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Three 4G Discussion Thread (Part 2)


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Old 22-11-2015, 10:00
jchamier
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I don't agree that Vodafone won't be able to match Three or EE's coverage on the 800MHz band.

They plan to launch VoLTE next year I believe and from what I understand they will be increasing the power shortly after. They supposedly have a plan in place to get all devices using VoLTE.
What about devices that can't? iPhone 5s is still selling and supports all LTE bands, but has no VoLTE - for example. Lots of Galaxy S4 devices out there too.

I assume Voda will use their extensive 900mhz 2G and match the LTE 800 to the same coverage.
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Old 22-11-2015, 10:38
Gigabit
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I don't know the answers to those questions but I do believe Vodafone are working on solutions.
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Old 22-11-2015, 11:08
d123
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I don't know the answers to those questions but I do believe Vodafone are working on solutions.
Divine intervention request by Jeroen?

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Old 22-11-2015, 14:35
roadshow2006
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Can anyone tell me what 800MHz will mean for my flat in Norwich? I'd like to return to Three but even on EE the signal for 4G is dodgy in my flat. I have to keep a second phone near my window and tether. Would 800MHz be any better? When do we expect it to come to Norwich? Will there be Mifi devices compatible? It says 'super voice' but I assume data will be better too?
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Old 22-11-2015, 15:15
mhs81
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Plain and simple, I'm afraid, Brian The Dog (is that you Wave?) is wrong and Thine and D123 are correct.
This whole problem has come about because LTE was rolled out with no voice.
Up till now all networks have rolled out 2600, 1800 (and in the case of VO2) 800 running at a lower power than their respective 3G coverage. To always allow an underlying CS network for voice.

This all purely due to someone's stupidity in releasing LTE with no voice. I mean... DUH!!!

It's no good blaming Three for this. Both Three and EE have the same issue.
Both Three and EE will have to only allow 800 to specific handsets that can do 800, have VoLTE capability and have the relevant firmware installed.
VO2 can allow it to everyone.
ThrEE can run theirs at full power and therefore eventually will have the best coverage.
VO2 have crippled themselves as they can only run their 800 within 3G900 or 2G900 (eventually) for the foreseeable future.

At the end of the day Mr Wonk ( I just love that!) is correct, the general public have no bloody idea what is going on. They will eventually just see better coverage. They will have no idea why that is. They won't know it's because their phone has 800 and VoLTE capability, they won't care.
They will just go "oh, I can get reception here now, that's cool, I'll think I'll stay with this network...."

You have to remember, we on here know what is going down.. MAN!! . Most of the walking dead just trudge through life and any attempt to educate them to the new technological advances is normally met with a very blank expression.

Bottom line?, you can argue about Three's plan of releasing 800 on a lower priority then 3G and that's a fine argument, but don't blame Three for the whole 800/handset issue. Not their fault. Out of their control.
If you want to blame anyone, blame Google...
Agreed, glad I found this thread as I'm now much better informed about what's going on. The only question now is whether to move to BT mobile and ditch my sim only £12.90 plan. In some ways I'm reluctant to do it but the lack of foreseeable 4g in most places may be a deal breaker. Don't get me wrong 3g is fine when it's working well but there are too many times that it's slowing down to nearly unusable due to demand. Whether 4g would fix this is debatable, however.
Decisions decisions.
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Old 22-11-2015, 15:25
Skippy2005
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Does anyone know if 3 have changed their priorities had a perfectly strong 5bar 3G signal and it's been switching to a weaker 4G800 or when in site 4G1800 it's doing at both work and home about 6 miles apart
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Old 22-11-2015, 15:27
Skippy2005
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Can anyone tell me what 800MHz will mean for my flat in Norwich? I'd like to return to Three but even on EE the signal for 4G is dodgy in my flat. I have to keep a second phone near my window and tether. Would 800MHz be any better? When do we expect it to come to Norwich? Will there be Mifi devices compatible? It says 'super voice' but I assume data will be better too?
Providing it is in your area you wil get a stronger signal indoors providing very weak to no 3G. You also need a compatible handset and the three update to activate it. Currently Samsung S5/6 and Edge along with LG G4 have access to 800mhz, other handset are due to be activated in due course BUT and it's a big BUT you must buy your phone from 3 as sin free phones won't get access.
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Old 22-11-2015, 15:30
jonmorris
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I don't know the answers to those questions but I do believe Vodafone are working on solutions.
There must be so many networks wanting and needing to launch VoLTE that perhaps the industry as a whole will come up with solutions.

Given that, besides iOS, most devices are going to be Android - maybe Google will use the facilities in both Android Lollipop and Marshmallow to allow access with an OTA update like sending APNs.
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Old 22-11-2015, 15:35
natbike
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As I understand it, there is a legal obligation regarding emergency calls, similar to BT's obligation on the PSTN network.

If an operator fails to provide emergency access, within coverage, they could have their licence revoked.

I don't really understand those that complain that they were promised 4G@800 and didn't get it. They launched a new service, tell you which devices are supported, and allow you to buy them. Those devices are working.

It may upset you, but they never promised that your device would work with the new service right now. It's your assumptions and hope that have let you down.

Some networks made you buy a new tariff before you could use your compatible equipment on 4G. This seems a much nicer way of doing it.

Regarding the airline analogy, it's more like they start a new destination, but only have a small plane with first class seats. Just because you cannot afford to fly, it doesn't follow that they can't advertise their new service because they haven't got any economy seats.
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Old 22-11-2015, 15:42
mhs81
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As I understand it, there is a legal obligation regarding emergency calls, similar to BT's obligation on the PSTN network.

If an operator fails to provide emergency access, within coverage, they could have their licence revoked.

I don't really understand those that complain that they were promised 4G@800 and didn't get it. They launched a new service, tell you which devices are supported, and allow you to buy them. Those devices are working.

It may upset you, but they never promised that your device would work with the new service right now. It's your assumptions and hope that have let you down.

Some networks made you buy a new tariff before you could use your compatible equipment on 4G. This seems a much nicer way of doing it.

Regarding the airline analogy, it's more like they start a new destination, but only have a small plane with first class seats. Just because you cannot afford to fly, it doesn't follow that they can't advertise their new service because they haven't got any economy seats.
Not strictly true, when Three first announced the 4g rollout, they were clear that all phones would eventually receive the update, as is still currently on their support page. This included the 800mhz frequency.
They stated that 4g would be available in certain towns by the end of 2014 - again no mention that only certain handsets would work.
I understand the reasons why it won't work for everyone (yet) but it's unfair to blame the customer for having unrealistic expectations after Three have been unclear in their communication (and still are)
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Old 22-11-2015, 16:12
mupet0000
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Not strictly true, when Three first announced the 4g rollout, they were clear that all phones would eventually receive the update, as is still currently on their support page. This included the 800mhz frequency.
They stated that 4g would be available in certain towns by the end of 2014 - again no mention that only certain handsets would work.
I understand the reasons why it won't work for everyone (yet) but it's unfair to blame the customer for having unrealistic expectations after Three have been unclear in their communication (and still are)
You are only reading the parts of Three's website that suit you, picking and choosing sentences to make things fit your agenda. If you read the stuff they say about 4G back when it was first launched, it's talking about software updates in early 2014, that's clearly no longer relevant today. Also, if you read on, you will see this:
If you’re not getting 4G on Three and you didn’t get your phone from us originally, check whether you can enable 4G or LTE in your phone’s network settings. If you don’t have this option, you’ll need to wait until your original supplier releases their next software update for your phone. Unfortunately we have no control over this, because the device will have been designed to only accept updates from its original supplier. More information may be available from your device’s original supplier, but we can’t guarantee they’ll send you an update.

There are also some non-Three devices that may never get 4G on Three, depending on their model and supplier, because they are incompatible with our 4G network.
I think that adequately covers Three and invalidates your claims.
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Old 22-11-2015, 16:14
natbike
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They stated that 4g would be available in certain towns by the end of 2014 - again no mention that only certain handsets would work.
I understand the reasons why it won't work for everyone (yet) but it's unfair to blame the customer for having unrealistic expectations after Three have been unclear in their communication (and still are)
I was only making reference to super voice and 800Mhz - on which their communication seems reasonable from what I've seen.

I agree that their communication regarding the 4G rollout in general was very poor. Frankly I'm surprised they haven't fired their commercial team.

That said, I think that some people read some of the posts here and confuse them with official announcements. They then get upset when things don't happen as they expect. That's the trouble with inside info and heresay - plans change as commercial matters impact them.
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Old 22-11-2015, 16:18
natbike
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maybe Google will use the facilities in both Android Lollipop and Marshmallow to allow access with an OTA update like sending APNs.
It appears that they have already thought of that...
https://source.android.com/devices/t...g/carrier.html

It appears that carriers can develop an app that will apply the settings required.

I'm not really sure why they haven't yet.
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Old 22-11-2015, 16:22
dangetti
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Some news I just spotted on Three.

SIMO plans now offer a 12GB plan and on any plan with AYCE data you get 12GB to tether instead of 8GB.

If you are on a plan with 8GB tether you will need to call and change the plan, may cost a bit more.

I was on 600 Mins, Unlimited Texts, AYCE data and 8GB tether for £25, now paying £28 for the same but 12GB tether, this is a 1 month rolling SIM.

These plans are live now on the site.

Also looks like Feel at Home has changed and you can now use 12GB max abroad for a total of 60 days in a year when it used to be 25GB max data over 90 days
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Old 22-11-2015, 16:25
Thine Wonk
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It appears that they have already thought of that...
https://source.android.com/devices/t...g/carrier.html

It appears that carriers can develop an app that will apply the settings required.

I'm not really sure why they haven't yet.
I think that is planned for some time next year, I suspect they want the rollout of devices to go slowly so that they can monitor 800 usage month by month and as they add more sites later on they can allow more users onto 800.

I can't say this enough, your contract promises you the service, not any specific technology or band or mechanism.
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Old 22-11-2015, 16:39
mupet0000
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It appears that they have already thought of that...
https://source.android.com/devices/t...g/carrier.html

It appears that carriers can develop an app that will apply the settings required.

I'm not really sure why they haven't yet.
I didn't know this existed. Great to see that it's finally possible with Android! Now to hope carriers use it.
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Old 22-11-2015, 17:18
mhs81
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You are only reading the parts of Three's website that suit you, picking and choosing sentences to make things fit your agenda. If you read the stuff they say about 4G back when it was first launched, it's talking about software updates in early 2014, that's clearly no longer relevant today. Also, if you read on, you will see this:


I think that adequately covers Three and invalidates your claims.
Great, thanks for that. It's not like I think I have any 'claim' as such, rather that I would have expected to be able to use the 800mhz as my phone does support it. So the part about it not being compatible with Three's network isn't true - my phone supports the 800mhz frequency, so is compatible. The fact that Three have decided to restrict me from accessing it (for good reason perhaps) is another matter.

So the bit about requiring software updates isn't relevant today? Well it wasn't relevant back then either as I used several unbranded phones and managed to access 4g without any update.

As I've said before, I can completely understand the reasons why Three won't let me access the 800mhz frequency at the moment. (although they could adapt the Three in touch app to facilitate this). What I'm not happy with is the way they have communicated, including having out of date information on the site. Surely you won't defend them for that as well?
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Old 22-11-2015, 17:21
mhs81
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Some news I just spotted on Three.

SIMO plans now offer a 12GB plan and on any plan with AYCE data you get 12GB to tether instead of 8GB.

If you are on a plan with 8GB tether you will need to call and change the plan, may cost a bit more.

I was on 600 Mins, Unlimited Texts, AYCE data and 8GB tether for £25, now paying £28 for the same but 12GB tether, this is a 1 month rolling SIM.

These plans are live now on the site.

Also looks like Feel at Home has changed and you can now use 12GB max abroad for a total of 60 days in a year when it used to be 25GB max data over 90 days
Three offered me this deal today but for £18 a month. I think it was a 12 month contract though. Would be a great deal if I needed the tethering.
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Old 22-11-2015, 17:51
mupet0000
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Great, thanks for that. It's not like I think I have any 'claim' as such, rather that I would have expected to be able to use the 800mhz as my phone does support it. So the part about it not being compatible with Three's network isn't true - my phone supports the 800mhz frequency, so is compatible. The fact that Three have decided to restrict me from accessing it (for good reason perhaps) is another matter.

So the bit about requiring software updates isn't relevant today? Well it wasn't relevant back then either as I used several unbranded phones and managed to access 4g without any update.

As I've said before, I can completely understand the reasons why Three won't let me access the 800mhz frequency at the moment. (although they could adapt the Three in touch app to facilitate this). What I'm not happy with is the way they have communicated, including having out of date information on the site. Surely you won't defend them for that as well?
All phones that support the 800MHz band are technically compatible, this doesn't mean that they are actually compatible with Threes network, and as much as you may expect that, Three have a list of compatible devices on their site and it's not very difficult to find out if yours is compatible or not.

You seemed to be talking about Three as if they were claiming that every device was going to receive a software update where 4G would be enabled and it would include 800MHz. So no, the fact that they said phones would recieve updates to enable 4G in 2014 isn't relevant today.

Of course I don't defend Three for having outdated information on their site, but it's hardly enough to get confused over. Rather than looking at the Super-Voice page that has the latest details and compatible devices, your looking at the oldest 4G pages and complaining. Your not happy with the way Three have communicated, maybe stop looking at outdated information on their website and keep your eyes on the Super-Voice pages or contact Three yourself for the latest information.

I'm currently waiting for the VoLTE update for iPhones, and I'm not happy that it's taking as long as it is but I'm not looking for excuses to bash them, at the end of the day they have a very small slice of spectrum on 800MHz and letting every single user on it at once would be a terrible idea. Launching iPhones will be a huge step as that's a really large amount of devices able to access Super-Voice in comparison to the already support devices.
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Old 22-11-2015, 17:58
Thine Wonk
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I believe Apple insist on testing and things like that before they add it too, so we don't actually know it's not Apple holding things up for a couple of weeks.
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Old 22-11-2015, 18:16
jchamier
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I believe Apple insist on testing and things like that before they add it too, so we don't actually know it's not Apple holding things up for a couple of weeks.
Maybe Three need a new "carrier profile" and Apple are busy with the next iOS fix release. Its rumoured that happened to EE and why EE wasn't sure when the iPhone settings would arrive.
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Old 22-11-2015, 18:31
Stereo Steve
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I don't see why folk are having a go at 3. They have got an 800 VoLTE network out there. That's something. I can't use it with my naff phone but as I'm on PAYG, I may well invest in a compatible phone for a while if my mast gets superpumped anytime soon. So to speak. It's no big deal.

When EE finally roll out 800 and VoLTE I'll probably go back to contract with them.

By the way, wasn't there a massive argument here some time back where somebody suggested that he felt that 800 and VoLTE were in some way linked for EE and everyone else called him an idiot and he has now been proven 100% correct and they are the idiots? Can't recall but I'm sure there was something like that. Never mind.
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Old 22-11-2015, 18:37
Prof-x
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My area has the "super-pumped message" when i check coverage, since around september actually.

It has also said there has been network problems since Sep 16th and that message has only just gone.

Still says super-pumped but there is no 4G at all.

Why is this? Could it be 4G-800 only. I thought 1800 would go live too? I have an iPhone 6s+ so i can't test it.
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Old 22-11-2015, 19:23
Stereo Steve
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My area has the "super-pumped message" when i check coverage, since around september actually.

It has also said there has been network problems since Sep 16th and that message has only just gone.

Still says super-pumped but there is no 4G at all.

Why is this? Could it be 4G-800 only. I thought 1800 would go live too? I have an iPhone 6s+ so i can't test it.
Have a look at the map. Hit 4G, this will show you 1800 4G. Then select Galaxy S5 in the devices. This will show you 800 coverage. It's very possible that your area is 800 only in which case you would need one of the few compatible devices to use it. The list is steadily growing though. EE will likely roll out 800 in the same way although may have a longer list of devices at launch.
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Old 22-11-2015, 19:25
Skippy2005
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iD are offering free EU roaming on calls, texts and data up to your allowance limits 10GB being the highest on the roaming sims. I wonder if this maybe a snapshot of three in the future, changing their data allowances abroad etc.... £5 data only add on is a piss poor show now given Voda and EE's EU roaming deals and o2 to some extent. Anyone got a whiff of three adding more feel at home destinations?
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