Three signal deterioration - what are my rights?

Kernel_Sanders

Marktheshark wrote: »

...it will just get switched off like the gprs data did.

I have an old phone which isn't 3G but can still access the WWW. Does that mean it's using 2G only, and when is that likely to be switched off?

mrochester

I've been having a look at the Three T&Cs to see if there's any wording about the loss of service in a specific location and it has this to say:

Disruption to Three Services
5.10 There may be situations when Three Services are not continuously available or the quality is affected and so we cannot guarantee continuous fault-free service. For instance:
(a) when we need to perform upgrading, maintenance or other work on the Three Network or Three Services; (b) when you move outside Three’s 3G service area whilst you are on a call (in this case calls may not be maintained);
(c) when you are in areas not covered by the Three Network. In these cases Three Services relies on other operators’ networks where we have no control; and
(d) because of other factors outside our control, such as the features or functionality of your Device, regulatory requirements, lack of capacity, interruptions to Services from other suppliers, faults in other communication networks, the weather or radio interference caused by hills, tunnels or other physical obstructions.

It seems to exonerate Three of any deterioration in the service for almost whatever reason they decide to choose!

Silk

mrochester wrote: »

It seems to exonerate Three of any deterioration in the service for almost whatever reason they decide to choose!

If it had been loss of service at your billing address it would be no problem to cancel.
The situation is that it is accepted that when you took the contract out your decision to choose them was because they provided a service to your primary location.
If they are unable to provide the service to your primary location, that you had previously enjoyed, due to a faulty mast or removal of mast etc then you can insist to cancel.
Unless your work place is your billing address you will not have that advantage

mrochester

Well my primary locations are my home and my workplace, my workplace more so because at home I can use my wifi connection for most things whereas at work I am entirely reliant on the mobile network.

SnowTiger

Marktheshark wrote: »

The network they use is under decline, they failed to get 4g licence and are as good as a busted flush in my opinion, as the old 3g stuff breaks down, it will just get switched off like the gprs data did.

Nonsense: http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/network/4G.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G#United_Kingdom:

On 20 February 2013, the winners of the 4G spectrum auction were announced by Ofcom. The four major networks, EE, O2, Vodafone and 3, were awarded spectrum along with Niche Spectrum Ventures Ltd (a subsidiary of BT Group plc).

[...]

The 3 network launched their 4G service in December 2013, initially it was only available to a selected few thousand customers in London preceding a nationwide rollout in 2014.

SnowTiger

mrochester wrote: »

I've been a Three customer for a while now. At my desk at work, although I have always had a reasonably poor 3G signal, it has worked and I have been able to use my phone for texts, Whatsapp, email and internet access. However, in the last couple of weeks, the signal has deteriorated to the point where I can no longer get any data throughput whatsoever other than sporadically and sometimes even basic texts will not send. I have not changed desks or locations at work. The phone will now also occassionally show 'no service'.

Can you use work's WiFi?

Three's inTouch can be used for calls and text messages over Wifi if you have a compatible handset: http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Three_inTouch.

d123

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I have an old phone which isn't 3G but can still access the WWW. Does that mean it's using 2G only, and when is that likely to be switched off?

He's talking nonsense, don't panic, 2G will still be around for a long time.

SnowTiger

d123 wrote: »

He's talking nonsense, don't panic, 2G will still be around for a long time.

Yes. It's still possible to buy 2G (voice and text) only phones.

mrochester

SnowTiger wrote: »

Can you use work's WiFi?

Three's inTouch can be used for calls and text messages over Wifi if you have a compatible handset: http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Three_inTouch.

There's no wifi at work.