No signal coverage on new Vodafone contract

cityflier82

Just received an iPhone 4S from Dialaphone on a new contract with Vodafone.

Switched the phone on and the problem I'm getting is "No Service" or occasionally only 1 bar where I live. My previous network, O2, had even worse coverage, with no signal strength whatsoever.

Vodafone Technical Support will call me tomorrow to discuss this further. I've heard of Vodafone "Sure Signal" - does this help boost signal coverage in black spots such as my area, which apparently has good coverage?

I know Orange has excellent coverage in my home. If Vodafone can't doing anything to improve signal strength, can I contact Dialphone and request a network change to Orange (albeit on a more expensive tariff)? Phone received on Friday.

Many thanks.

reclusive46

A Vodafone Sure Sugnal plugs into your router and boosts the signal in your house. Like a mini mast in your house. Should work fine. Just make sure they give you one for free.

grumbler

cityflier82 wrote: »

Just received an iPhone 4S from Dialaphone on a new contract with Vodafone.

Switched the phone on and the problem I'm getting is "No Service" or occasionally only 1 bar where I live. My previous network, O2, had even worse coverage, with no signal strength whatsoever.

That's why it was worth doing some basic research before buying a long and expensive contract. Like using online checkers or a free PAYG sim.
Luckily you are likely to be able to cancel it.

Vodafone Technical Support will call me tomorrow to discuss this further. I've heard of Vodafone "Sure Signal" - does this help boost signal coverage in black spots such as my area, which apparently has good coverage?

Area? Surely it doesn't help, but it does in your house and close proximity.
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/personal/price-plans/network-and-coverage/sure-signal/index.htm

I know Orange has excellent coverage in my home. If Vodafone can't doing anything to improve signal strength, can I contact Dialphone and request a network change to Orange (albeit on a more expensive tariff)? Phone received on Friday.

I don't think that you can 'change', but you can return, then buy another contract.

Your returns options

jbainbridge

I went with Vodafone _because_ they have Sure Signal. None of the networks get more than one bar inside our house.

Guys_Dad

I am appalled at how many people don't check out coverage with a real phone/sim before swapping to a new network then complain afterwards. And added to that, don't check their return options BEFORE committing to 24 months of what could be misery and lots of wasted £££££

IT IS ABSOLUTELY BASIC.

robbies_gal

i agree guys dad i always get a free sim from each network to check it out well the four main ones-you cant be sure til youve tested it out in your own house

i dont understand why people dont do this first then blame the network for poor signals

DUTR

cityflier82 wrote: »

Just received an iPhone 4S from Dialaphone on a new contract with Vodafone.

Switched the phone on and the problem I'm getting is "No Service" or occasionally only 1 bar where I live. My previous network, O2, had even worse coverage, with no signal strength whatsoever.

Vodafone Technical Support will call me tomorrow to discuss this further. I've heard of Vodafone "Sure Signal" - does this help boost signal coverage in black spots such as my area, which apparently has good coverage?

I know Orange has excellent coverage in my home. If Vodafone can't doing anything to improve signal strength, can I contact Dialphone and request a network change to Orange (albeit on a more expensive tariff)? Phone received on Friday.

Many thanks.

Return it quickly to save future dissapointment, if you know Orange covers where you wish to use the device then it is clear to use a sim on that network.
Their dolphin Sim only gave a reasonable allowance for £12.50 / month so the difference in your tariff is what you are paying for the handset.

Emily88

The 'sure signal' does not boost signal, but generates signal from your home broadband, so as long as you have this you should will get a good signal (ie not just one or two bars). However there is a minimum broadband speed you need to have for it to work properly, so please check this first.

Vodafone usually offer a 7 day cooling off period for new contracts, but I'm not sure about this as you have taken the contract from a third party (Dialaphone)

I believe that Vodafone is the only network to do a sure signal type thing though, as they own the rights to the technology (this was the case about 6 months ago, not sure if this has changed though) so you might be better off sticking with them if you don't get very good signal from anyone else.

I hope this helps! I used to work for Vodafone so I know a few of the ins and outs of how they work!

Guys_Dad

Emily88 wrote: »

I believe that Vodafone is the only network to do a sure signal type thing though, as they own the rights to the technology (this was the case about 6 months ago, not sure if this has changed though) so you might be better off sticking with them if you don't get very good signal from anyone else.

Orange do their version called UMA, but it only works on certain handsets and these need to be locked to Orange with their bloatware, so going to an independent won't give you UMA.

It is pretty reliable, but not 100% by any means.

baby_frogmella

jbainbridge wrote: »

I went with Vodafone _because_ they have Sure Signal. None of the networks get more than one bar inside our house.

+1

Even though i do get a 2G Vodafone signal in my home, it varies from room to room. I went for a Sure Signal box and now get full 3G signal in every room. Also the difference in call quality over 3G v 2G is like day and night

cityflier82

Thank you for your helpful replies.

Technical Support earlier arranged to send me a Sure Signal box for delivery without charge on Tuesday, which should resolve my issue in my property. Is it relaitvely easy to set up ad install? I was told I need to also register it online. Does Sure Signal take up a lot of broadband bandwith?