New mobile phone and contract for Christmas - no network coverage in my area!

Bogof_Babe

Isn't the point of a MOBILE phone that you should be able to get a signal pretty much anywhere? Shame on 3 for not providing comprehensive coverage throughout the UK.

unholyangel

wealdroam wrote: »

Not trying to be funny, but I don't understand this "emergency calls only" business.

Don't you need a signal to make emergency calls too?

In other words, if you have a signal good enough for emergency calls, then why is it not good enough for other calls?

I think (but dont quote me on it as its just an assumption) that it would be routed through any available cell. Where normal calls will need three specifically.

I remember on the boat over to Mull I had no signal but said emergency calls only. Baffled me then (around 12-13 years ago...possibly a little longer) and still kind of baffles me now.

Zinger549

wealdroam wrote: »

Not trying to be funny, but I don't understand this "emergency calls only" business.

Don't you need a signal to make emergency calls too?

In other words, if you have a signal good enough for emergency calls, then why is it not good enough for other calls?

It is now possible to use a mobile phone to call the emergency services if a person’s own network is unavailable and an alternative provider has coverage.

Previously mobile calls to 999 and 112 emergency numbers could only be connected if the caller’s own network was available in the area.

The change forms part of new steps Ofcom is taking to ensure availability, take-up and effective use of communications services. Other changes include evaluating the existing text relay service for hearing and speech-impaired people and launching a study into mobile ‘not-spots’ where coverage is poor or non- existent.

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/ca/news/1908766/999-mobile-calls-network

GSDog

WillEH wrote: »

Sorry, you didn't mention the signal check in your original post. Good luck with it all.

No problem, I should have mentioned it in my original post. Thanks.

WelshBluebird

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

Isn't the point of a MOBILE phone that you should be able to get a signal pretty much anywhere? Shame on 3 for not providing comprehensive coverage throughout the UK.

To be fair, if you are going to go off on a rant about that, then you need to do it for every network, not just one. It is a bit unfair otherwise.
The reality is that providing coverage everywhere simply is often cost prohibitive and even if they tried, it is likely they would not be able to. Three cannot predict how thick the walls are in your house for example.

I do agree that networks should do more though, and should actually respond to peoples complaints (rather than saying "well our checker says you are fine, so there must be something wrong with the phone or sim card"). And I would like to see all networks offer solutions such as femtocells and for the use of repeaters to be made legal.

maps147

As a family we have 4 mobiles on the 3 network. We have never had any major problems until this Xmas when the network suddenly became unavailable - Emergency calls only. After numerous calls, sometimes lasting nearly an hour, many emails and even contacting the local 3 store we are still no further advanced. There is nothing on the web site to say there is a problem. The store say there is a problem with the mast. The call centre also say there is a problem with the mast but cannot give the nature of the problem or the date it will be fixed. They are now saying it could be another 7 days before it is resolved but I think this is the 14 day deadline for replying to a problem. We are paying 4 monthly contracts for 4 phones which are unusable in the local area. I believe the removal of support from other networks could be the cause of the problem. Can I cancel all 4 contracts as they are not providing the service?

welshmoneylover

maps147 wrote: »

As a family we have 4 mobiles on the 3 network. We have never had any major problems until this Xmas when the network suddenly became unavailable - Emergency calls only. After numerous calls, sometimes lasting nearly an hour, many emails and even contacting the local 3 store we are still no further advanced. There is nothing on the web site to say there is a problem. The store say there is a problem with the mast. The call centre also say there is a problem with the mast but cannot give the nature of the problem or the date it will be fixed. They are now saying it could be another 7 days before it is resolved but I think this is the 14 day deadline for replying to a problem. We are paying 4 monthly contracts for 4 phones which are unusable in the local area. I believe the removal of support from other networks could be the cause of the problem. Can I cancel all 4 contracts as they are not providing the service?

My phone does this, but I just take the battery out and turn the phone back on again and hey presto signal! Have you tried this?