3 coverage

random123steve · 28-09-2007, 14:43

On the 3 coverage map it shows my area as having 3G video coverage. Does anyone know how reliable this is? I live in a rural area, and orange is the only network that I can get a good signal on, but orange 3G is not available in my area. As I can only get a basic orange signal, I find it hard to believe that the 3 website can be correct in saying that I can get a 3G signal with them.

Mr Cable · 29-09-2007, 07:52

You'd be best to try and see if anyone around you has a 3 handset.

There are certainly places, in Northern Ireland for example where 3 offer Full 3G Speeds (at 2.8Mb) and no other network would even bother considering installing 3G.

Obviously, a 3G signal would be better but are you aware that 3's 2G signal is now provided by the Orange Network?

Again, find someone on 3 and ask how it is for them.

broonale · 29-09-2007, 10:26

I tend to lose the signal in 'rural' areas. I don't lose it totally, but it switches to its 2.5G mode where I lose video coverage but can still access wap pages and such.

This is about 5 miles west of Newcastle City Centre.

Redcoat · 29-09-2007, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Cable

You'd be best to try and see if anyone around you has a 3 handset.

There are certainly places, in Northern Ireland for example where 3 offer Full 3G Speeds (at 2.8Mb) and no other network would even bother considering installing 3G.

Obviously, a 3G signal would be better but are you aware that 3's 2G signal is now provided by the Orange Network?

Again, find someone on 3 and ask how it is for them.

Indeed, 3 have a presence in most main towns in N.Ireland with HSDPA access, for example in County Tyrone 3 have coverage in Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon, no other operator has any 3G coverage in the county (Strabane, the 2nd largest town isn't covered by 3 UK but ironically is covered by 3 Ireland thanks to coverage across the border in neighbouring Lifford and with 3's "Like Home" policy may as well count as being covered!)

If you're like me and fall outside 3's 3G coverage you can fall back on to Orange's 2G coverage though for some reason I can also access O2 as well (better for me as O2 has better coverage where I live though Orange isn't too bad itself). Another quirk is that if you're one of the fortunate ones that has their local Orange base station upgraded to EDGE you can take advantage of that for data roaming on 3.

dreamypuma · 29-09-2007, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by random123steve

On the 3 coverage map it shows my area as having 3G video coverage. Does anyone know how reliable this is? I live in a rural area, and orange is the only network that I can get a good signal on, but orange 3G is not available in my area. As I can only get a basic orange signal, I find it hard to believe that the 3 website can be correct in saying that I can get a 3G signal with them.

I wouldn't take the website as gospel. I had a similar issue when I recommended 3 to my sister. According to the website site her home had full good coverage. In reality, she has a signal at home but its a bit flaky. This said she does live in an old property.

This is not unique to 3 though. Most operators info is not as precise as they would have you believe. They cant take into consideration indiviual circumstances, such as If you live in a basement flat, or your building is steel-framed or reinforced concrete, or the topography of where you live.

Your best bet is to try finding someone, on the network you are interested in local to you.

random123steve · 29-09-2007, 12:05

With 3's 2G signal using the orange network, at least i have that to fall back on.

random123steve · 29-09-2007, 19:22

If the 3G signal is patchy, can you maunually select Orange's 2G signal?

Mr Cable · 30-09-2007, 05:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by random123steve

If the 3G signal is patchy, can you maunually select Orange's 2G signal?

With most hansets, yes you can - but it doesn't last long!

3 have to pay Orange for the 2G access so they'd rather not offically allow people to lock their handsets - or even officially occasionally opt for 2G (Unlike the other networks that own both a GSM & UMTS system). Once or twice I've been able to select 2G and it'll stay with 2G until I complete the call then jump onto 3G.

But - for me at least - this is VERY rare as 3 now cover over 90% of the country in 3G.

Do you know anyone around that has a 3 handset so you can gauge their opinion?

random123steve · 30-09-2007, 11:16

Everyone i know has Orange. The only reason im concerned tht the 3G signal might not be good is because im with T-mobile currently, whose website state that i can get signal here, where infact i have to keep my phone in one corner to get a signal, if i move it at all the signal goes again.

Mr Cable · 30-09-2007, 17:19

Hmm, I wouldn't like to tell you to go for it, and then have it not work.

Also, just to complicate matters several weeks ago T-Mobile & 3 announced they would be sharing each others masts in certain areas. I'm not sure if this has happened yet, mind.

random123steve · 30-09-2007, 18:03

I don't like the sound of the T-Mobile thing. Also if 3 use orange 2G signal, would that mean a orange sim would work in a 3 phone without having to unlock it?

Redcoat · 30-09-2007, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by random123steve

I don't like the sound of the T-Mobile thing. Also if 3 use orange 2G signal, would that mean a orange sim would work in a 3 phone without having to unlock it?

Nope, it doesn't I'm afraid.

As already pointed out, 3 have software on their phones that mean that staying permenantly on a GSM network isn't possible (it will always try and sniff out for a signal on its home network where possible). If you wanted to you could get the software reflashed on the phone, depends on if you really want to go that far.

Mr Cable · 01-10-2007, 04:28

Redcoat is right, but if 3 found you exclusively accessing their network via 2G even though their records said there was 3G in the area, they'd turn your SIM off.

JasonWatkins · 01-10-2007, 07:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Cable

Redcoat is right, but if 3 found you exclusively accessing their network via 2G even though their records said there was 3G in the area, they'd turn your SIM off.

Not quite true.

I have a Motorola V3X on 3 and have been with them for 13 months so far. As I live on the edge of a known "hole" in 3G reception, I was lucky if I got 2 reception bars at the best of times.

The V3X was locked to 3G and you couldn't select any other network protocol, so I was stuck.

I went online and found out how to re-flash the phone and open up the software - it wasn't an unlock in the sense of being able to use it on any network, it was just allowing me to select a different network protocol.

The moral of the story is that I use my V3X on 3 on 2.5g instead of 3G and I've had zero problems.

Mr Cable · 02-10-2007, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonWatkins

Not quite true.

I have a Motorola V3X on 3 and have been with them for 13 months so far. As I live on the edge of a known "hole" in 3G reception, I was lucky if I got 2 reception bars at the best of times.

The V3X was locked to 3G and you couldn't select any other network protocol, so I was stuck.

I went online and found out how to re-flash the phone and open up the software - it wasn't an unlock in the sense of being able to use it on any network, it was just allowing me to select a different network protocol.

The moral of the story is that I use my V3X on 3 on 2.5g instead of 3G and I've had zero problems.

I appreciate that, but it Clearly states in 3's Terms & Conditions that they reserve the right to kill SIMs which are being locked to 2G - and this forum has had sveral users post on it in the past.

Not doubting your circumstances whatsoever - I can well believe you've slipped through the net - but you have been fortunate they haven't discovered you in breach of the T&Cs.

I think the OP should be aware of the official guidelines before making any decision 'sall.

JasonWatkins · 02-10-2007, 08:30

i just wonder if they've relaxed that condition though, and just not updated the T's & C's - the reason I say that is because I had to send in my phone for repair a few months ago in it's 'unlocked' state.

They repaired it, reflashed it back to '3' software and sent it back and still didn't say anything.

intheknow · 02-10-2007, 08:58

But they lose money because they end up paying Orange for your calls..

Do the decent thing and leave it on both, then it will select the best for you and swap between the 2 as and when.

random123steve · 02-10-2007, 09:28

I think i'm going to try 3, and give the signal checker the benefit of the doubt, as im currently paying 1 pound a day for slow interent on t-mobile, where as i can get a £5 a month pack on 3.

JasonWatkins · 02-10-2007, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by intheknow

Do the decent thing and leave it on both, then it will select the best for you and swap between the 2 as and when.

.. and leave me recharging the battery every 48 hours ..

wavejockglw · 02-10-2007, 11:37

3 have relaxed their roaming conditions on PAYG but no wonder when the calls cost 30p/min x/net!!

A new PAYG tariff is expected in November.

Meanwhile 3 have launched a new tariff called Mix & Match and it looks very competitive with calls and texts included and some extras like MSN and some internet access thrown in. Some of the more expensive deals also have inclusive videocalling. The exact cost of the deal depends on the handset chosen which is a good idea and will benefit those who want a basic handset as well as those who want a fully featured one on a low cost monthly deal.

Well worth looking at but deals should be compared with promotional offers on other networks some of which are quite similar when discounts are applied.

JasonWatkins · 02-10-2007, 11:42

i'm due an upgrade in november and i'm certainly liking the look of the mix and match deal.

i spoke to the guy in the "3" shop a few days ago and he swears blind they're getting this phone in stock in the next month

Minnimo · 02-10-2007, 12:04

I just recently got a contract with 3. My main concern was that the signal would be weak were I was. I went to their website and even spoke to several people as I wanted to make sure. They all guaranteed me that I would have coverage and if I lost it then I would automatically jump to orange. After careful consideration I agreed to go with them.

Well you'll never guess....I got the phone and love the software on it, only problem IS I'm unable to USE any of it. 3G isn't covered where I live - at least in my HOME and I can't even connect manually to orange.

Phoned 3, went through a series of "remedies" and the end of the matter was I still couldn't get a signal. I wasn't happy as I was now paying for a contract that I couldn't bloody well use!!

So right now my phone sits there as an expensive decoration with nothing else going for it

wavejockglw · 02-10-2007, 16:13

3 and more recently Orange have effectively removed the 14 day peace of mind guarantee as you can no longer return a handset that has been used to make/receive calls or take pictures or video.

I suspect you have to be very careful and make sure you ask around for advice on your own local area before commiting to a deal that might be impossible to get out of for 18 months.

Minnimo · 02-10-2007, 17:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavejockglw

3 and more recently Orange have effectively removed the 14 day peace of mind guarantee as you can no longer return a handset that has been used to make/receive calls or take pictures or video.

I suspect you have to be very careful and make sure you ask around for advice on your own local area before commiting to a deal that might be impossible to get out of for 18 months.

Your best bet is to ask someone in the area around you. 3 customer care people can only go on statistics they're given to quote.

And unfortunately even after several reassurances that I was more or less guaranteed a signal even if it meant switching to orange it still didn't work.

My advice is definitely look for someone in the same area with a 3 mobile.

intheknow · 02-10-2007, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonWatkins

.. and leave me recharging the battery every 48 hours ..

Is it really that bad that you have to plug the phone in at night... oh dear!

28-09-2007, 14:43	#1
random123steve Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 88	3 coverage On the 3 coverage map it shows my area as having 3G video coverage. Does anyone know how reliable this is? I live in a rural area, and orange is the only network that I can get a good signal on, but orange 3G is not available in my area. As I can only get a basic orange signal, I find it hard to believe that the 3 website can be correct in saying that I can get a 3G signal with them.

29-09-2007, 07:52	#2
Mr Cable Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 2,868	You'd be best to try and see if anyone around you has a 3 handset. There are certainly places, in Northern Ireland for example where 3 offer Full 3G Speeds (at 2.8Mb) and no other network would even bother considering installing 3G. Obviously, a 3G signal would be better but are you aware that 3's 2G signal is now provided by the Orange Network? Again, find someone on 3 and ask how it is for them.

29-09-2007, 10:26	#3
broonale Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: 54.98N 1.6W Posts: 4,953	I tend to lose the signal in 'rural' areas. I don't lose it totally, but it switches to its 2.5G mode where I lose video coverage but can still access wap pages and such. This is about 5 miles west of Newcastle City Centre.

29-09-2007, 10:27	#4
Redcoat Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The wilds of West Tyrone Posts: 2,122	Quote: Originally Posted by Mr Cable You'd be best to try and see if anyone around you has a 3 handset. There are certainly places, in Northern Ireland for example where 3 offer Full 3G Speeds (at 2.8Mb) and no other network would even bother considering installing 3G. Obviously, a 3G signal would be better but are you aware that 3's 2G signal is now provided by the Orange Network? Again, find someone on 3 and ask how it is for them. Indeed, 3 have a presence in most main towns in N.Ireland with HSDPA access, for example in County Tyrone 3 have coverage in Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon, no other operator has any 3G coverage in the county (Strabane, the 2nd largest town isn't covered by 3 UK but ironically is covered by 3 Ireland thanks to coverage across the border in neighbouring Lifford and with 3's "Like Home" policy may as well count as being covered!) If you're like me and fall outside 3's 3G coverage you can fall back on to Orange's 2G coverage though for some reason I can also access O2 as well (better for me as O2 has better coverage where I live though Orange isn't too bad itself). Another quirk is that if you're one of the fortunate ones that has their local Orange base station upgraded to EDGE you can take advantage of that for data roaming on 3.

29-09-2007, 11:08	#5
dreamypuma Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 2,129	Quote: Originally Posted by random123steve On the 3 coverage map it shows my area as having 3G video coverage. Does anyone know how reliable this is? I live in a rural area, and orange is the only network that I can get a good signal on, but orange 3G is not available in my area. As I can only get a basic orange signal, I find it hard to believe that the 3 website can be correct in saying that I can get a 3G signal with them. I wouldn't take the website as gospel. I had a similar issue when I recommended 3 to my sister. According to the website site her home had full good coverage. In reality, she has a signal at home but its a bit flaky. This said she does live in an old property. This is not unique to 3 though. Most operators info is not as precise as they would have you believe. They cant take into consideration indiviual circumstances, such as If you live in a basement flat, or your building is steel-framed or reinforced concrete, or the topography of where you live. Your best bet is to try finding someone, on the network you are interested in local to you.

29-09-2007, 12:05	#6
random123steve Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 88	With 3's 2G signal using the orange network, at least i have that to fall back on.

29-09-2007, 19:22	#7
random123steve Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 88	If the 3G signal is patchy, can you maunually select Orange's 2G signal?

30-09-2007, 05:55	#8
Mr Cable Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 2,868	Quote: Originally Posted by random123steve If the 3G signal is patchy, can you maunually select Orange's 2G signal? With most hansets, yes you can - but it doesn't last long! 3 have to pay Orange for the 2G access so they'd rather not offically allow people to lock their handsets - or even officially occasionally opt for 2G (Unlike the other networks that own both a GSM & UMTS system). Once or twice I've been able to select 2G and it'll stay with 2G until I complete the call then jump onto 3G. But - for me at least - this is VERY rare as 3 now cover over 90% of the country in 3G. Do you know anyone around that has a 3 handset so you can gauge their opinion?

30-09-2007, 11:16	#9
random123steve Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 88	Everyone i know has Orange. The only reason im concerned tht the 3G signal might not be good is because im with T-mobile currently, whose website state that i can get signal here, where infact i have to keep my phone in one corner to get a signal, if i move it at all the signal goes again.

30-09-2007, 17:19	#10
Mr Cable Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 2,868	Hmm, I wouldn't like to tell you to go for it, and then have it not work. Also, just to complicate matters several weeks ago T-Mobile & 3 announced they would be sharing each others masts in certain areas. I'm not sure if this has happened yet, mind.

30-09-2007, 18:03	#11
random123steve Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 88	I don't like the sound of the T-Mobile thing. Also if 3 use orange 2G signal, would that mean a orange sim would work in a 3 phone without having to unlock it?

30-09-2007, 18:11	#12
Redcoat Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The wilds of West Tyrone Posts: 2,122	Quote: Originally Posted by random123steve I don't like the sound of the T-Mobile thing. Also if 3 use orange 2G signal, would that mean a orange sim would work in a 3 phone without having to unlock it? Nope, it doesn't I'm afraid. As already pointed out, 3 have software on their phones that mean that staying permenantly on a GSM network isn't possible (it will always try and sniff out for a signal on its home network where possible). If you wanted to you could get the software reflashed on the phone, depends on if you really want to go that far.

01-10-2007, 04:28	#13
Mr Cable Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 2,868	Redcoat is right, but if 3 found you exclusively accessing their network via 2G even though their records said there was 3G in the area, they'd turn your SIM off.

01-10-2007, 07:10	#14
JasonWatkins Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 53,670	Quote: Originally Posted by Mr Cable Redcoat is right, but if 3 found you exclusively accessing their network via 2G even though their records said there was 3G in the area, they'd turn your SIM off. Not quite true. I have a Motorola V3X on 3 and have been with them for 13 months so far. As I live on the edge of a known "hole" in 3G reception, I was lucky if I got 2 reception bars at the best of times. The V3X was locked to 3G and you couldn't select any other network protocol, so I was stuck. I went online and found out how to re-flash the phone and open up the software - it wasn't an unlock in the sense of being able to use it on any network, it was just allowing me to select a different network protocol. The moral of the story is that I use my V3X on 3 on 2.5g instead of 3G and I've had zero problems.

02-10-2007, 00:32	#15
Mr Cable Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 2,868	Quote: Originally Posted by JasonWatkins Not quite true. I have a Motorola V3X on 3 and have been with them for 13 months so far. As I live on the edge of a known "hole" in 3G reception, I was lucky if I got 2 reception bars at the best of times. The V3X was locked to 3G and you couldn't select any other network protocol, so I was stuck. I went online and found out how to re-flash the phone and open up the software - it wasn't an unlock in the sense of being able to use it on any network, it was just allowing me to select a different network protocol. The moral of the story is that I use my V3X on 3 on 2.5g instead of 3G and I've had zero problems. I appreciate that, but it Clearly states in 3's Terms & Conditions that they reserve the right to kill SIMs which are being locked to 2G - and this forum has had sveral users post on it in the past. Not doubting your circumstances whatsoever - I can well believe you've slipped through the net - but you have been fortunate they haven't discovered you in breach of the T&Cs. I think the OP should be aware of the official guidelines before making any decision 'sall.

02-10-2007, 08:30	#16
JasonWatkins Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 53,670	i just wonder if they've relaxed that condition though, and just not updated the T's & C's - the reason I say that is because I had to send in my phone for repair a few months ago in it's 'unlocked' state. They repaired it, reflashed it back to '3' software and sent it back and still didn't say anything.

02-10-2007, 08:58	#17
intheknow Banned User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bristol Posts: 4,837	But they lose money because they end up paying Orange for your calls.. Do the decent thing and leave it on both, then it will select the best for you and swap between the 2 as and when.

02-10-2007, 09:28	#18
random123steve Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: West Midlands Posts: 88	I think i'm going to try 3, and give the signal checker the benefit of the doubt, as im currently paying 1 pound a day for slow interent on t-mobile, where as i can get a £5 a month pack on 3.

02-10-2007, 10:48	#19
JasonWatkins Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 53,670	Quote: Originally Posted by intheknow Do the decent thing and leave it on both, then it will select the best for you and swap between the 2 as and when. .. and leave me recharging the battery every 48 hours ..

02-10-2007, 11:37	#20
wavejockglw Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Glasgow Posts: 10,276	3 have relaxed their roaming conditions on PAYG but no wonder when the calls cost 30p/min x/net!! A new PAYG tariff is expected in November. Meanwhile 3 have launched a new tariff called Mix & Match and it looks very competitive with calls and texts included and some extras like MSN and some internet access thrown in. Some of the more expensive deals also have inclusive videocalling. The exact cost of the deal depends on the handset chosen which is a good idea and will benefit those who want a basic handset as well as those who want a fully featured one on a low cost monthly deal. Well worth looking at but deals should be compared with promotional offers on other networks some of which are quite similar when discounts are applied.

02-10-2007, 11:42	#21
JasonWatkins Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 53,670	i'm due an upgrade in november and i'm certainly liking the look of the mix and match deal. i spoke to the guy in the "3" shop a few days ago and he swears blind they're getting this phone in stock in the next month

DS Forums

3 coverage

02-10-2007, 12:04	#22
Minnimo Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 5,070	I just recently got a contract with 3. My main concern was that the signal would be weak were I was. I went to their website and even spoke to several people as I wanted to make sure. They all guaranteed me that I would have coverage and if I lost it then I would automatically jump to orange. After careful consideration I agreed to go with them. Well you'll never guess....I got the phone and love the software on it, only problem IS I'm unable to USE any of it. 3G isn't covered where I live - at least in my HOME and I can't even connect manually to orange. Phoned 3, went through a series of "remedies" and the end of the matter was I still couldn't get a signal. I wasn't happy as I was now paying for a contract that I couldn't bloody well use!! So right now my phone sits there as an expensive decoration with nothing else going for it

02-10-2007, 16:13	#23
wavejockglw Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Glasgow Posts: 10,276	3 and more recently Orange have effectively removed the 14 day peace of mind guarantee as you can no longer return a handset that has been used to make/receive calls or take pictures or video. I suspect you have to be very careful and make sure you ask around for advice on your own local area before commiting to a deal that might be impossible to get out of for 18 months.

02-10-2007, 17:10	#24
Minnimo Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 5,070	Quote: Originally Posted by wavejockglw 3 and more recently Orange have effectively removed the 14 day peace of mind guarantee as you can no longer return a handset that has been used to make/receive calls or take pictures or video. I suspect you have to be very careful and make sure you ask around for advice on your own local area before commiting to a deal that might be impossible to get out of for 18 months. Your best bet is to ask someone in the area around you. 3 customer care people can only go on statistics they're given to quote. And unfortunately even after several reassurances that I was more or less guaranteed a signal even if it meant switching to orange it still didn't work. My advice is definitely look for someone in the same area with a 3 mobile.

02-10-2007, 18:17	#25
intheknow Banned User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bristol Posts: 4,837	Quote: Originally Posted by JasonWatkins .. and leave me recharging the battery every 48 hours .. Is it really that bad that you have to plug the phone in at night... oh dear!