Three mobile network - weak signal and poor customer services

tuollen

I Just wanted to ask if anyone had any problems with Three - mobile network.
I started my contract with them on September 2011 and since than I got lots of problem with network reception (I live in city centre!).
They also sent me a not genuine (fake, false) bumper case for my I phone claiming that it was original and can improve network reception.
I reported it several times by phone with customer services and tried to appoach 3 network store, but consultants wouldn't help, or turn your back to me.
Please advice where to go next.

malaga0034

Absolutely crap when i used them 5 years ago and it cost me a lot of missed work while the phone had know reception whilst switching from 3g to normal g
Thats my experience but it was 5 years ago but i wouldn't go near them again

tuollen

We need to escalate this problem, because that shouldn'd be happening. I don't know but I think their customer services call centre might be remote location, and they don't respect people who are calling them.

I was told that three stores and three mobile network are different companies is that right?

Richard_T_

Ive ha dno problems with signal coverage, as with most networks it can be pathcy in places.
What was your signal coverage like with three before you took the contract with the iPhone?

Im_just_careful

"3" are a 3G only network. They allow limited (and I believe reducing) roaming to another network where they consider their coverage inadequate.

Compared with 02 and Vodafone, from my experience, the performance of "3" within buildings is often poorer. This is, however, often comparing 2G coverage of these networks with 3G from "3"

For a smartphone however, "3" have a good 3G coverage and if you interest is more than calls (or primarily calls) they can be a good choice.

From my experience T Mobile and Orange can be a bit better for calls (often using 2G) than 3 but a bit worse (T Mobile) or a lot worse (Orange) for 3G coverage.

stephief

3 are appalling. My husband took out a contract with them only 2 weeks ago and we are already counting down the days til we can leave them. The signal on his phone seems fine, its just the attitude of the people in their shops. We were given a case with his phone, as part of our package, and it broke after just a few days. Went back today to ask about a replacement to be told yes its broken, no it shouldnt have broken, but tough. Asked to speak to the manager who told us if we wanted a new case we could take them to court (honest to god those were the first words out of his mouth), and refused to give us a name to make a complaint about him with (his exact words were, I am exercising my legal right not to give you my name!) how hilarious is that, anyone would think we were asking for his bank details and national insurance number lol (and he then admitted he wasnt the manager) He said as the case was a freebie they didnt have to replace it, I pointed out that it was a freebie with the purchase which means we have rights! He didnt like this and forcibly ejected me and my wheelchair bound husband from the shop before calling security. I could understand his reaction had I been threatening, or rude or aggressive, but no, I was just polite and pointed out my rights as a customer and he didnt like it! Three via the phone have offered to reimburse for a case (they did initially suggest we buy one in the three store and they would refund it, I pointed out that probably wasnt a good idea under the circumstances!) and have agreed that yes it should be replaced by them as it was provided by them, but I have sent an email regarding the frankly shocking behaviour of their staff member (suggesting they maybe should check their cctv footage as it will show we were not in any way deserving of that mans anger!) but I am not holding out for any action to be taken. I just pray we have no problems with my husbands phone now as hell will freeze over before I set foot in that store again. I can say beyond any doubt that I will not be renewing the contract at the end of the 2 years. I have never known customer service like it. Its all smiles and friendliness til you sign that contract, then you are worse than scum on the bottom of their shoe.

liubeliu

[EMAIL="executive.office@three.co.uk"]executive.office@three.co.uk[/EMAIL]

if no luck post experience on blog.three.co.uk one of the moderators may offer to assist to stop you tarnishing its public image on its blog. Worked for me when I was overcharged on one of my Bill's a year ago. If posting on its Blog stick to the facts.

They now have a home box which plugs into your home broadband to give good reception for calls when at home. Might that be of use?

smartphone

Re: if they are two companies, Three is effectively split into the main company and the retail side, but they are all run by the same people from the same place.

Bumper cases should improve reception on the iPhone 4 as it prevents the supposed "death grip" problem that was experienced when the phone was first released.

Three certainly have a mixed reputation, I've had good and bad experiences with them, but similarly have done with the other networks as well.

I agree with liubeliu that the Executive Office and blog are a good way to be heard if the customer services are not helping. The main customer services are based in Mumbai, India.