how to check coverage before buying

slopemaster

I would like to buy my mum her first mobile (!) to keep in the glovebox for emergencies. But she lives in a rural area (surrounded by trees) where I and others often struggle to get a signal.
Could anyone point me at a website where I can check strength of different networks in that specific area?

would be very grateful.
Also, anyone suggest if you keep a phone turned OFF, how long it would take to drain the battery?
And am I right in thinking that most PAYG credit never expires?

Thanks

flyingscotno1

Websites are never precise. All networks will give coverage sites just search google for Orange coverage map or Vodafone coverage map etc.

I guess Orange/T-Mobile can share signals so possibly will have one of the best chances of getting a signal.

Guys_Dad

There is only one way to check coverage - borrow a mobile on the preferred network and check the signal - inside the house too.

Even then, as some threads will show, the masts seem to go down with frightening regularity - that is if you believe that excuse.

You must try out reception in the desired places yourself.

adonis

If the phone is not locked to any network, sim cards from the different networks can usually be picked up for £1 each.
you don't need to put money on them just ring the network topup line to check reception.

gjchester

slopemaster wrote: »

Also, anyone suggest if you keep a phone turned OFF, how long it would take to drain the battery?
And am I right in thinking that most PAYG credit never expires?

Thanks

Probably need to be charged every other month. With Lithium batteries they keep charge better, but once they get below a critical voltage the cell dies and no matter howmuch you charge it afterwards it will never recover.

Mobile cut report a flat battery and cut off off well above this but they do draw some current when off, and if left they'll damamge the cell.

PAYG credit expires either 90 or 180 days after a charagble even on the account, depends on the network really. Chargable event means making a call/text, topping it up anything like that. So a Text every three months woiuld do although I'd say every two months in case they forget and stray into the 90 day period, but that depends what network you get in the end.

slopemaster

Thanks everyone for the advice
I did look at some coverage maps on the networks own sites
But I remember that when I was looking to get a dongle there was a site where you could check the specific location of masts to see which network had them closest. I think that map covered 2G as well as 3G - but I can't find it now!

Otherwise, yes, I'll have to try out different ones.

I phoned Tesco about credit expiring; they explained its the SIM that expires if you dont use it for 6 minths, so you also lose the credit on it. But so long as you make one chargeable call every 6 months, the credit lasts for ever, which is pretty good.

Guys_Dad

slopemaster wrote: »

But I remember that when I was looking to get a dongle there was a site where you could check the specific location of masts to see which network had them closest. I think that map covered 2G as well as 3G - but I can't find it now!

http://www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/

AbbieCadabra

adonis wrote: »

If the phone is not locked to any network, sim cards from the different networks can usually be picked up for £1 each.
you don't need to put money on them just ring the network topup line to check reception.

i recently got sim's from O2, vodafone & t-mobile to check coverage, completely free of charge, just order via their websites.

AbbieCadabra

Guys_Dad wrote: »

http://www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/

i checked that recently & it showed an Orange mast as closest, but when i checked coverage using sim cards, O2 has been consistently the best strength signal. i can't even find an O2 mast anywhere near me?!

Techhead_2

Sitefinder isn't updated very often. So its not a useful tool in estimating coverage.
I agree with previous posters that the only option is to try coverage.

gjchester

Guys_Dad wrote: »

http://www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/

It's good for location stations but theres nothing like testing it.

I live on a hill, theres a block of flats uphill to me and the Vodafohne mast is just on the other side of the hill.

Given the mast is in the town centre (also on said hill) theres a lot of concrete and brick between me and the mast. We get a so-so signal on the ground floor, it works but calls burble a bit. Upstairs is better

Vodafones site and Sitefinder indicate we're in a great coverage area, but we are not, all these coverage sites never consider all the topological features, and of course can't know about the construction of buildings.