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Old 16-08-2006, 13:42
mobilejunkie
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Hi, I've been looking around for a new contract and have seen a deal on 3's website that seems quite good.

The deal I would probably go on is a anytime any network deal, at £35 a month for 400 minutes and 250 texts with a intro offer of 800 mins & 500 texts plus half price line rental for the first 3 months (6 if 18 month contract).

What I want to know is how good 3 are? I'm just about to come off a 18 month contract with Vodafone and have had incredibly poor customer service from them.

Thanks inadvance fro any advice. (Incidentally anyone already on 3 contract may be able to 'recommend me' and we'd both get £30 credit to our accounts! I don't currently know anyone on 3)

Jenny
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Old 16-08-2006, 14:23
jeremybailey
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The only thing i dont like about 3 are there first line customer support centres not being in the uk. Sometimes there really good, however some times it takes 10 times to get something done right.

Apart from that, the network is fine, and when you have now 3 coverage, it drops you to the o2 network.
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Old 16-08-2006, 14:28
russellelly
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I've had mixed experience with 3. For the most part I have no issues, but anytime you have to call cust service it's usually trouble - I've had one example of really great service - but the rest of the time I've had hastle. Luckily over the last 3 or 4 years I've very rarely needed to call CS.

I know in my local 3 shop they have a policy if you buy from them and have an issue if you go in they'll let you talk to their only UK call centre in Glasgow, but buying from their shops (inc Superdrug) is usually dearer.

(And feel free to PM me about the recomending thing - I'm still on one of their contracts).
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Old 16-08-2006, 14:30
jeremybailey
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Originally Posted by russellelly
I've had mixed experience with 3. For the most part I have no issues, but anytime you have to call cust service it's usually trouble - I've had one example of really great service - but the rest of the time I've had hastle. Luckily over the last 3 or 4 years I've very rarely needed to call CS.

I know in my local 3 shop they have a policy if you buy from them and have an issue if you go in they'll let you talk to their only UK call centre in Glasgow, but buying from their shops (inc Superdrug) is usually dearer.

(And feel free to PM me about the recomending thing - I'm still on one of their contracts).
I used to have a direct telephone number for glasgow, however it now goes stright throw to the normal customer support numbe! bummer!
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Old 16-08-2006, 16:22
chris4817
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Originally Posted by jeremybailey
The only thing i dont like about 3 are there first line customer support centres not being in the uk. Sometimes there really good, however some times it takes 10 times to get something done right.
Much like Orange and O2 then.
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Old 16-08-2006, 17:17
Smickers
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Originally Posted by jeremybailey
The only thing i dont like about 3 are there first line customer support centres not being in the uk. Sometimes there really good, however some times it takes 10 times to get something done right.

Apart from that, the network is fine, and when you have now 3 coverage, it drops you to the o2 network.


It actually drops onto orange now, 3 have struck a deal and cut their ties with o2.
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Old 16-08-2006, 18:01
chris20
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i would go for it 3 are very good. i have never had problems with them. they offer a good 3g services. the only bad thing about them is there customer service it can be some times very good and some times bad but you will be pleased with them if you join them.

Last edited by chris20 : 16-08-2006 at 18:09.
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Old 16-08-2006, 18:32
jeremybailey
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Originally Posted by Smickers
It actually drops onto orange now, 3 have struck a deal and cut their ties with o2.
3 is still using o2, the orange deal does not fully come into force until 2007.

I also think this is bad news for me, cause its ok for most of the uk, however where we live, Argyll, has little or no orange 2g or 3g coverage! bummer or what!

Last edited by jeremybailey : 16-08-2006 at 18:44.
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Old 16-08-2006, 18:47
jeremybailey
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Originally Posted by chris4817
Much like Orange and O2 then.
Has orange and o2 started to move there opertions overseas?

I know a huge new contact centre is about to open or is already open in glasgow for o2.

I tried to phone orange business support, and wait over 1 hour, 3 times before i was connected to someone which was not even in the business team so could not help me..... very poor!
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Old 16-08-2006, 20:33
chris4817
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Originally Posted by jeremybailey
Has orange and o2 started to move there opertions overseas?

I know a huge new contact centre is about to open or is already open in glasgow for o2.

I tried to phone orange business support, and wait over 1 hour, 3 times before i was connected to someone which was not even in the business team so could not help me..... very poor!
Unfortunately yes. I have contracts with both and have been through both their Indian call centres. In fact Orange have just announced another 1000 job losses to be shipped to India. Disgusting
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Old 16-08-2006, 20:58
jeremybailey
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Originally Posted by chris4817
Unfortunately yes. I have contracts with both and have been through both their Indian call centres. In fact Orange have just announced another 1000 job losses to be shipped to India. Disgusting
I could not agree with you more!
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Old 16-08-2006, 21:00
chris20
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give it time and all the networks will have call centers in india its a cheap option for them
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Old 16-08-2006, 21:30
Mr Cable
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Hi Jenny, Welcome to Digitalspy!

The general consensus is that while three had some serious problems in the early days, now that they have Quality handsets (on Contract especially) they are a great network offering some serious value.

Also, you've mentioned the Half Price deal for 6 months on an 18 month contract. If you're not SUPER-keen on a absolute latest top-of-the-line handset and don't mind taking a fully guarenteed Refurbished handset like these high-spec handsets listed here, then you'll get 18 months Half Price - all without the stupid Cashback deals that other companies make you take out.

I'm not that much of a fan of 18 months contracts, but the above is a REALLY good deal - especially when you can choose from the pretty darn decent Nokia N70r and 6280r or even the Motorola RAZR V3xr if that tickles your fancy.

Anyway, the most important thing is that if you do take a contract, you get a 14 day trail period to see how good they are for yourself.

Let us know what you decide on!

Last edited by Mr Cable : 16-08-2006 at 21:32.
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Old 16-08-2006, 22:02
mobilejunkie
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Thank you for all your replies! My Vodafone contract ends at the end of September, so I have a little time to make up my mind.

Mr Cable; I noticed those Refurb deals after I'd posted my original message, thanks. Is a refurb generally a ok? I understand they are guarenteed. I currently have a 6230, and have been very happy with it, it still works fine despite being dropped and my 9 month old trying to eat it!! I don't know much about the N70, is it easy to use?

Also will the a refurb be locked to 3? I ask cos I have a Easymobile sim that I may want to use in that phone sometimes.

One final thing, which I have no idea about, when 3 "drops you to the o2 network" Do you have to pay extra for call charges, or is it included in your contract? Sorry if I sound dim!!

Thanks again, your are a helpful bunch!!!

(Russellelly, I will PM you once I've decided which contract and when to go onto 3.. It's looking likely in the next month or so)
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Old 16-08-2006, 22:41
Mr Cable
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Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
Mr Cable; I noticed those Refurb deals after I'd posted my original message, thanks. Is a refurb generally a ok?
I just got 2 a refurbed 6280s, one for my Mum, one for me Sister-in-Law. No problems whatsoever. The plastic sceen guards are even replaced during the refurbishment process!

Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
I understand they are guarenteed. I currently have a 6230, and have been very happy with it, it still works fine despite being dropped and my 9 month old trying to eat it!! I don't know much about the N70, is it easy to use?
I had an N70 and loved it. However, and I'm not trying to be condescending here - honest (!), but if you're used to the 6230i and you're not that fussed about the ability to install Symbian applications then the 6280 would be an excellent choice for you as the software is very similar to your existing handset. Specification is very similar too (2 Megapixel Camera, for example) plus the memory cards are generally much cheaper!

Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
Also will the a refurb be locked to 3? I ask cos I have a Easymobile sim that I may want to use in that phone sometimes.
Unfortunatly like most contract phones, 3 lock their handset to their own network. This includes their refurbished range.

Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
One final thing, which I have no idea about, when 3 "drops you to the o2 network" Do you have to pay extra for call charges, or is it included in your contract?
Your call charges remain the same regardless if you've dropped to 2.5G (Currently o2). This includes your inclusive minutes, messages, internet usage - they work no matter which way you access the Network.

Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
Sorry if I sound dim!!
Shush! Those were perfectly valid questions that get asked a lot here.

Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
Thanks again, your are a helpful bunch!!!
That's what we're here for! (usually )

Last edited by Mr Cable : 16-08-2006 at 22:45.
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Old 16-08-2006, 22:55
BAC_Plymouth
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Originally Posted by Smickers
It actually drops onto orange now, 3 have struck a deal and cut their ties with o2.

Not till at least March 07
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Old 16-08-2006, 23:02
mattworld
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Originally Posted by chris4817
Unfortunately yes. I have contracts with both and have been through both their Indian call centres. In fact Orange have just announced another 1000 job losses to be shipped to India. Disgusting
Actually, all of O2's call centres are in the UK, if you are going through to India you aren't phoning O2.
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Old 16-08-2006, 23:06
mobilejunkie
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Thanks Mr Cable, you have been a wonderful help!

I had an N70 and loved it. However, and I'm not trying to be condescending here - honest (!), but if you're used to the 6230i and you're not that fussed about the ability to install Symbian applications then the 6280 would be an excellent choice for you as the software is very similar to your existing handset. Specification is very similar too (2 Megapixel Camera, for example) plus the memory cards are generally much cheaper
I don't even know what a 'Symbian application' is!!! Maybe go wit the 6280...

One other 'dim' (hee hee) question.. Will my memory card from my 6230 fit in the 6280?

Thanks again
Jenny
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Old 17-08-2006, 00:21
mattworld
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Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
Thanks Mr Cable, you have been a wonderful help!



I don't even know what a 'Symbian application' is!!! Maybe go wit the 6280...

One other 'dim' (hee hee) question.. Will my memory card from my 6230 fit in the 6280?

Thanks again
Jenny
No it won't unfortunately. The 6230 takes Multimedia Cards (MMC) & the 6280 take miniSD cards.
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Old 17-08-2006, 07:23
chris4817
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Originally Posted by mattworld
Actually, all of O2's call centres are in the UK, if you are going through to India you aren't phoning O2.
Well I have only phoned them once. I bought my phone directly from them and phoned them on a 3 digit number (escapes me) to add a bolt on and I asked the woman where she was and she said India.

I am not with a third party supplier either as I bought it directly from O2.
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Old 17-08-2006, 09:35
chris20
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my last 2 phones the v975 and the phone i have now the nokia 6680 have been refurbished and they have both been good they work the same as a new one but cheaper. i like the nokias you can use more services that you cant on other phones.

Last edited by chris20 : 17-08-2006 at 09:38.
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Old 17-08-2006, 13:52
mattworld
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Originally Posted by chris4817
Well I have only phoned them once. I bought my phone directly from them and phoned them on a 3 digit number (escapes me) to add a bolt on and I asked the woman where she was and she said India.

I am not with a third party supplier either as I bought it directly from O2.

Dunno then, but all O2's customer facing call centres are definately UK based.

If its PAYG you probably phoned 2425 (the bolt on line) or 4445 (customer service). Contract is slightly different, its all still UK based though.
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Old 17-08-2006, 14:29
Mr Cable
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Originally Posted by mobilejunkie
I don't even know what a 'Symbian application' is!!! Maybe go wit the 6280...
You know how mobile phones have menus so you can make your way through them, send texts & other gumph? Well, the N70 (and some other phones too) instead of having a simple menu system actually runs an operating system (like PC's run Windows) where you can download programs and install them and stuff.

Not to confuse matters, but while you can still download stuff to other Mobile phones (these programs usually being referred to as 'Java' - mostly they'll be games); Symbian allows much more complex stuff to be run. But most people never need to do that.

I think you're right to go with the 6280, it's still a very good specification handset. Keep us informed!

Last edited by Mr Cable : 17-08-2006 at 14:31.
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Old 17-08-2006, 17:57
Garyo2
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Originally Posted by chris4817
Well I have only phoned them once. I bought my phone directly from them and phoned them on a 3 digit number (escapes me) to add a bolt on and I asked the woman where she was and she said India.

I am not with a third party supplier either as I bought it directly from O2.
202 would be the number you phoned.
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Old 17-08-2006, 17:57
Garyo2
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Originally Posted by chris4817
Well I have only phoned them once. I bought my phone directly from them and phoned them on a 3 digit number (escapes me) to add a bolt on and I asked the woman where she was and she said India.

I am not with a third party supplier either as I bought it directly from O2.
202 would be the number you phoned. They are most certainly not in India lol. They will be in Dearne Valley, Cardiff, or Leeds.

Last edited by Garyo2 : 17-08-2006 at 17:58.
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