EE 2G/3G/4G Discussion Thread (Part 2)

jchamier · 15-04-2016, 11:04

Quote:

I know this is a dumb question but when I manually choose network on my phone I get 2 EE choices. One is EE and the other is EE (3G). I'm guessing one is an old orange mast and the other an MBNL. Which is which?

This is how iOS copes with showing two names the same, as it doesn't show the PLMN/MNC code.

I believe the top one is your 'home' network, and the lower down one is the "other" network. If you have an EE or legacy T-Mobile SIM then your home network is the former T-mobile code - if you have a legacy Orange SIM then your home network is the former Orange code.

These go in time ; my home area has only one EE (t-mobile code) now for over 12months.

packages · 15-04-2016, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

This is how iOS copes with showing two names the same, as it doesn't show the PLMN/MNC code.

I believe the top one is your 'home' network, and the lower down one is the "other" network. If you have an EE or legacy T-Mobile SIM then your home network is the former T-mobile code - if you have a legacy Orange SIM then your home network is the former Orange code.

These go in time ; my home area has only one EE (t-mobile code) now for over 12months.

Yea EE (3G) is code 33. I wish it did connect to this mast though as it gives good speeds whereas the 30 mast is on copper back haul and are lucky to get any throughput during the day

jchamier · 15-04-2016, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by packages

Yea EE (3G) is code 33. I wish it did connect to this mast though as it gives good speeds whereas the 30 mast is on copper back haul and are lucky to get any throughput during the day

Interesting as that's backwards to most places where the Orange (234-33) code is typically on a 2mbps connection and the MBNL (Tmobile 234-30) site is on fibre. I wonder if the MBNL site is faulty.

packages · 15-04-2016, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

Interesting as that's backwards to most places where the Orange (234-33) code is typically on a 2mbps connection and the MBNL (Tmobile 234-30) site is on fibre. I wonder if the MBNL site is faulty.

I'm not sure the site has been MBNL'd though. The three coverage checker makes it look like it isn't.

Also asked bookey and he did say it's an old orange mast too.

Broken Hope · 15-04-2016, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

That was happening in the areas I was finding VoLTE on Tyneside over the last few few weeks, as of a couple of days ago the areas are now fully VoLTE live.

I suspect you might find it changing to proper VoLTE in the near future.

Some masts seem to be fully enabled as I can switch my phone to aeroplane mode and off again and it immediately allows me to tap carrier to see IMS status, most masts however only seem to be set up to allow a 4G call to be passed over to it though.

moox · 15-04-2016, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by packages

Yea EE (3G) is code 33. I wish it did connect to this mast though as it gives good speeds whereas the 30 mast is on copper back haul and are lucky to get any throughput during the day

Since using what's left of the Orange network would technically be "roaming" to an EE/T-Mobile SIM, surely the phone should be trying to get onto 234-33 at any cost?

It's similar to the problems 3 customers still have in areas where 2G backup continues to exist - the network can't push the phone back onto the 3 network AFAIK, it happens when the phone decides to do it

de525ma · 15-04-2016, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

Since using what's left of the Orange network would technically be "roaming" to an EE/T-Mobile SIM, surely the phone should be trying to get onto 234-33 at any cost?

It's similar to the problems 3 customers still have in areas where 2G backup continues to exist - the network can't push the phone back onto the 3 network AFAIK, it happens when the phone decides to do it

It did not work this way when I was on my t-mobile legacy sim. It would pick the network with the strongest signal and use that. Always used to switch to an old Orange 3G mast on the way to work despite the MBNL mast covering the area, but from a more distant location.

My EE sim avoids Orange at all costs.

red_snow · 15-04-2016, 21:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by de525ma

My EE sim avoids Orange at all costs.

My EE SIM also seems to avoid EE at all costs!

rasseru16 · 15-04-2016, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by red_snow

My EE SIM also seems to avoid EE at all costs!

Different story for me im afraid, round where i live and work in Norfolk & Suffolk theres still plenty of Orange 2G masts that my phone ends up connecting to because its the strongest network available along the road i travel to work each day.

And on that note, there is still Orange 3G sites live even in Great Yarmouth where EE 4G is well rolled out.

thebennyboy · 15-04-2016, 23:13

Still two old orange mast here, one legacy 2G site that covers a large segment of the valley and another 3G site covering Conwy and the northern parts of the valley. Both still using crappy backhaul and the 3G site typically delivering 0.5Mbps speeds. Three have since hopped on the orange 3G site but speeds have often been 0.25Mbps at times, hasn't even been touched since Three hopped on.

Hopefully both will be properly MBNL'd soon enough. The networks got a good briefing in the papers regarding the generally crap coverage here. There was an application for the old legacy 2G site but there have been issues with it as the mast itself is on a pylon, which is also in Snowdonia National Park.

lee18xx · 15-04-2016, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasseru16

Different story for me im afraid, round where i live and work in Norfolk & Suffolk theres still plenty of Orange 2G masts that my phone ends up connecting to because its the strongest network available along the road i travel to work each day.

And on that note, there is still Orange 3G sites live even in Great Yarmouth where EE 4G is well rolled out.

Great Yarmouth I can confirm. 3 customers can still roam into these orange sites too

Pedro_C · 16-04-2016, 10:24

With all the nice EE 800MHz vibes, I made a video: EE 8000MHz 4G/VoLTE. Masts+technical discussion

Stereo Steve · 16-04-2016, 11:21

This is sort of EE related and may depend whether I sign up with them. I live in a pit and only 800 will get here reliably. But, Wifi calling would work in the depths. Say I got some really good kit and put external wifi on top of my house / barn and assume line of sight is OK, how far away will an iphone work on that wifi? I think my local IT expert told me that it's device limited rather than pumping power into the wifi itself.

moox · 16-04-2016, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stereo Steve

This is sort of EE related and may depend whether I sign up with them. I live in a pit and only 800 will get here reliably. But, Wifi calling would work in the depths. Say I got some really good kit and put external wifi on top of my house / barn and assume line of sight is OK, how far away will an iphone work on that wifi? I think my local IT expert told me that it's device limited rather than pumping power into the wifi itself.

The problem with wifi is that it is bi-directional by its nature, so you need to also worry about whether the iPhone's signal can be picked up by the wifi equipment at the house. Usually, long range wifi links only work because both ends have decent equipment and proper aerials

How far do you want it to work?

packages · 16-04-2016, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro_C

With all the nice EE 800MHz vibes, I made a video: EE 8000MHz 4G/VoLTE. Masts+technical discussion

I know it's broadcasting in some areas without VoLTE currently and letting any device that supports 800mhz connect to it, but are we sure it this will be the case when it is officially launched? Surely there would be lots of cases where there would only be 800mhz coverage and so no fallback for non-VoLTE devices and therefore wouldn't be able to make a call>

jonmorris · 16-04-2016, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by packages

I know it's broadcasting in some areas without VoLTE currently and letting any device that supports 800mhz connect to it, but are we sure it this will be the case when it is officially launched? Surely there would be lots of cases where there would only be 800mhz coverage and so no fallback for non-VoLTE devices and therefore wouldn't be able to make a call>

It should be done by IMEI, so devices that are data only can be whitelisted. The problem then, I assume, is that obscure devices may never make the list.

Is there any other way for a device to 'announce its capabilities' to a network when registering?

aldoH82 · 16-04-2016, 18:42

The latest update for the unlocked s7 edge enables WiFi calling on EE. One less reason to get the branded handset and suffer the slow updates. Not sure if it enables voLTE as well. I assume not although seen a comment from someone elsewhere using an unlocked handset on three and seeing voLTE pop up so you never know

rasseru16 · 16-04-2016, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee18xx

Great Yarmouth I can confirm. 3 customers can still roam into these orange sites too

Yep that's a weird one isn't it even though 3 are generally well established coverage wise in Yarmouth now

jonmorris · 16-04-2016, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by aldoH82

The latest update for the unlocked s7 edge enables WiFi calling on EE. One less reason to get the branded handset and suffer the slow updates. Not sure if it enables voLTE as well. I assume not although seen a comment from someone elsewhere using an unlocked handset on three and seeing voLTE pop up so you never know

Operators should be giving manufacturers the necessary settings to include in all software builds, like a phone detecting your network and asking you to select the right APN settings without needing OTA updating.

Every operator must want users with 4G phones using VoLTE as soon as possible.

keithsto · 16-04-2016, 20:55

Volte workIng well in Leeds centre this evening. No signs of 800 though.

japaul · 16-04-2016, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

It should be done by IMEI, so devices that are data only can be whitelisted. The problem then, I assume, is that obscure devices may never make the list.

Is there any other way for a device to 'announce its capabilities' to a network when registering?

Yes, all devices have to announce their capabilities so the network only issues relevant instructions to them. There are a few that are required for volte but as Peter says in his video, 800 is working for devices without volte anyway.

Skippy2005 · 16-04-2016, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithsto

Volte workIng well in Leeds centre this evening. No signs of 800 though.

I'm guessing it'll only switch to 800 if you go out of 1800/2600 reach?

jonmorris · 16-04-2016, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by japaul

Yes, all devices have to announce their capabilities so the network only issues relevant instructions to them. There are a few that are required for volte but as Peter says in his video, 800 is working for devices without volte anyway.

This must be an error and something that will be fixed, or 800 is usable because there's other 2G or 3G coverage available from another location?

uno · 16-04-2016, 22:56

I have been into Leicester today shopping still no sign of VOLTE yet but does weirdly hand off from wifi to 4G on a few masts on the outskirts of the city.

DevonBloke · 17-04-2016, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by uno

I have been into Leicester today shopping still no sign of VOLTE yet but does weirdly hand off from wifi to 4G on a few masts on the outskirts of the city.

That will work here but I can't set up a VoLTE call.
I think VoLTE is now live over the entire network but only certain cells will let you set up a call.
Once a call is set up though it will handover to any 4G cell from either VoLTE or WiFi.
I could be totally wrong on that but that's how it seems to me.

15-04-2016, 11:04	#651
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by packages I know this is a dumb question but when I manually choose network on my phone I get 2 EE choices. One is EE and the other is EE (3G). I'm guessing one is an old orange mast and the other an MBNL. Which is which? This is how iOS copes with showing two names the same, as it doesn't show the PLMN/MNC code. I believe the top one is your 'home' network, and the lower down one is the "other" network. If you have an EE or legacy T-Mobile SIM then your home network is the former T-mobile code - if you have a legacy Orange SIM then your home network is the former Orange code. These go in time ; my home area has only one EE (t-mobile code) now for over 12months.

15-04-2016, 11:15	#652
packages Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 879	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier This is how iOS copes with showing two names the same, as it doesn't show the PLMN/MNC code. I believe the top one is your 'home' network, and the lower down one is the "other" network. If you have an EE or legacy T-Mobile SIM then your home network is the former T-mobile code - if you have a legacy Orange SIM then your home network is the former Orange code. These go in time ; my home area has only one EE (t-mobile code) now for over 12months. Yea EE (3G) is code 33. I wish it did connect to this mast though as it gives good speeds whereas the 30 mast is on copper back haul and are lucky to get any throughput during the day

15-04-2016, 11:29	#653
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by packages Yea EE (3G) is code 33. I wish it did connect to this mast though as it gives good speeds whereas the 30 mast is on copper back haul and are lucky to get any throughput during the day Interesting as that's backwards to most places where the Orange (234-33) code is typically on a 2mbps connection and the MBNL (Tmobile 234-30) site is on fibre. I wonder if the MBNL site is faulty.

15-04-2016, 13:53	#654
packages Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 879	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier Interesting as that's backwards to most places where the Orange (234-33) code is typically on a 2mbps connection and the MBNL (Tmobile 234-30) site is on fibre. I wonder if the MBNL site is faulty. I'm not sure the site has been MBNL'd though. The three coverage checker makes it look like it isn't. Also asked bookey and he did say it's an old orange mast too.

15-04-2016, 15:30	#655
Broken Hope Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 314	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 That was happening in the areas I was finding VoLTE on Tyneside over the last few few weeks, as of a couple of days ago the areas are now fully VoLTE live. I suspect you might find it changing to proper VoLTE in the near future. Some masts seem to be fully enabled as I can switch my phone to aeroplane mode and off again and it immediately allows me to tap carrier to see IMS status, most masts however only seem to be set up to allow a 4G call to be passed over to it though.

15-04-2016, 15:57	#656
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by packages Yea EE (3G) is code 33. I wish it did connect to this mast though as it gives good speeds whereas the 30 mast is on copper back haul and are lucky to get any throughput during the day Since using what's left of the Orange network would technically be "roaming" to an EE/T-Mobile SIM, surely the phone should be trying to get onto 234-33 at any cost? It's similar to the problems 3 customers still have in areas where 2G backup continues to exist - the network can't push the phone back onto the 3 network AFAIK, it happens when the phone decides to do it

15-04-2016, 19:43	#657
de525ma Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 787	Quote: Originally Posted by moox Since using what's left of the Orange network would technically be "roaming" to an EE/T-Mobile SIM, surely the phone should be trying to get onto 234-33 at any cost? It's similar to the problems 3 customers still have in areas where 2G backup continues to exist - the network can't push the phone back onto the 3 network AFAIK, it happens when the phone decides to do it It did not work this way when I was on my t-mobile legacy sim. It would pick the network with the strongest signal and use that. Always used to switch to an old Orange 3G mast on the way to work despite the MBNL mast covering the area, but from a more distant location. My EE sim avoids Orange at all costs.

15-04-2016, 21:05	#658
red_snow Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 133	Quote: Originally Posted by de525ma My EE sim avoids Orange at all costs. My EE SIM also seems to avoid EE at all costs!

15-04-2016, 21:47	#659
rasseru16 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Suffolk, East Anglia Posts: 666	Quote: Originally Posted by red_snow My EE SIM also seems to avoid EE at all costs! Different story for me im afraid, round where i live and work in Norfolk & Suffolk theres still plenty of Orange 2G masts that my phone ends up connecting to because its the strongest network available along the road i travel to work each day. And on that note, there is still Orange 3G sites live even in Great Yarmouth where EE 4G is well rolled out.

15-04-2016, 23:13	#660
thebennyboy Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Wales Posts: 325	Still two old orange mast here, one legacy 2G site that covers a large segment of the valley and another 3G site covering Conwy and the northern parts of the valley. Both still using crappy backhaul and the 3G site typically delivering 0.5Mbps speeds. Three have since hopped on the orange 3G site but speeds have often been 0.25Mbps at times, hasn't even been touched since Three hopped on. Hopefully both will be properly MBNL'd soon enough. The networks got a good briefing in the papers regarding the generally crap coverage here. There was an application for the old legacy 2G site but there have been issues with it as the mast itself is on a pylon, which is also in Snowdonia National Park.

15-04-2016, 23:15	#661
lee18xx Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Posts: 2,794	Quote: Originally Posted by rasseru16 Different story for me im afraid, round where i live and work in Norfolk & Suffolk theres still plenty of Orange 2G masts that my phone ends up connecting to because its the strongest network available along the road i travel to work each day. And on that note, there is still Orange 3G sites live even in Great Yarmouth where EE 4G is well rolled out. Great Yarmouth I can confirm. 3 customers can still roam into these orange sites too

16-04-2016, 10:24	#662
Pedro_C Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Surrey, UK Posts: 660	With all the nice EE 800MHz vibes, I made a video: EE 8000MHz 4G/VoLTE. Masts+technical discussion

16-04-2016, 11:21	#663
Stereo Steve Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,378	This is sort of EE related and may depend whether I sign up with them. I live in a pit and only 800 will get here reliably. But, Wifi calling would work in the depths. Say I got some really good kit and put external wifi on top of my house / barn and assume line of sight is OK, how far away will an iphone work on that wifi? I think my local IT expert told me that it's device limited rather than pumping power into the wifi itself.

16-04-2016, 11:34	#664
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by Stereo Steve This is sort of EE related and may depend whether I sign up with them. I live in a pit and only 800 will get here reliably. But, Wifi calling would work in the depths. Say I got some really good kit and put external wifi on top of my house / barn and assume line of sight is OK, how far away will an iphone work on that wifi? I think my local IT expert told me that it's device limited rather than pumping power into the wifi itself. The problem with wifi is that it is bi-directional by its nature, so you need to also worry about whether the iPhone's signal can be picked up by the wifi equipment at the house. Usually, long range wifi links only work because both ends have decent equipment and proper aerials How far do you want it to work?

16-04-2016, 12:55	#665
packages Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 879	Quote: Originally Posted by Pedro_C With all the nice EE 800MHz vibes, I made a video: EE 8000MHz 4G/VoLTE. Masts+technical discussion I know it's broadcasting in some areas without VoLTE currently and letting any device that supports 800mhz connect to it, but are we sure it this will be the case when it is officially launched? Surely there would be lots of cases where there would only be 800mhz coverage and so no fallback for non-VoLTE devices and therefore wouldn't be able to make a call>

16-04-2016, 17:36	#666
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by packages I know it's broadcasting in some areas without VoLTE currently and letting any device that supports 800mhz connect to it, but are we sure it this will be the case when it is officially launched? Surely there would be lots of cases where there would only be 800mhz coverage and so no fallback for non-VoLTE devices and therefore wouldn't be able to make a call> It should be done by IMEI, so devices that are data only can be whitelisted. The problem then, I assume, is that obscure devices may never make the list. Is there any other way for a device to 'announce its capabilities' to a network when registering?

16-04-2016, 18:42	#667
aldoH82 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 8	The latest update for the unlocked s7 edge enables WiFi calling on EE. One less reason to get the branded handset and suffer the slow updates. Not sure if it enables voLTE as well. I assume not although seen a comment from someone elsewhere using an unlocked handset on three and seeing voLTE pop up so you never know

16-04-2016, 19:19	#668
rasseru16 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Suffolk, East Anglia Posts: 666	Quote: Originally Posted by lee18xx Great Yarmouth I can confirm. 3 customers can still roam into these orange sites too Yep that's a weird one isn't it even though 3 are generally well established coverage wise in Yarmouth now

16-04-2016, 20:02	#669
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by aldoH82 The latest update for the unlocked s7 edge enables WiFi calling on EE. One less reason to get the branded handset and suffer the slow updates. Not sure if it enables voLTE as well. I assume not although seen a comment from someone elsewhere using an unlocked handset on three and seeing voLTE pop up so you never know Operators should be giving manufacturers the necessary settings to include in all software builds, like a phone detecting your network and asking you to select the right APN settings without needing OTA updating. Every operator must want users with 4G phones using VoLTE as soon as possible.

16-04-2016, 20:55	#670
keithsto Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Leeds Posts: 120	Volte workIng well in Leeds centre this evening. No signs of 800 though.

16-04-2016, 21:09	#671
japaul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,662	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris It should be done by IMEI, so devices that are data only can be whitelisted. The problem then, I assume, is that obscure devices may never make the list. Is there any other way for a device to 'announce its capabilities' to a network when registering? Yes, all devices have to announce their capabilities so the network only issues relevant instructions to them. There are a few that are required for volte but as Peter says in his video, 800 is working for devices without volte anyway.

DS Forums

EE 2G/3G/4G Discussion Thread (Part 2)

16-04-2016, 21:12	#672
Skippy2005 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 731	Quote: Originally Posted by keithsto Volte workIng well in Leeds centre this evening. No signs of 800 though. I'm guessing it'll only switch to 800 if you go out of 1800/2600 reach?

16-04-2016, 22:17	#673
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by japaul Yes, all devices have to announce their capabilities so the network only issues relevant instructions to them. There are a few that are required for volte but as Peter says in his video, 800 is working for devices without volte anyway. This must be an error and something that will be fixed, or 800 is usable because there's other 2G or 3G coverage available from another location?

16-04-2016, 22:56	#674
uno Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 507	I have been into Leicester today shopping still no sign of VOLTE yet but does weirdly hand off from wifi to 4G on a few masts on the outskirts of the city.

17-04-2016, 19:37	#675
DevonBloke Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Totnes, Devon Posts: 6,693	Quote: Originally Posted by uno I have been into Leicester today shopping still no sign of VOLTE yet but does weirdly hand off from wifi to 4G on a few masts on the outskirts of the city. That will work here but I can't set up a VoLTE call. I think VoLTE is now live over the entire network but only certain cells will let you set up a call. Once a call is set up though it will handover to any 4G cell from either VoLTE or WiFi. I could be totally wrong on that but that's how it seems to me.