Which network would you recommend / avoid?

BlueSkiesandClouds

I know this is hugely subjective but I'm looking to change my contract shortly and I'm wondering about networks.

The phone I'm after (Samsung Note 3), varies massively in price depending on the network.

I've been looking at Trust Pilot and 3 which have the best prices are battered horribly on there, whereas O2 which are ranked highly have hair raising prices. :eek:

So...is there any general consensus about how good a company can be with customer service and reliability or is it simply just to hope for the best?

Silk

O2 has the least number of complaints ...however the main consideration should be the networks who have the best signal in the areas you are in

Cisco001

If you have cash, avoid contract if possible.

NFH

Cisco001 wrote: »

If you have cash, avoid contract if possible.

What's wrong with a SIM-only contract?

NFH

Avoid EE, Orange and T-Mobile. See https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4790744 for why.

macman

If you need to ue the phone in one main location or area, which networks can give you decent 3G reception there? That is really the only factor to consider.
Good CS will be of little consolation if you can't get a reliable signal.

MataNui

Depends what your priority is and who gives the best coverage in your area. For example it looks like vodafone and 3 do some of the cheapest deals on phone/plans (from sites like CPW and P4U). From threads on here it would seem O2 has by far the best customer service with vodafone the worst. Coverage wise it depends where you live. EE/TMobile/Orange have by miles the best 3G in North Wales but they are decommissioning masts all over the country so that could change at any time. Vodafone has virtually no 3G at all in North Wales and O2 are not much better. I was told by vodafone retentions that they now share masts with O2 so the coverage would be better but from what i have seen over the past 12 months its got worse (obviously they are also rationalizing the network now similar to EE so they may have changes in coverage).

Yep, Its a big compromise these days (unless like a lot of the posters on here you just want a shiny new phone cheaply then whinge about coverage etc). I have just got my PAC from vodafone and based on the above am going with EE/TMobile/Orange group for coverage (TMobile actually as they have the cheapest sim only deals of the group) BUT am only going 30 day rolling sim as i dont trust that coverage level will continue.

Zebrdee

Recent Ofcom data; http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2319245/ee-and-bt-top-consumer-complaint-charts-o2-wins-again

Up until a few months ago T-MUK were OK but then it all went wrong, each CSA gives a different reply, you don't know who or what to believe. Not sure any of them are fit for purpose IMO.

macca9

been with T-Mobile for donkey's years, earned a decent enough tariff, but my past 2 upgrades were, let's say, less than world beating.

My mrs was on a similar tariff, upgraded only a few months before me, got money off her bill, and picked up the S3 mini, at a reasonable price.

I went after a similar deal, and got completely stonewalled.
Admittedly I did go after the S4 mini, but still, they expected me to pay full price for the phone, and I could have kept my original tariff.

I even offered to pay more, but to no avail.

Is anyone else having this kind of trouble renewing?:eek:

ohit

none. I pick the best value sim-only deal given what the network's signal levels and data quality speeds are like in the areas where I spend most of my time.

simax

NFH wrote: »

Avoid EE, Orange and T-Mobile. See https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4790744 for why.

That's funny - I've not had any major issues with them... and neither have my friends....

Summary:

O2: Dire call quality and very poor 3G coverage, but CS and 2G coverage very good indeed.
Vodafone: Good 2G coverage however poor 3G coverage but great speeds when have the 3G. CS abysmal.
EE Group (Orange/TM/EE): Best 3G coverage in the UK (with best 4G coverage on 4GEE) with 2G backup. CS hit and miss.
Three: Ground breaking deals however no 2G backup in marginal areas and 100% offshore CS.

Swings and roundabouts.