What does this Plusnet email mean?

ripplyuk

Could someone please help me understand this? Does it mean I won’t be able to make calls from January? I can’t understand why they’re switching off 3G but keeping 2G. Also when it says ‘you won’t be able to use the internet during a call’, why would anyone want to use the internet while they’re talking on the phone? I must be missing something. 

MorningcoffeeIV

ripplyuk said:

why would anyone want to use the internet while they’re talking on the phone? I must be missing something. 

I think you are. 

It's not exactly uncommon to need to look something up while talking on the phone.

oldernonethewiser

If it is not something you have ever done then the lack of ability to use the internet and make/receive a call at the same time will be of no interest.

It is a feature I would definitely miss.

400ixl

Using sat nav whilst doing a hands free call would be the most common example I would have thought.

Plusnet are closing their mobile service, and before that EE (their provider) are shutting down their 3G service (as are all providers). The SIM card you have currently does not support 4G calls and as they are shutting down they will not be providing you with an upgraded sim, so you will only get 2G coverage for phone calls.

Are you still in a minimum term contract with Plusnet? If not you need to be moving to a new provider. If you are, they will allow you to switch to EE without penalty I believe (but as a Plusnet user you are probably looking for a budget provider) so that may not work for you at this point in time.

molerat

EE are offering comparable rates to Plusnet to move, they will give me 5GB/UL/UL for the same £6 I currently pay Plusnet on a 30 day rolling contract.  What will happen going forward is the big question though.  Might be worth moving in the short term as there will be an improved service with wifi calling and LTE.

ripplyuk

Thanks for the replies. If I move to EE, will I get 4G calls? Actually I’m not even sure if we get 4G here. It’s a very rural area. 

savergrant

ripplyuk said:

Could someone please help me understand this? Does it mean I won’t be able to make calls from January? I can’t understand why they’re switching off 3G but keeping 2G. Also when it says ‘you won’t be able to use the internet during a call’, why would anyone want to use the internet while they’re talking on the phone? I must be missing something. 

I think switching off 3g will free up frequencies for newer technology, whereas 2g offers a basic backup for emergencies and poor signal areas.
At present you could be using 3g for data and 2g for calls simultaneously, but if you are using 4g for data you can't use 2g for calls at the same time.
In any case plusnet mobile is likely to cease trading early next year as they stopped accepting new customers this spring.
How much are you paying and what do you use?

ripplyuk

@savergrant I’m currently paying £6 per month. I think that’s for 2GB and unlimited calls/texts. When I check my usage it rarely goes over 1GB which is strange since I’m streaming Spotify for about 3hrs a day. 

I think my phone gets 4G at home but I know when I’m out and about it often gets 2G. Sometimes it says ‘GPRS’ and is so slow it’s unusable for the internet. I’m a bit worried things will be worse once they switch off 3G. It’s an iPhone SE (the newest one) if that makes any difference. 

ProDave

If you want to stay on the EE network and want an up to date SIM with up to date features, I recommend switching to 1PMobile who most definitely provide 4G calling (sometimes called VOLTE) and also wifi calling and use the full EE network.  Have a look and see if any of the bundles they offer matches your usage?

ripplyuk

Thanks @ProDave. 1p mobile do look good value but after the recent problems with Lyca, I’m a bit wary right now about smaller companies. I think I’d prefer to move to EE first and then if they put their prices up, move to 1p. 

savergrant

ripplyuk said:

@savergrant I’m currently paying £6 per month. I think that’s for 2GB and unlimited calls/texts. When I check my usage it rarely goes over 1GB which is strange since I’m streaming Spotify for about 3hrs a day. 

I think my phone gets 4G at home but I know when I’m out and about it often gets 2G. Sometimes it says ‘GPRS’ and is so slow it’s unusable for the internet. I’m a bit worried things will be worse once they switch off 3G. It’s an iPhone SE (the newest one) if that makes any difference. 

Are you using WiFi when you are streaming? Your phone settings should show you your WiFi data usage separately.
Plusnet do not appear to have access to the full range of ee signal. If you are happy to pay £5/£6 pm you could do a lot worse than 1pmobile, although personally I prefer my rwg deal. No WiFi calling yet though which can be a nuisance if you have thick walls;

https://www.rwgmobile.wales/webshop/pay-monthly/unlimited-mins-sms-2gb-data-£3-50-month/