Best way to try before you buy for networks

nomywell

Hi.

Please excuse this slightly noob question:

Following our 'adventure' with Vodafone which is ending with us walking away, I'm obviously looking for a new provider from the remaining three. I've tried EE briefly and despite the OFCOM site saying I should get 3G, I could barely get a voice signal, so I don't trust any coverage site. So I'm wondering how best to try out a provider without the contract or cash commitment. I presume the only way to do this is by getting a PAYG Sim for the networks? Would I need to top up with any money, or would the Sim recognize the network strength without paying any cash?

Thanks

YaoSong

It's an interesting way of checking but don't forgot that sometimes there are other factors such as the phone or environment that can affect the result of your "test". A signal doesn't always give you the information you need as it may be a brief spike in quality. I would suggest topping up with some cash on each and making and receiving a variety of calls over a period of time.


Unfortunately, there isn't really an exact science to this for the consumer at least, but depending on how serious you are about this you the above will cost you a little bit. Maybe others on this forum have better suggestions, but you could also ask friends although signal quality varies between locations for providers.

grumbler

nomywell wrote: »

Following our 'adventure' with Vodafone which is ending with us walking away, I'm obviously looking for a new provider from the remaining three.

What 'adventure' and why 'remaining three'?
If Voda signal was fine, there are networks using the same signal.

...would the Sim recognize the network strength without paying any cash?

It should.

nomywell

YaoSong wrote: »

It's an interesting way of checking but don't forgot that sometimes there are other factors such as the phone or environment that can affect the result of your "test". A signal doesn't always give you the information you need as it may be a brief spike in quality. I would suggest topping up with some cash on each and making and receiving a variety of calls over a period of time.

I'll probably do that, or at least drive around a bit for a day

grumbler wrote: »

What 'adventure' and why 'remaining three'?
If Voda signal was fine, there are networks using the same signal.

When I say 'adventure' I mean more like an adventure to the dentists 100 years ago. Not pleasant. Check my other posts if you're in need of a sleep assist later.

Vodafone was ok, not brilliant, but yeah you're right, I could use another provider on the Vodafone network, but it kinda sticks in my throat still.

matelodave

A sim card on Paygo with £5 to-up will give you the opportunity to try out the different networks. As said above, radio isn't an exact science and some networks can be significantly better than others in various places. Even within the same building. Three is good at the back of our house but iffy at the front. EE isn't bad all round and Vodafone is the best by far.

Neither of us use more than £20 a year each on calls or texts so our criteria is a phone that works when we are out & about rather than just when we are at home. We are on different networks so at least one of us has a working phone in most places.