So, less than 24 hours until 2015 knocks our door (UK time)...

What do you want from your mobile network in 2015? Post your wishlist here....

We know free 080x numbers are coming on 26th June... and possibly the end to EU roaming charges from 15th December (subject to EU ratification)....

What do you wish for? Keep it sensible..... GO!

Three - No more lies, half truths or terminating of legacy tariffs (no one else does it)

Oooh errr.....

Currently on Vodafone and Three

Vodafone

I would like to see them allow unlimited media streaming seeing as they have a spotify value add on amongst others. I don't think it would impact the network all that much either, seeing as it would only be limited to those services it offers as part of Red plans.

I want to see them expand 4G+ (sic?) rapidly, as a result of the expansion of 4G initial speeds have slowed somewhat, not to bad levels being honest a lot can be accomplised on around 10meg. HD voice though belated surprisingly works via Sure Signal which suprised me as it never did via Three Home Signal.

I want to see packages tailoured so those who want more data can pay for it, price compeitiveness is key. They have done a lot of the background work to facilitate a modern robust network, I just want to see that come together with compelling offers to the consumer. EE is clever in that they are forcing Vodafone to compete on price and allowances.

I would also like them to implement a feature similar to O2 where it gives live statuses of cell sites across the country. As it stands its a bit cumbersome, the other thing however is they are slow to report progress or fixes, compared to O2 who are like shit off a stick. A more open approach to network issues should be a standard not a privilege.

Three....

I am only with them on PAYG now, however I would like to see the end of AYCE data and move to a more balanced allowances and packages. I think consensus will state that it isn't sustainable in the long run, its better to begin the process of removing said feature for new contract customers and to some extent PAYG.

They need to to sort out their social media problem, its run by marketing tossers who don't have an effing clue about network expansion and upgrades. The other 3 networks have very robust and effective social media operations, handled by experienced and knowledgeable staff. They haven't skimped on it either, EE and Vodafones teams are very sizable and active on a variety forums.

I just wish they would choose a direction and walk the path, as it is now Three is stuck in the mud, and sadly doesn't seem able to get out of it at the moment. This probably alludes to the earlier issue surrounding marketing, I just don't get how there is PR disaster after another, surely someone has the nous to tell them to shut up and do one?

Lastly I just want the network to handle legacy customers (those on One Plans etc) with a bit more care, it seems they are so damn keen to piss people off they eventually vote with their wallets. Don't get me wrong I don't think said One Plan should continue at a cheap rate but I think they should be contacted by an agent to explain the options rather than just a bloody text or letter.

I'd quite like to see some 3G coverage from O2

I would love to see the following although wont happen.

Banning of unlimited data products that are not unlimited and that includes ones that ban tethering. This is already doneon the fixed line broadband market, so no reason why it cannot be done on the mobile broadband market, so basically FUP's forbidden and only moderate throttling allowed.

More generous data usage limits, mobile broadband seems miles behind with usage patterns.

Phones able to lock down to 2G to save battery life.

No removal of 2G masts, keep the full 2G coverage.

Some kind of speed estimator on ordering for a given postcode.

The OP said "keep it sensible" - you're asking for the impossible

I'd like to see EE continue the pace of 4G rollout (and not get distracted by BT), launch VOLTE and turn off 2G so that 4G power can be increased.

I'd also like to see EE launch Vodafone-type world data roaming to use data from your price plan. And bring back EE Swap, and don't launch unlimited data plans - I don't want speeds to slow down due to data hoggers.

[quote=Aye Up;76234015]Oooh errr.....

HD voice though belated surprisingly works via Sure Signal which suprised me as it never did via Three Home Signal.

IHD Voice doesnt work with the sure signal. Ive got one and while the voice quality is quite good its a step down from HD

I don't think 2G will ever be switched off, there are a lot of businesses and equipment (like smart meters) which use the technology. Vodafone and EE are actively upgrading their infrastructure including 2G. The tech has a place in todays world. The problem with it as well, is a small section of spectrum is also held by Vodafone and O2, which could have knock on effects should EE want to change.

I think a broad range of spectrum focussing on all standards (2G/3G/4G) is the best way forward. It then ensures customers who have simpler requirements won't be left out in the cold. As I understand the government also has a lot of its infrastructure using 2G, so until they ditch said use 2G will be around for a long time yet (in fact I haven't seen mention of any European market switching off 2G)


HD Voice does work with Sure Signal, all my calls and texts are routed via said device. Everytime I place a call the relevant symbol lights up on the equipment. I had this debate with someone else the other week until I showed them first hand.

Easily sorted. EE could shutdown their 2G, with Vodafone and/or O2 keeping theirs running - and I would take a wild guess that the Government are likely using Vodafone anyway for many of their mobile requirements. Anybody using EE's 2G network (who couldn't switch to 3G or 4G) could switch to Vodafone or O2. EE's 1800 frequency allocations are different to O2 and Vodafone's 1800 frequencies, so any changes by EE shouldn't affect O2 or Vodafone.

AT&T and Telstra have started on closing down their 2G networks, so it can't be impossible.

Not sure I would like the idea of EE shutting down their 2G network just yet as I have a number of places where I can only get 2G signal to make an adequate call or text, more so indoors their 1800Mhz 2G still does make a difference to 3G 2100mhz

You're gonna love band 20!

EE to launch a roaming plan that is sensible, e.g. like Vodafone's £3/per day take your home plan (calls, text and data) Not expecting Three style Feel-At-Home but that would be even better.

AT&T will switch off 2G 2 years from now on 1st January 2017. It happened in Japan a few years ago. It will happen here.

Some people thought analogue TV would never be switched off too

4g is bad for battery life, weaker signal for voice etc. There is no reason 2g and 4g cannot be enabled together.

Incidently I have just finished forcing my s5 to 2g mode.

4G when the coverage is thick towards the end of the rollouts will have around same battery usage as 2G.

I think somebody posted something on here in the last couple of days saying that battery life with a good 4G signal is no different to a 2G signal. All the more reason to turn off 2G and increase the power of the 4G signal. My HTC One running Lollipop is on 4G all day, and the battery easily lasts 36-48 hours.

I wouldn't advocate turning off 2G until 4G coverage is at a similar coverage. Am I making it up or did I read somebody say that EE are aiming for 98% 4G by the end of 2015?

AT&T have a serious lack of spectrum. They only have 1900mhz in New York for both 2G and 3G - which is one reason for their fast rollout of LTE. They need to support more handsets that support 1900mhz 3G than LTE / VoLTE handsets for a significant time period.

AT&T probably don't have very many customers (e.g. utilities or government or parking meters) that use 2G / GPRS. Its possible the CDMA networks (sprint / verizon) have captured this market in a lot of states.

I personally think we need more data, given modern phones and software are taking away the ability to force mode - probably because this reduces support calls.

You are very wrong about that. Very wrong

This thread is only a wishlist! I'm sure the networks are not going to do what people say on this thread - at least not without full data, analysis and business cases But we can dream.

Seems most of the internet disagrees with you.

I have not read in a single place where 3g/4g saves power over 2g.

In addition I have been monitoring my battery.

With 4g and screen off, used 3% in 3 hours.
With 2g and screen off, used <1% in 3 hours.

A phone I have on Three drains battery pretty fast with screen off, as I cannot get a 2G signal on it.

Right.... so the internet says something so it must be true.

The battery can be seen as bad because the radio is most likely switching between 4G/3G/2G all the time. Also, 4G will use data in the background where as 2G most likely won't.

On a pure 4G network you can optimise everything which in turn will lead to great battery life.

I can tell you its not constantly switching.

3g and 4g require more polling.

The radio is always working and searching for a stronger signal when connected to LTE...

That's why at the moment you notice battery drain or worse battery life when connected to LTE.

Obviously once coverage is improve, VoLTE is fully implemented and optimised and terminal manufacturers release better tech then we'll see how battery life can be much improved.

tariffs where you can choose to have eg 200 mins and 200 texts and more data, instead of having unlimited txts and calls and bugger all data!