Another 24 Month contract on 3G?

jensonslife

So I thought I'd bring this up since there's nothing out there about it.

My contract is almost up, and with all the networks preparing to offer 4G to their customers, my question is: is there any point of getting another 24 month contract with 3G connectivity?!

Any thoughts appreciated!

visidigi

Entirely depends on what you use your mobile for.

If you can avoid a contract I would, sim only is by far the most cost effective way to run a mobile.

DUTR

It won't be until 2014 before other networks are offering 4g in any volume.

simax

I'm staying with 3G - I don't see how 4G would benefit me? I get up to 10MBit speeds on my 3G device (usually 5-6MBit) which is plenty fast for anyone IMO. Plus, I get unlimited data with no FUP, and regularly rinse 10-15GB a month out of my connection, so 4G wouldn't cut it for me.

EDIT: Just checked my current usage - 17 days into my bill cycle and I've used nearly 7GB already.

im-lost

simax wrote: »

I'm staying with 3G - I don't see how 4G would benefit me? I get up to 10MBit speeds on my 3G device (usually 5-6MBit) which is plenty fast for anyone IMO. Plus, I get unlimited data with no FUP, and regularly rinse 10-15GB a month out of my connection, so 4G wouldn't cut it for me.

EDIT: Just checked my current usage - 17 days into my bill cycle and I've used nearly 7GB already.

ooopppppssss... loving three :rotfl:

Neil49

I read an article over the weekend where they were saying that there has been a big surge in smaller tablet purchases and over 90% were wifi only. Their analysis also showed that many users were now using free wifi when out and about rather than using 3G and such availability is set to increase dramatically.

The fallout from this is that they anticipate that 4G rollout will slow down simply because phone users will also use free wifi on their current phones rather than spend extra for 4G. This knock on effect is that as demand for 4G will not be as great as anticipated then 4G coverage will be limited to areas of high population. This, of course, is where wifi is freely available.

You can now get free wifi on certain bus services (Stagecoach I believe) and I am sure this availability will expand.

So, referring back to your question, I would be asking whether there is any point in tying myself into an expensive 24 month 4G contract given that coverage will be limited and good alternatives may well become available for free during that time.

diamonds

3 is due to launch 4G 3/13 as it bought *cough* the 1800mhz spectrum from Orange/T-mobile it had to sell off to get merger approval.

eljmayes

If you live in an area with decent 3G then it's a tricky call. A compromise would be to have a contract with a 4G compatible device but not pay the 4G premium and then upgrade if you need to. The only issue with this is whether or not a phone brought now would be compatible in six months.

oliverr

I'm incredibly happy with SIM Only, not bothering with contracts any more. Unlimited data, plenty calls and text - just £12 a month on three! Wahoo