MSE guide discussion - 'Piggybacking' and which network provides your mobile service

Rheon

Hello!
Well, I have tried giffgaff, who I am told shares networks with O2, but in areas where I get 4G with my O2 sim, I only get E or G data speed with a giffgaff sim!
I have also tried Virgin Media, via EE who are meant to have great coverage and speeds. Again, I only get slow speeds! How disappointing! The coverage checkers indicated good service too. What's going on, guys?! (BTW, I have two unlocked handsets.)

d123

Rheon wrote: »

Hello!
Well, I have tried giffgaff, who I am told shares networks with O2, but in areas where I get 4G with my O2 sim, I only get E or G data speed with a giffgaff sim!

Sounds like a fault, if there is o2 4G then you will get 4G on giffgaff, just the actual data speed is usually slower, NOT the actual technology you connect to.

I have also tried Virgin Media, via EE who are meant to have great coverage and speeds. Again, I only get slow speeds! How disappointing! The coverage checkers indicated good service too.

Virgin Media can only use the old 3G network, not the new 4G network.

lean&mean

Apparently, GiffGaff buy a certain amount of data from O2 (even though they are owned by them). Once their data is used up they restrict speeds to users, which is why you might get E or GPRS speeds when O2 gives up to 4g speeds sometimes. I had a GiffGaff sim for a while and didn't notice much difference.
You could try Tesco mobile - not as cheap as GiffGaff but great service, full 4G and still cheaper than O2.

rowan.bradley

Can you please state precisely what the requirements are for subscribing with a piggyback supplier but being able to use a signal box? Ideally I would like to be using the Vodafone network (since it is the only one that has any signal at all in my home area) but I need to be able to add a signalbox because the signal is still not sufficiently reliable inside at home without. If I can't use Vodafone, then I need to choose one of the other networks, and a piggyback supplier who has reasonable prices. To make the right decision here and avoid making costly and time wasting mistakes, I need more information. I hope someone can provide it!


Thanks - Rowan

rowan.bradley

If I'm using FreedomPop, can I use Three's Home Signal femtocell box? Presumably they won't give me one if I'm a FreedomPop customer, so how do I get one? And can I use Three's Three In Touch app for calling over WiFi when I'm out of range of a Three signal?


Thanks - Rowan

d123

rowan.bradley wrote: »

If I'm using FreedomPop, can I use Three's Home Signal femtocell box? Presumably they won't give me one if I'm a FreedomPop customer, so how do I get one? And can I use Three's Three In Touch app for calling over WiFi when I'm out of range of a Three signal?


Thanks - Rowan

No, you need to be a Three customer to use a Three Signal box or In Touch app.

rowan.bradley

Which MVNOs _can_ be used with a femtocell? I have to have one, since there is no mobile signal from any network where I live...


Thanks - Rowan