for 4G 2600mhz which obviously only EE can utilise as Three do not have a license for. At some sites I believe the new antennas are capable of doing 800 and 26000mhz. A bit of a mix really

mupet0000 · 23-11-2014, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by matty1000kk

At some sites I believe the new antennas are capable of doing 800 and 26000mhz. A bit of a mix really

Ohh exciting, forget building penetration though, I doubt that could get through a plastic fork. On the upside, 20Gbps?

d123 · 23-11-2014, 23:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilybealy

Didn't think 3 are doing voLTE?

All the networks will have VoLTE, EE first and then probably Three follow. Vodafone and O2 will probably be last to roll it out (it's not as important to them having 900MHz spectrum for voice already in use).

neilybealy · 24-11-2014, 16:23

I've not found anything to support 3 offering voLTE online. All they push is their own app

jonmorris · 24-11-2014, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by enapace

It's sad that some people still seem be under the delusional that Three is a crap network. Had a discussion about mobile networks quality couple of nights ago 3 were with EE and 2 with O2 when I said I was with Three they all basically Aah the crap network.

Ignorance is bliss. And why let them on to a network where they'll share your data! Let them think Three is crap and stick with GPRS or EDGE, or think that H+ offers speeds of as much as 3 or 4Mbps instead of 5, 10, 15 or 20Mbps.

Master Ozzy · 24-11-2014, 17:06

I pay £13 a month and get unlimited data, unlimited texts and something like 800 minutes with 3, on an iPhone 5. I live in London and their 4G is super fast, although in my house we can't pick up 4G yet. I find them very, very good overall though.

Richard_T · 24-11-2014, 17:15

As previously mentioned, regardless of what network you are thinking of signing up to, that is if you are thinking about taking out a contract, try them for a good while with a pay as you go phone.
Some networks are better than others in different parts of the country, if Im going to go for a sumary then it would be:

Vodafone Good overall coverage in most places, crap for data
O2 - again good overall coverage a little more expensive, data a bit better than Vodafone
T Mobile/Orange/EE Good signal in most places, expensive, data good
Three: good Signal in most places however this can struggle a bit in older ( ie thick stone walled ) buildings, and outside in dense woodland/ bottom steep valleys - but this is countered by an excellent value for money, and a usually excellent 3G signal and data speed that can put 4G to shame

jonmorris · 24-11-2014, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilybealy

I've not found anything to support 3 offering voLTE online. All they push is their own app

Three is going to launch VoLTE. In fact, every network will. It's vital to properly roll out 4G and break the current necessary link with 2G or 3G networks for voice.

I don't see why Three needs to say anything until it's ready to launch, any more than it's saying much about its plans for 800MHz. You'll probably not get anything about that away from forums like this.

moox · 24-11-2014, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

Three is going to launch VoLTE. In fact, every network will. It's vital to properly roll out 4G and break the current necessary link with 2G or 3G networks for voice.

I don't see why Three needs to say anything until it's ready to launch, any more than it's saying much about its plans for 800MHz. You'll probably not get anything about that away from forums like this.

I'd assume also that the upgrades and some of the infrastructure needed for the intouch app will also be part of VoLTE

neilybealy · 24-11-2014, 19:23

Ok cool cheers

Jack_Wilson2 · 25-11-2014, 11:23

This is the way I see it....

Without mentioning MVNO's

Three UK - Strictly a data network also can be cheap
EE - Expensive but a reliable network
Virgin - Cheap network great for allowances, but doesn't do much in terms of data usage
O2 - As the saying goes 'We're better connected'.
Vodafone - Don't deserve to be in this list, enough said...

Three UK is the best overall in my opinion although if you want a solid network and a signal absolutely everywhere then EE is your choice.

sky0000547 · 25-11-2014, 12:27

When it is working, like most things, Three is brilliant. But there are times, the lack of data or phone service absolutely annoys me and this has been more often in the last 4 months I have been with Three than the last good few years I was with O2.

andyukguy · 25-11-2014, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by sky0000547

When it is working, like most things, Three is brilliant. But there are times, the lack of data or phone service absolutely annoys me and this has been more often in the last 4 months I have been with Three than the last good few years I was with O2.

I agree. When you have a signal Three is brilliant with a typically fast and reliable service. However there are too many places (typically indoors) that I found when using Three that you will have no signal. I have the same problem on EE unfortunately.

23-11-2014, 19:00	#1
Sexbomb Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lancs Posts: 14,456	What's 3 like? As a general mobile network operator? I'm thinking of going to them from 02 as i find its crap for coverage. Been hearing good things about 3.

23-11-2014, 19:10	#2
Richard_T Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: East Midlands Posts: 3,842	Try it out with a pay as you go sim before you sign up to any contract

23-11-2014, 19:24	#3
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	O2 - crap for what coverage? 2G? 3G? If it's 2G it's unlikely Three will give you better 3G coverage. If it's 3G coverage then yes Three will most likely (9 times out of 10) be better.

23-11-2014, 19:56	#4
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	It's sad that some people still seem be under the delusional that Three is a crap network. Had a discussion about mobile networks quality couple of nights ago 3 were with EE and 2 with O2 when I said I was with Three they all basically Aah the crap network. I honestly find there 3G coverage to be excellent I don't have any complaints there though there 4G coverage leaves a lot to be desired.

23-11-2014, 20:18	#5
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by enapace It's sad that some people still seem be under the delusional that Three is a crap network. Had a discussion about mobile networks quality couple of nights ago 3 were with EE and 2 with O2 when I said I was with Three they all basically Aah the crap network. I honestly find there 3G coverage to be excellent I don't have any complaints there though there 4G coverage leaves a lot to be desired. You have a point, but honestly 3 does suffer from only having 2.1GHz spectrum for 3G as far as in building penetration is concerned. Hopefully 800MHz and VoLTE will fix that I find that some people like to say 3 are crap because they tried them years ago (when they really were crap) or assume that no or poor signal in their home means no or poor signal anywhere. But given the numbers of people who persevere with O2 and Vodafone's shambolic network and assume that "they're all the same", I don't think people actually care, unfortunately

23-11-2014, 20:20	#6
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	You can't bad mouth Three's 3G coverage and then say EE's 3G coverage is good - they're identical in 99% of cases.

23-11-2014, 20:23	#7
Sexbomb Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lancs Posts: 14,456	I've got 1 bar on 02 here and I find 3g slow so looking for an alternative.

23-11-2014, 20:28	#8
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit You can't bad mouth Three's 3G coverage and then say EE's 3G coverage is good - they're identical in 99% of cases. Not in my experience. Three mostly beats EE 3G indoors as no 2g but it kills battery life.

23-11-2014, 20:29	#9
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier Not in my experience. Three mostly beats EE 3G indoors as no 2g but it kills battery life. How does that work. Indoor coverage on 3G should be identical. EE would be better as 2G is at 1800MHz compared to 2100MHz for 3G (same as Three).

23-11-2014, 20:35	#10
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit How does that work. Indoor coverage on 3G should be identical. EE would be better as 2G is at 1800MHz compared to 2100MHz for 3G (same as Three). Coverage isn't the same. In many places Three's antennas are higher on the mast than EEs. physical location is important as well as freq band. Esp with cell breathing the coverage of the two networks from same location varies. Different handsets choose when to swap down to 2G. With three they keep going until the connection fails. On EE they swap to 2g long before the end of signal on 3G. O2 and Voda sims seem to have a 2g preference higher than EE sims.

23-11-2014, 20:51	#11
neilybealy Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 142	Didn't think 3 are doing voLTE?

23-11-2014, 20:54	#12
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by neilybealy Didn't think 3 are doing voLTE? I would imagine that at some point all of the networks will offer it, if not right now. In 3's case they have rubbish 4G coverage and an extensive 3G network so there is no rush

23-11-2014, 21:23	#13
matty1000kk Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 272	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier Coverage isn't the same. In many places Three's antennas are higher on the mast than EEs. physical location is important as well as freq band. Esp with cell breathing the coverage of the two networks from same location varies. Different handsets choose when to swap down to 2G. With three they keep going until the connection fails. On EE they swap to 2g long before the end of signal on 3G. O2 and Voda sims seem to have a 2g preference higher than EE sims. 3 and EE share the same antenna for 3G (MBNL) sites. From the planning applications I've seen recently there will be new antennas for 4G 800mhz which Three will be rolling out to most sites from what I understand with EE having a selected rollout at 800mhz. On the flip side there are new antennas for 4G 2600mhz which obviously only EE can utilise as Three do not have a license for. At some sites I believe the new antennas are capable of doing 800 and 26000mhz. A bit of a mix really

23-11-2014, 21:48	#14
mupet0000 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 620	Quote: Originally Posted by matty1000kk At some sites I believe the new antennas are capable of doing 800 and 26000mhz. A bit of a mix really Ohh exciting, forget building penetration though, I doubt that could get through a plastic fork. On the upside, 20Gbps?

23-11-2014, 23:16	#15
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by neilybealy Didn't think 3 are doing voLTE? All the networks will have VoLTE, EE first and then probably Three follow. Vodafone and O2 will probably be last to roll it out (it's not as important to them having 900MHz spectrum for voice already in use).

24-11-2014, 16:23	#16
neilybealy Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 142	I've not found anything to support 3 offering voLTE online. All they push is their own app

24-11-2014, 16:50	#17
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by enapace It's sad that some people still seem be under the delusional that Three is a crap network. Had a discussion about mobile networks quality couple of nights ago 3 were with EE and 2 with O2 when I said I was with Three they all basically Aah the crap network. Ignorance is bliss. And why let them on to a network where they'll share your data! Let them think Three is crap and stick with GPRS or EDGE, or think that H+ offers speeds of as much as 3 or 4Mbps instead of 5, 10, 15 or 20Mbps.

24-11-2014, 17:06	#18
Master Ozzy Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 16,507	I pay £13 a month and get unlimited data, unlimited texts and something like 800 minutes with 3, on an iPhone 5. I live in London and their 4G is super fast, although in my house we can't pick up 4G yet. I find them very, very good overall though.

24-11-2014, 17:15	#19
Richard_T Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: East Midlands Posts: 3,842	As previously mentioned, regardless of what network you are thinking of signing up to, that is if you are thinking about taking out a contract, try them for a good while with a pay as you go phone. Some networks are better than others in different parts of the country, if Im going to go for a sumary then it would be: Vodafone Good overall coverage in most places, crap for data O2 - again good overall coverage a little more expensive, data a bit better than Vodafone T Mobile/Orange/EE Good signal in most places, expensive, data good Three: good Signal in most places however this can struggle a bit in older ( ie thick stone walled ) buildings, and outside in dense woodland/ bottom steep valleys - but this is countered by an excellent value for money, and a usually excellent 3G signal and data speed that can put 4G to shame

24-11-2014, 17:16	#20
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by neilybealy I've not found anything to support 3 offering voLTE online. All they push is their own app Three is going to launch VoLTE. In fact, every network will. It's vital to properly roll out 4G and break the current necessary link with 2G or 3G networks for voice. I don't see why Three needs to say anything until it's ready to launch, any more than it's saying much about its plans for 800MHz. You'll probably not get anything about that away from forums like this.

24-11-2014, 17:24	#21
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris Three is going to launch VoLTE. In fact, every network will. It's vital to properly roll out 4G and break the current necessary link with 2G or 3G networks for voice. I don't see why Three needs to say anything until it's ready to launch, any more than it's saying much about its plans for 800MHz. You'll probably not get anything about that away from forums like this. I'd assume also that the upgrades and some of the infrastructure needed for the intouch app will also be part of VoLTE

DS Forums

What's 3 like?

24-11-2014, 19:23	#22
neilybealy Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 142	Ok cool cheers

25-11-2014, 11:23	#23
Jack_Wilson2 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom Posts: 561	This is the way I see it.... Without mentioning MVNO's Three UK - Strictly a data network also can be cheap EE - Expensive but a reliable network Virgin - Cheap network great for allowances, but doesn't do much in terms of data usage O2 - As the saying goes 'We're better connected'. Vodafone - Don't deserve to be in this list, enough said... Three UK is the best overall in my opinion although if you want a solid network and a signal absolutely everywhere then EE is your choice.

25-11-2014, 12:27	#24
sky0000547 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sheffield Posts: 190	When it is working, like most things, Three is brilliant. But there are times, the lack of data or phone service absolutely annoys me and this has been more often in the last 4 months I have been with Three than the last good few years I was with O2.

25-11-2014, 12:50	#25
andyukguy Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 145	Quote: Originally Posted by sky0000547 When it is working, like most things, Three is brilliant. But there are times, the lack of data or phone service absolutely annoys me and this has been more often in the last 4 months I have been with Three than the last good few years I was with O2. I agree. When you have a signal Three is brilliant with a typically fast and reliable service. However there are too many places (typically indoors) that I found when using Three that you will have no signal. I have the same problem on EE unfortunately.