Which network should I go for? (smartphone)

SheepBeast · 25 Jan 2013 at 02:10

What are the pros and cons of the different networks? I gather 3 is the best for mobile internet but if you're not in a 3G area then you get no signal at all. They're also a bit pricey.

Are Orange or T-Mobile competetive with 3 in terms of data speeds? I want to get a Nexus 4 which supports HSPA+41.... which networks in the UK have good coverage for this?

I gather than O2 blows for 3G and vodafone's not much better....

TommyV · 25 Jan 2013 at 09:16

What area of scotland do you live? I'd google some coverage checkers for the main networks in your area to get a gauge on what you should expect.

Regardless of your location, I'm on EE and am very pleased with the service being provided (bristol)

Ugley_Matt · 25 Jan 2013 at 15:06

Get a free sim card from each of the carriers, put it in your phone and test the signal that way,.

Dave**** · 25 Jan 2013 at 15:19

I am also on EE (T-Mobile+Orange) and I am happy with it. But I don't live in The Highlands. So my opinion probably doesn't really matter.

lamboman · 25 Jan 2013 at 15:21

I'd ignore common conceptions about which network is best. I was on Three until around November, however I came back to O2 (on giffgaff) and found that they were offering faster speeds at my home (somehow had improved massively). Three supposedly has the better network, however O2 was more consistent (and offers speeds that are more than fast enough). Areas that O2 would struggle to get 3G signal, I found Three wasn't getting signal anyway. To summarise, it depends entirely on your area.

Use coverage checkers thoroughly as a guide, searching locations you frequently visit. Ugley_Matt's suggestion of getting SIM cards for each network is ultimately the best way to do it, though time consuming.

El Jimben · 25 Jan 2013 at 19:33

This shows where 3 has rolled out DC-HSDPA at present.

bertles86 · 25 Jan 2013 at 19:38

Use both Orange and Vodafone for home and work.

Orange have better CS, Vodafone better coverage.

O2 usually are a tad more expensive.

El Jimben · 25 Jan 2013 at 19:40

bertles86 said:
Use both Orange and Vodafone for home and work.

Orange have better CS, Vodafone better coverage.

O2 usually are a tad more expensive.

It just took Orange over a month to port my number from one contact to another so I don't rate their CS that highly I have to say. Anybody that outsources certain calls to India gets a massive thumbs down.

bertles86 · 25 Jan 2013 at 19:43

El Jimben said:
It just took Orange over a month to port my number from one contact to another so I don't rate their CS that highly I have to say. Anybody that outsources certain calls to India gets a massive thumbs down.

I guess in a way it's all subjective, as Vodafone outsource all calls to Bombay. I can only just about bear them at work as we have a key account manager in London.