Posted by Sammy_boy
Have you ever been tempted by '3' or one of those new, fancy-pants 3G networks but been afraid to take the plunge? Heard stories about poor reception?
Well, I'm going to try to explore how good (or not) the 3 network is in the UK, as I have just gotten hold of one of these:
Seen above with my K700 for size comparison.
My first impressions - the signal seems to be worse where I live than the 2G networks, just about managing 1 or 2 bars out of 4 in my bedroom in the village I live in in the UK Midlands. O2 and Orange get 3 or 4 bars out of 5 here. I'll be able to tell you more when the person I got the phone off tells me what the PIN1 code is so I can start the phone up properly!
Posted by absinthebri
Yeah, I reckon you'll be able to do a more comprehensive review when you actually get the phone working! ;-)
Posted by stuartdb87
I have a 3 fone and it always has network over 2g. 3g varies from different areas
Posted by Sammy_boy
Now I've had the Pin code, I've been able to have more of a play!
The signal actually isn't as bad as I first thought it might have been, it has always had a signal, at least the same as my 2G O2 sim. At home in my semi-rural setting, the signal tends to switch between 2G and 3G, but so far the majority of the time has been spent in 3G mode.
It for some reason took about 4 hours before it let me onto the '3 today' page, but now that it does there has been no problems so far.
Two other points - correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't seem to be able to connect to anything outside of 3's internet - i.e. I couldn't access Esato from the phone! A demerit there, as I tend to check Esato fairly frequently when I'm away from my computer. Also, I don't think I can check my emails from that phone. I can set up a 3 email account, but I can't check my Virgin email account.
And lastly - it seems that on 3pay you can't just top up and use that top up for just, say, video content - a £15 topup would consist of £10 of voice calls or text messages (you decide which), and £5 of video content for things like video calls, music/video downloads, etc. Also, this £15 is only valid for 30 days, so you're effectively paying £15 a month. You can buy a £5 or £10 topup voucher for video content, but this will only work if you have valid voice/text credit. Again, someone correct me if I'm wrong on that, but that's what I understand from their website - another demerit imho, as it's confusing and expensive if you only want video content.
Posted by absinthebri
3 internet is ring-fenced (i.e. you can only access what they permit you to.)
Posted by Jake Blues
you are right on the call plans. and as for only being allowed to view what 3 want you to i have yet to find ANY site i can view!(and trust me i tried loads!) the only reception problems i had was about 3 weeks ago at work. it was about 8pm my 3 phone was sat next to my p8 on o2, i picked up my p8 just as it lost all its signal, i checked my 3 phone and that lost all its signal too. about 20/25 minutes later the both came back at EXACTLY the same second! wierd!!
Posted by SCORPIONKING1982
I believe that with 3 when there is no 3g signal that it will use the O2 network for 2g, this would explain how the signals went at the same time.
Posted by Jake Blues
aaah! well that sorted that out. typical that i should take a second phone to work incase i lose 3s signal and they use bloody 02 which has a pretty crap signal at work as well!!
Posted by Sammy_boy
Yes, i believe o2 supply 3's 2g signal.
I have to admit that at the moment i'm quite tempted to take a 3 contract out when my contract is up in just over a month's time, i do rather like all the video stuff!
However, it is all still new to me, the question is will i still use any of the video features in a month or two's time when the novelty's worn off is a different question.
And another thing- i'd have 2 carry another phone about to do what i'm doing now- looking or posting on esato, like i'm doing now!
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
I also have a NEC616 and I am not all that pleased with it, for several reasons;
Poor battery performance
Poor signal strength
Tendency to 'freeze'
Tendency to restart itself
As for 3 as a network I have a mixed opinion. The service plans are excellent value for money if you are looking for a contract, but 3Pay doesn't appear to be very good value in my opinion. 3's customer service team has improved a lot, but it is still rather 'automated' and I am meaning the staff! 3's content is also rather good, it has gotten much better and there are some very useful services provided. I didn't find that there was too much of a novelty factor, I reguarly downloaded news clips, weather reports, financial and businness clips, etc and I found them to be reasonably priced and well presented. Unfortunately I often found myself unable to access them, even if there was a 3G signal, whether this was a hardware problem or a network problem I'm not sure.
The LG8110 is a far better product and I would definitely recommend nayone thinking of buying a 3 handset to consider the LG8110/20 or the new LG8150 that Orange will using as part of their consumer 3G service.
I feel that it is only fair to say that although 3 have had a lot of problems, they are the only consumer 3G network and have been for over a year, it will be interesting to see what, if any, problems the other networks encounter with their 3G services.
Posted by ThreeX
That“s peculiar.. I have 3 sweden pay as you go SIM and i have no problems visiting Esato or setting up my own e-mailaccount!?
Haven“t watched the phone 24/7, but every time i have looked it“s on 3g
3“s portal has been very saggy though, but the dealer i got the phone from said that it is because the enormous amount of new users lately (?) Hmm.. whatever..
Posted by Sammy_boy
@scotsboy- thanks for ur input
I've got an nec e616v, which has a new firmware that fixes all those problems. So far, i've had no problems with the handset- the 3g signal isn't brilliant, but i think thats to do with the area i live in.
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
I was told that the firmware upgrade would solve a lot of the problems I was experiencing with my NEC616, but I never got the upgrade.
I am waiting for the othe rnetworks to launch their consumer 3G services before deciding, which one to choose. A big consideration will be internet access, as already mentioned, 3 don't allow full internet access, just their own content. I like to be able to check Esato on my mobile and currently 3 can't provide this; hopefully they will chnage their policy once the other networks launch their 3G services. I can see why 3 don't allow full internet access, they currently have a monopoly on consumer 3G access and can therefore promote their own content without fear of customers looking elsewhere; it is rather annoying that this is the case as it does waste, somewhat, the 3G download speeds available.
Posted by Sammy_boy
I suspect that 3 don't have the capability to charge for bandwidth usage, as I've noticed that my credit doesn't go down when I'm browsing '3 today', no matter how long I'm connected or what I look at (as long as I don't download any chargeable videos).
@scotsboy, I sincerely hope that 3 or other 3G providers will let people have access to the internet, as you say to also enjoy the faster bandwidth.
Does anyone know btw when other providers are launching their 3G services? I know that Voda and Orange are selling laptop data cards, but not phones and contracts yet.
Posted by methylated_spirit
I'm with 3 and vodafone, it has to be said, the signal on the 3g network is very poor, and the much vaunted video calling isnt actually available...
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
I don't think it's a case of 3 not having the capacity to charge for data usage, it is just that with their content being so data rich this would seem to be a silly idea; far better to just charge customer on a per item basis. As 3G takes over from GPRS I think we shall probably see a decrease in data charges and an increase in data allowances.
The other networks should launch their consumer 3G services sometime this year, they seem to have been putting it off for a while now, but hopefully within the next month or so. Perhaps wapchimp could comment here since he works for Orange.
Posted by Sammy_boy
@scotsboy - what I meant was they perhaps don't have a capacity to charge a customer for say, browsing Esato for example. It evidently pays them to allow people to browse their services for free, as then more people would then (in theory anyway) buy more content from them.
I do hope someone brings a 3G service out in the next month, as that will be when I can take a new contract out!
If i go the 3G route, that is.
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
Agreed, they are able to make money because they have a monopoly on 3G content, but this will no doubt change when the other networks come into the game.
I still think 3 should be given some credit, they are the first 3G network in the UK and they have had to deal with a new technology and they have, for the most part, improved a great deal over the last several months.
@methylated_spirit
I have used video calling and I have to admit that I found it to be rather good. The quality was good, for the most part, although it was a bit 'jumpy' at times; having said that, a video call to Australia was surprisingly clear, if a little on the expensive side.
Posted by Sammy_boy
@scotsboy - I'm not knocking 3 (yet - I'll see how I go!
) but look forward to them having some competition. Apart from the variable signal and the topup/internet gripes, I'm so far quite impressed with 3, but of course only time will tell if I continue to use it - I can certainly see where I would!
How much do people use the video part of the phone? Both for video calling, and how often do you download video content/music videos/ringtones etc. ?
I can't see me using it a huge amount - perhaps 10-15 videos a month, the very occasional music video, and the odd video call if my girlfriend gets a 3G phone (don't really know many other people with them at the moment!). As when I'm at home, I've got a variety of free (ish) methods of accessing some of these things - broadband internet, TV with Freeview (and access to 3 news channels, music channels, etc.), radio, etc. But I could use it a bit if there's an interesting story in the news when I'm out and about or not near a TV/radio.
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
I did find myself using 3's services more than I thought, the news clips are rather handy when one is out and about as are the weather reports. I also made quite a number of video calls.
Posted by Jake Blues
does anyone have an idea when 3 will start proper e-top ups? i feel like a dinosaur when i put type the code into the phone!
Posted by Sammy_boy
I've just put some credit on mine via their '3 today' services page and my debit card with no problems! Was all secure, quick and easy and no topup cards!
Another signal complaint - went to Birmingham and the theatre this evening, and despite being in the centre of the 2nd biggest city in the UK, I was stuck in 2G mode most of the time whilst in central birmingham!
It came back on the way home just after getting to Spagetti Junction, but before then not even a restart bought it back! 
Don't know if there were any problems in that area this evening, or if my phone has a bit of a signal/firmware problem still.
Very dissapointing 3, I expected better reception than that!! At least there was still a strong 2G signal so that calls\texts could be made if needed be. I could usually tell when the phone was switching between 2G/3G mode as the signal totally dissapeared for a few seconds before re-appearing again. I still had my main contract K700i phone with me though!
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
I was told that the NEC 616 locks onto whichever signal is strongest, so even if there is a 3G signal it will hold the 2G signal if it is stronger. You could set your mobile to remain on 3G permanently, which has the added bonus of improving battery performance as well.
Posted by vladichelsea
just a couple of weeks ago i read in the newspapers that orange is going to start its 3G service in november and just before christmas voda and t-mobile shoud start as well. they said that orange is going to have a couple of completely new 3G phones including new nokia (6630?) se (v800?) lg (8150) and motorola (a1000). dont know what to believe though...
Posted by vladichelsea
btw i have a 3G contract for a couple of months now, got it with nokia 7600. the price for the minutes is bargain (12,50 for 500mins), network coverage is not perfect though, even in central london if you are in the building behind a couple of concrete walls, signal may be a big problem. its pretty normal for me that i have to go outside on the balcony when i want to make a call (btw. i live in zone 1, so i suppose this is a big problem).
Posted by Sammy_boy
@scotsboy - I've just put the phone into permanent 3G mode - so far it's held the signal with no problems, but stil early days!
@vladi - thanks for the info - sounds like my contract's come up for renewal just at the right time! If I do go the 3G route for a contract phone, it may have plenty of choice - possibly including the
V800
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
You might want to consider waiting a few weeks after the V800 is released, that will hopefully give you enough time to determine if the other netowrk's 3G services are up to standard or if they are facing problems.
Posted by mmsman
umm well this thread is a little uk but ok anyway i got my z1010 a few days ago, it's a good phone though a little bulky and the menus aren't as nice as the ones in my k700 but ok.
i've tested some features of 3g already, the signal strength where i live is excellent (it never falls down from 5 bars), our provider offers some televison programs in real time, i have found that totally pointless with my old p800 as the quality was awful but umts is a totally different story, clear programs, good sound almost like a mini tv, music videos, weather forecasts, news are also great but they aren't real time so nothing special. I haven't tested the video call yet as not a lot of my friends have 3g phones but i'm going to test it tomorrow or today....
umts is definitely the future....
and radio over umts is also a fun addition but all these things do cost a lot, i know it depends on which gprs-umts subscription you choose but still....
Posted by scotsboyuk
@mmsman
I was really looking forward to the Z1010 being released in the UK, but it has taken so long that it looks set to be much less of a success here, if not a failure, than it could have been. If the Z1010 had been released in the UK even a few months ago it would still have been in a position to dominate much of the 3G market; the LG8110 has assumed that role.
Posted by mmsman
| Quote: |
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well the price is saving z1010 here as you can get it even cheaper than k700 (with mobitel.si (our provider)) i actually saw more z1010's on the streets today than k700's, the count was about 4-1 lol
Posted by scotsboyuk
@mmsman
With the LG8110/20 already released and the LG8150 and the SE V800 about to be released, I don't think many people would choose the Z1010 here.
Posted by Sammy_boy
@mmsman - thanks for your input!
It would be good to also get info/feedback from other countries on their 3G networks, signal, services, etc.
Had a quick look on Orange, Vodafone, T-Mobile and O2's websites today to see what they had to say about 3G.
Orange said they had 66% 3G coverage, and were on the verge of launching their handsets (@wapchimp - can you confirm?) - but their coverage map said that I wasn't in their current or projected 3G area yet
Vodafone seemed to be at a similar point, and said their 3G was mainly in cities and larger towns, but their coverage map had my area just about covered. T-mobile seemed to be a bit behind, only offering data services, and their coverage seemed even more limited. For reference 3UK claim 70% coverage. All offered 2G backup for if there's no 3G coverage.
However, O2 didn't even mention 3G! Are they going to be doing it, or are they just rather behind the other big networks?
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Sammy_boy
O2 bought a 3G liscense so I presume they will be launching a 3G service at some point.
Posted by dave_uk
@sammy
O2 have declared that they do not believe now is the right time to enter the market, stating (in line with a widely-held view) that Xmas 2005 will be the time that 3G really takes off, and clearly preferring to develop their network and services to provide a higher quality service at launch. Of course that could be all talk, becasue they're not ready yet, though they have launched 3G datacards as well. They have left the window open, though, and refused to rule it out, presumably in case it does go down better than expected for the Voda and Orange in December.
Personally, I think "3" are a mess - there is credit to be given and allowances to be made for being the first entrant into the market and the only one with no existing market presence, but I have been distinctly unimpressed by their customer service (and have plenty of customers in the same boat, even by comparison to the generally low standards within the industry). I find it hard to believe that the other networks, with a wealth of experience as to what the market really wants/needs, will not do a much better job in all aspects, and I do not expect 3 to last another 2 years!
I would probably hold off adoption for a few months, both to see what is offered by all the 3G licence-holders, and also to wait for the services to become more useful and better tailored to the real requirements of the masses (locked down internet access being the most obvious example of how to waste the main benefits of a new technology!)
Just my two cents...
_________________
Faith restored in Orange UK - P910i upgrade after 10 months for £99.99!!
[ This Message was edited by: dave_uk on 2004-10-22 01:15 ]
Posted by scotsboyuk
@dave_uk
I would agree with you in saying that it would be better to wait a little before taking out a 3G contract.
I think 3 are getting better and we might still see them become truely great. However, they do have a lot of problems to over come if they want to be considered in the same league as the four main networks.
Posted by dave_uk
well, they're still here a year and a half on from launch, and they have improved, have to give them that.
Should be an interesting time - next 12-18 months is really make or break for 3G!
Posted by scotsboyuk
@dave_uk
I don't think it will be make or break for 3G, just 'make. The networks have invested too much money in 3G to let it be a failure, they will gradually phase 2.5G out, just like they did with analogue.
The main problems 3 have are customer services and the restriction on internet access, in my opinion anyway.
The other networks have had the luxury of a year to observe 3 and hopefully learn from its mistakes.
Posted by dave_uk
I just think that it is still too early to gauge either the large-scale demand for the technology, but more importantly, whether or not the networks will provide the right services to maximise both 3G's potential and their own revenue streams. Also £22bn spent on licences means, as well as having a lot at stake, anymore invested in subsidising handsets to secure market share or ridiculous airtime offers (just like 3) just exacerbates the risk of never making it back. I just wonder how far they will persevere, if subscriber numbers do not rise an awful lot faster than 3's have thus far. Orange and O2 certainly are not in financial positions to invest even more heavily in a high-risk strategy until demand is more proven.
Posted by scotsboyuk
@dave_uk
I would broadly agree with you, but I would take an optimistic view of 3G's future. Demand will almost certainly increase, but it will be slow; best demonstarted by 3. The main feature of 3G is video calling, but that only works if you know someone with a 3G video phone, hence there is little incentive for customers to want to adopt this technology if they don't know many, or indeed any, people with a 3G video phone. I see 3's pricing strategy as having this very problem in mind, by attarcting customers with great price plans they make sure that those customers have a 3G handset capable of video calls. As more and more people join 3 for the price plans they inadvertantly expand the pool of people capable of making video calls, as their friends join up too they will perhaps start using this feature, prompting their other friends to join too.
The main networks have several advantage sover 3, not the least, of which are established transmitter systems and infrastructure. I don't think we shall see a great 3G explosion to begin with, but certainly there will be expansion. 2005 would appear to be the time when 3G will be able to really take off, with the possibility of five 3G networks in the UK by then there will be significant impetus for customers to adopt 3G. Data will play a large part in this adoption, in my opinion, probably much more so than video calls will.
Posted by vladichelsea
anybody surprised by the unusual amount of advertising 3 is making at the moment? this week in just about every mag or newspaper there are loads of their ads. october is possible the last month they are the one and only 3G provider here so they want to make a good use of it.
btw last couple of weeks i got some problems with my 3G simcard so i needed to call customer services at 3: waiting time to get connected to the operator are outrageous, every time i had to wait more than 15mins.
Posted by Sammy_boy
@vladi - it's coming up to Christmas, I bet they're ramping up their advertiseing to try and get people to buy 3 phones for xmas presents!
Sounds like I'm best waiting a little while before taking a 3G contract out then. I've got till th middle of December anyway, hopfully people like Orange (who I've been thinking of switching back to anyway) will have bought out a 3G service. Would it be worthwhile (depending on price) taking out a 3G contract with them, but using it mainly as a 2G phone (I may not have a choice - doesn't seem to be any 3G coverage in my area by them anyway!) until their network expands, or just take out a standard contract for a year?
A couple of things I do like about 3 though - the weather reports you can download are brief but informative and very good, and I think the GPS-based 'quickmap' is great! Had a fiddle with it whilst at home, and it got my position bang on. I can see that being very useful - especially as my sense of direction is quite variable!
Posted by vladichelsea
if i could, i would cancel my 3 contract and go back to orange, o2, whatewer. at least now the phones available for 2G are much better. everything can change though, after arrival of voda and orange 3G services...
Posted by scotsboyuk
@vlad
The range of 3G handsets is definitely getting better, hopefully the increase in competition will spur the manufacturers on in releasing smaller and better handsets.
Posted by vladichelsea
any idea when 3 is going to present some new phones for their network. the ony decent phone at the moment is theLG u8120. all the NECs and Motorolas are more than year old.
i just checked the phones Voda is going to have when they start their 3G, its pretty impressive (se, nokia, sharp, samsung, nec, moto).
[ This Message was edited by: vladichelsea on 2004-10-28 01:39 ]
[ This Message was edited by: vladichelsea on 2004-10-28 01:44 ]
Posted by Sammy_boy
Not sure to be honest - but it would be nice to see them using the z1010 on 3!
I've encountered a few problems with my e616v since getting it - mainly minor (but annoying) niggles.
Firstly, since getting it it has rebooted itself twice whilst online, so it obviously stil has a few software issues to be ironed out!
Secondly, when I press the 3 button to get to the '3 Today' home page, the box that highlights whatever you want to click on has started to scroll down automatically all by itself at a uniform rate (so not a keypad problem?) - is this something that 3 has done (Very annoying if they have!) or another little software niggle, or is it just an option checkbox that needs de-selecting somewhere?
Posted by vladichelsea
today i've been in the link checking what are the prices for the 3G handsets. nec 616v is pretty tempting for 50£, but i heard a lot of complaints on it from my friends. really looking forward for 3 to get some new phones out for the christmas. the nec 808 voda is going to have looks pretty good, but of course the v800 is looking the most impressive.
Posted by scotsboyuk
@vladichelsea
Sammy_boy may disagree with me here, but I would recommend that you not buy a NEC 616. I have had this mobile for a few months now and I was not at all impressed with it. To be fair it does have some very impressive features, but the software bugs are just too annoying and problematic in my opinion. There is a firmware upgrade available for the 616, which I believe Sammy_boy has. However, judging by his last post it would seem that this new firmware still doesn't get rid of some of the most annoying bugs.
Apparently Orange are releasing the LG 8150 on their 3G network.
@Sammy_boy
The rebooting issue is very annoying, especially when you need to make a call. Have you contacted 3 to find out if there is another firmware update available?
Posted by vladichelsea
and anybody actually knows the exact date when orange and voda are starting selling 3G handsets?
Posted by scotsboyuk
@vlad
Apparently before Christmas, most likely within the next few weeks.
Posted by lazn
BTW ..... israel ... ( yeah israel ... ) has one of the best 3g notworks ...
( ive' been there coz my employer sent me there for studies ((unfortunately))
any way ... 3-(three ) is under the brang orange ... & the network is grreeat fast no problems .. & the video call are quite fast & without any problems .
also i ve' downloaded many music files in no time i think i will connect 3 in u.k too ... but ... i see the network is quite .. bad at this moment ...