Mobile networks

[Tom Morello]

I'm trying to decide what mobile network to go with for a phone contract (never had one before). I don't have much idea which ones are good and bad, apart from Vodafone apparently being terrible. I need data as much as anything. What do you use? Thoughts?

[Alf in Pog Form]

My EE data is very quick. Compared to other networks my friends and family have it's a lot more reliable too*. It's apparently the most expensive though.


*I'm assuming reliability of networks has some regional variation(?).

[Mikei]

In my experience the best coverage and data rates have been with EE, however they don't do good value for money data, O2 is the laggard where data is concerned, still too much 2G, GPS and Edge and not enough 3G or 4G. 3 is mostly 3G and 4G, reasonable data rates and good value for money data, but coverage is generally worse than EE and not all of their 4G coverage is data enabled, instead this is used for it's high quality voice telephone service, which can be frustrating if you're getting a great signal but no data service.

I'm currently using 3 with unlimited data, but I switch providers annually.

[pAuL1974]

As mobile coverage can vary greatly from one area to another, and across the networks, it might be worth you trying either prepay or a 30 day SIM only contract before you sign up for a longer (typically 18 to 24 month) contract. This way you have only committed to a lengthy contract once you have some faith in the network.

Prepay on the whole is expensive, so SIM only should give you better value.

This is assuming, of course, that you either have a handset already or can source an unlocked one for a reasonable price.

If you don't fancy trialling the network yourself, you could try looking at some OFCOM or RootMetrics regional reports, if they cover the areas you are likely to be needing mobile coverage.

[SpaceMonkey]

Originally Posted by Garm

I'm on 3 payg (321) no problems with mobile internet and network. How much data do you need?

That's what I use. I don't use the phone very much to actually do phone calls (and most of the time it's on my home Wifi so rarely need mobile data). So a contract seemed OTT really. So I've found PAYG perfect.

[Ronnie_Pickering]

How are you lot getting unlimited data. Data seems to be quite steeply priced on mobiles. The one I'm with 6GB £12/month. But I tether a fair bit and not all networks accept that.

[edbander]

by the way what ARE the mobile networks now? It used to be O2, vodafone, t-mobile and orange. where does EE fit into the picture? are there any more now?

[Mikei]

O2 is still O2 although there was talk of a merger with Three.
Vodafone is still Vodafone.
Orange and T-Mobile have effectively merged to form EE
Three is still Three.

[Schmosby]

I got a talk mobile (Vodafone) contract through e2save. I get 250 mins, 500mb data, 5000 texts for £1.99pm via redemption. I also got a cheap nokia phone thrown in.

[newbs16]

^ Wow £1.99