Best Reception?

Drives_Too_Much

Does anyone know a way of checking which network will give best coverage in a given area, and/or who is best overall?

Recently moved to Erdington, Brum and now my (T-Mobile) phone rarely works in my flat. My girlfriends Orange phone has similar problems, but I know it can't be all networks as when other people visit some of them seem to have coverage.

I've always avoided 3 as heard their reception is very bad, but then I recenty heard that they don't have a network of their own and just roam to the strongest in the area. Presumably this would mean they now have the best reception? Is this true or should I still avoid?

I'm self employed so can't afford to miss calls. I'm happy to pay more if it means I can use my phone at all times.

Any pointers welcome.

PotatoPotato

I personally think the best way to check for network coverage is by actually getting those free sim cards (o2 always gives them out and orange/t-mobile/virgin gave some out earlier this year).

3 does have their own network and i think 3 is hit or miss, as it is a hit in my area but equally you will hear people having problems. Again it depends where you live.

Note: virgin is with Tmobile, so probably no point trying them out. Try vodafone and o2 next>

There are coverage checkers on some of the network's website, but i still think nothing beats trying it out yourself.

PotatoPotato

O2: http://www.webmap.o2.co.uk/
Vodafone: http://maps.vodafone.co.uk/coverageviewer/web/default.aspx
3: http://www.three.co.uk/_standalone/Coverage_checker_mobile
Orange: http://web.orange.co.uk/coverage/
T-mobile: http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/services/coverage/street-check/


Free sim cards:
o2: http://freesim.o2.co.uk/
Vodafone: http://sim.vodafone.co.uk/mobile-phones/sim-only/pay-as-you-talk/
3: http://threestore.three.co.uk/payg/SimOnly.aspx
Orange: http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/freesimcard?WT.mc_id=ConFreGeAdd_0978
T mobile: http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/shop/free-pay-as-you-go-sim-cards/

HTH :T

gtz101

Vodafone, O2 and Orange usually the best.

3 & T-Mobile not very good in comparison to the above networks.

zolablue25

Tesco work on O2 network and Asda on Vodaphone.

nickmack

I'd recommend using PotatoPotato's method of using a PAYG free SIM card in that location. Preferably test with the phone model you intend to use as well.

The maps are not always an accurate indicator as many objects such as walls can degrade the signal. Even different phones can also vary in signal strength.

GeoThermal

Drives_Too_Much wrote: »

I've always avoided 3 as heard their reception is very bad, but then I recenty heard that they don't have a network of their own and just roam to the strongest in the area. Presumably this would mean they now have the best reception? Is this true or should I still avoid?Any pointers welcome.

3 have their own 3G (faster) network. However if you are in an area with no 3G coverage they then use Orange for coverage. Originally they used O2. As Orange is no good in your area 3 would not be an option.

Drives_Too_Much

Ordering trial sims. Thanks all for your wisdom.

Garz

I work all over the UK and part of my job is to install equipment using the normal candidates mentioned above. While it does vary from region-region on the whole voda are the strongest, quite consistant. Orange are a close second, but t-mob and 02 I wouldnt touch unless you absolutely have to.

GeoThermal

Garz wrote: »

but t-mob and 02 I wouldnt touch unless you absolutely have to.

I agree with T-Mobile however in Scotland O2 have been the best for me. Far north east they are the best by far and they get good reviews for coverage elsewhere online.

Garz

GeoThermal wrote: »

I agree with T-Mobile however in Scotland O2 have been the best for me. Far north east they are the best by far and they get good reviews for coverage elsewhere online.

There maybe some truth to that, however the company I work for use 02 handsets which ironically we have to ring in jobs. All the engineers are going ape due to say voda or orange is working dandy yet we cant finalise a job as 02 has no reception. This is with different handsets also which broadly highlights that networks issues. :mad: