Snazy

lol you got to love it when things like that happen. I got some cracking deals through Premier and retentions in the past. Im about to drop one of my accounts next month, im just wondering what incentives they are going to offer to get me to keep that one lol.
I used to be greedy and impressionable with handsets, so would keep the account but have grown up a bit now.

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

well the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 is out next month, its the phone I have been waiting for and who ever gives me the best deal will get my business. I may just ask 02 for my PAC number to force their hand a bit for a cheaper deal

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Hi Steve
Now im not going to tell any porkies but I shall try to answer a few of your questions.

Network coverage:-

Its a close called thing but Vodafone do have the biggest area of coverage but there isnt much in it between the big 3 (O2, Voda and T mob).
Voda have a large 3G presence, O2's isnt that big but is growing, T Mob are close behind Voda as these 2 took up the 3G challenge quite early, though O2, T mob and Voda all use the same equipment supplier for their core network (except on the radio side where Voda are all Ericsson and T mob and o2 use Nokia).
Im not mentioning H3G or Orange just yet, not quite in the same league as the top 3 and I shall let you make your own mind up in a min.

Out of the top 5 only 1 by the end of this year will have its own unshared network/control centre and that's O2, which means that you get a better service for its customers.

H3G dont have a 2G network so they share with another company if you dont have coverage, it has some drawbacks to say the least, the main one being dropped call's, ie if you have a voice call on 3G and it cannot hand over to another 3G cell it will go to a 2G cell, to do this (as you have to go off network) it drops the call, which isnt a good thing

Most of the main networks (the big 3) is that it can change between 2 and 3g as long as you dont have a video call going without loss of service.
3G coverage is also something you should know about, no matter how big a network is, 3G cells are more power hungry and expensive to use, hence you find most 3G cells in populated area's and 2G in the less popluated area's so its not uncommon not to get 3G coverage in rural area's.

Ported numbers:-
This one is a little interesting, the number that your phone is given is actually tied to a network, when the number is ported out it still remains on the original network and not on the new network you move to, so if your on H3G and move to T mob any authentication takes place on H3G's network in call setup before your call is connected.
Also try to see what you can get out of your provider, they can do some good deals if you have been a customer for a long time, either in more minutes or texts, or a free upgrade etc.

Tesco and Asda.
Now these both use different networks, Tesco use O2 and Asda use Vodafone, they dont have the running costs or maintenance costs of the line supplier so can be cheaper, it could be an option to look at if you fancy moving, but you may be more restricted in phone choice and discounts in the future.

Customer base:-

O2 are the largest, Voda second, T mob third (hence the big 3), O2 are still UK based and have no asperations to "off shore" their customer services, so you can bear that in mind

Think thats about it for now, If i think of any more stuff ill put it up

Tony

Snazy

Tony, im curious that Orange dont figure in the top companies, nor even get much of a mention, are they really one of the underlings these days, and not really worth considering, in your opinion.

O2 might not off shore their customer services, but they sometimes really dont care much about their customers either.

All my dealings with Orange are in the UK too, without fail
Also changing between 2 and 3g is seamless on Orange too. However I tend to have my handsets switched to 2g on usual usage.

Overall, I have never been to an area where the Orange network has let me down. But I am far from well travelled around the UK, that said lol.

Guess its a tough choice at the end of the day, but I would happily recommend Orange to anyone. Certainly worth a try. If in doubt, use a PAYG sim for a week and see how it goes

Snazy

lol I had 4 phones with O2 at one point, spent a lot monthly, and when problems started, I threatened to leave, and the reply was "would you like your PAC codes to keep your numbers"

Depending who you speak to, they really might not care less if you want to leave.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Snazy,

Orange have the smallest customer base in the UK, they share their network which isnt a bad thing but quality of service can be compromised this way, the reason they dont get a mention is because the big 3 do more to enhance their networks and coverage, try to be competetive (well all 5 do really) and go for customer satisfaction.
Its nothing personal against orange, but tbh they are not exactly the best network out there in coverage or customer satisfaction though if you are happy with them, stay with them about 90% of all people on any mobile phone network are happy with the service that provider gives them, so if your happy, stick with them so far ive had Cellnet, T mob, Vodafone and back to O2 (Cellnet), which one gives the best anything? well never had any issues with any of them so I cant really say

Tony

20withascooby

orange 50pounds a month unlimited calls texts and internet and a free 400pound handset

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Read the small print
Alot of phone companies have some nice clauses in there, like fair useage policies on internet useage, and those unlimited calls may just be on their network or to other mobiles only and not landlines.
Oh and those 400 quid handsets, normally the N95 (not the 8gb version)

The only thing im going to say is always read that contract closely!

Tony

MattW

Amazed what you say about Orange. Was recently looking to switch and in terms of call centres they were far superior to 02 (terrible) and Tmobile. Vodafone were very good.

I had both my personal Orange and Tmobile from work and the work phone had terrible coverage. Maybe if you live in the sticks the difference is more obvious.

In the end I decided on Vadafone as their business contracts are incredibly good in comparison with the competition. I asked Orange for my Pac code and when put through to "retentions" they blew Vodafone out of sight. Funny business!

what would scooby do

Just cancelled my T-Mobile contract as their coverage sucks even in London.

Walking down edgeware road, used to disconnect if you face the wrong direction.

Oh and when I came to cancel the contract after 12 months they suddenly announced I had signed for 18 months - this was despite my contract paperwork all showing 12. I wonder how many people have been scammed this way by T-Mobile. Me sat in T-Mobile shop making their staff ring their customer services soon had it sorted out !!!

Now on Vodafone with cheap package, brand new phone and a service that actually works.

Aaron1978

iTrader: (12)

Both my personal phone and work phone are orange, i've got to say coverage is great wherever i am. Choice of phones are usually top notch too. My personal phone cost is £35 month 600 anytime any network mins and unlimited texts. Customer services are spot on imho. So orange certainly gets my vote.

P.s, whats the latest and best phone out as i'm due for upgrade in a couple of weeks, i'm thinking of sony erricsson as they've been great phone for me and i'm sick of motorola.

Aaron

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I have been on all those networks and on 3 and the worst was defiantely 3 The only main network I haven't tried is Orange

Snazy

Steve try them, like I say, bung a PAYG in for a week or so and see how you go

Tony, fair play, comments appreciated. From a personal view Orange have never failed to please, but I guess it depends on your demands from a phone and network. For me, so far faultless.

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Thats a damned good idea about the PAYG sim Where I work is a **** for signal so I think I may just try that option

Snazy

See I might be annoying, but I get a good idea once in a while lol.
Stick a tenner of credit on and make some calls from random but frequent haunts, and see how you go.

I dont honestly think I can name one time that I have had a problem getting a signal, deepest Surrey and Kent, top of Snowdon, middle of nowhere in Wales....... all been fine.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on.
If you DO join Orange, and join Premier, you will understand the difference lol