Folks,
I know that as I am using an old S10 Plus I don't get 5G but I feel
coverage is getting worse rather than better. Lots of low signal or no
signal round Manchester.

Am I the only one?

If not are there better networks?

Should I use the main network owner or an MVNO?

Someone recommended Lebara?

Dave

David Wade wrote:

> as I am using an old S10 Plus I don't get 5G but I feel
> coverage is getting worse rather than better. Lots of low signal or no
> signal round Manchester.

I'd have thought you should be ok, as long as you're not half-way to
Sheffield.

O2 aren't going to be turning off their 3G until 2025 (others e.g.
Vodafone have already started that in some areas)

so you should get 3G/4G

> Am I the only one?
>
> If not are there better networks?

compare the networks here

<https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>

> Should I use the main network owner or an MVNO?

being on a MVNO might throttle you more than being on the parent MNO,
but shouldn't end up with less coverage.

On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
<usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:

>compare the networks here
>
><https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>

Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
indoor signal. Take care.
--
Roger

On 26/11/2023 20:55, Roger wrote:
> On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
> <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>
>> compare the networks here
>>
>> <https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>
>
> Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
> have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
> indoor signal. Take care.

Its about the same with me. It says I should have good indoor coverage.
Just one bar usually...

Dave

On Sun 26/11/2023 21:56, David Wade wrote:
> On 26/11/2023 20:55, Roger wrote:
>> On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
>> <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>>
>>> compare the networks here
>>>
>>> <https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>
>>
>> Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
>> have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
>> indoor signal. Take care.
>
> Its about the same with me. It says I should have good indoor coverage.
> Just one bar usually...
>

I would recommend the OP to look at GiffGaff - who run on the O2 net
and are owned by but operate independently of O2. They are consistently
voted the top MVNO and on one occasion even appeared in the script of NCIS!!
Currently £6/m gets you 2GB data and unlimited calls and texts, or £10
gets you 20GB data and unlimited calls and texts. You manage your
account on line entirely yourself and can change the monthly top-uo
whenever you like. PLUS they still operate call costs in Europe at the
same rate as in the UK just like before Brexit (except that there is a
data limit.)
I have never found any coverage problems with O2.

On 26/11/2023 22:17, Woody wrote:
> On Sun 26/11/2023 21:56, David Wade wrote:
>> On 26/11/2023 20:55, Roger wrote:
>>> On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
>>> <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>>> compare the networks here
>>>>
>>>> <https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>
>>>
>>> Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
>>> have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
>>> indoor signal. Take care.
>>
>> Its about the same with me. It says I should have good indoor
>> coverage. Just one bar usually...
>>
>
> I would recommend the OP to look at GiffGaff - who run on the  O2 net
> and are owned by but operate independently of O2. They are consistently
> voted the top MVNO and on one occasion even appeared in the script of
> NCIS!!
> Currently £6/m gets you 2GB data and unlimited calls and texts, or £10
> gets you 20GB data and unlimited calls and texts. You manage your
> account on line entirely yourself and can change the monthly top-uo
> whenever you like. PLUS they still operate call costs in Europe at the
> same rate as in the UK just like before Brexit (except that there is a
> data limit.)
> I have never found any coverage problems with O2.
>
>
I discounted GiffGaff because they run on O2 and I was having coverage
problems. It could be my phone, but my wife has similar issues with her
iPhone.

Dave

Woody wrote:

> I would recommend the OP to look at GiffGaff - who run on the  O2 net
> and are owned by but operate independently of O2.

If the O/P is on O₂ by moving to GiffGaff, customer support may be
easier to deal with and have different features and/or traffic
prioritisation on the network, but I wouldn't expect it to improve
signal issues; would you?

> I have never found any coverage problems with O2.

They are not alone in having rubbish signal at my late parents' house in
South Lincolnshire, not exactly known for mountains getting in the way.

Over the years I've been on Orange, O2, Voda and Virgin and had issues
there, to the extent that I now take a Three mifi with me and use that
for data from my phone/laptop and wifi calling from my phone.

David Wade <g4ugm@dave.invalid> wrote:
> On 26/11/2023 22:17, Woody wrote:
>> On Sun 26/11/2023 21:56, David Wade wrote:
>>> On 26/11/2023 20:55, Roger wrote:
>>>> On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
>>>> <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> compare the networks here
>>>>>
>>>>> <https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>
>>>>
>>>> Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
>>>> have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
>>>> indoor signal. Take care.
>>>
>>> Its about the same with me. It says I should have good indoor
>>> coverage. Just one bar usually...
>>>
>>
>> I would recommend the OP to look at GiffGaff - who run on the  O2 net
>> and are owned by but operate independently of O2. They are consistently
>> voted the top MVNO and on one occasion even appeared in the script of
>> NCIS!!
>> Currently £6/m gets you 2GB data and unlimited calls and texts, or £10
>> gets you 20GB data and unlimited calls and texts. You manage your
>> account on line entirely yourself and can change the monthly top-uo
>> whenever you like. PLUS they still operate call costs in Europe at the
>> same rate as in the UK just like before Brexit (except that there is a
>> data limit.)
>> I have never found any coverage problems with O2.
>>
>>
> I discounted GiffGaff because they run on O2 and I was having coverage
> problems. It could be my phone, but my wife has similar issues with her
> iPhone.
>
> Dave
>
>

Try 1pmobile - they run on the EE network and claim to have access to the
same spectrum as an EE customer. It will cost you £10 for the sim and you
can then try it out on their PAYG rates. If you find it useful they have
the equivalent of monthly contracts. I use them in a Mifi device and find
it works well.

On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 22:17:00 +0000
Woody <harrogate3@ntlworld.com> wrote:

> On Sun 26/11/2023 21:56, David Wade wrote:
> > On 26/11/2023 20:55, Roger wrote:
> >> On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
> >> <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
> >>
> >>> compare the networks here
> >>>
> >>> <https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>
> >>
> >> Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
> >> have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
> >> indoor signal. Take care.
> >
> > Its about the same with me. It says I should have good indoor
> > coverage. Just one bar usually...
> >
>
> I would recommend the OP to look at GiffGaff - who run on the O2 net
> and are owned by but operate independently of O2. They are
> consistently voted the top MVNO and on one occasion even appeared in
> the script of NCIS!! Currently £6/m gets you 2GB data and unlimited
> calls and texts, or £10 gets you 20GB data and unlimited calls and
> texts. You manage your account on line entirely yourself and can
> change the monthly top-uo whenever you like. PLUS they still operate
> call costs in Europe at the same rate as in the UK just like before
> Brexit (except that there is a data limit.)
> I have never found any coverage problems with O2.
>
>
>
>
>

I have a Giffgaff SIM in my Mifi device, and although it is rarely
used, I am very please with it. Signal strength has never been a
problem, even inside my house.

--
Davey.

I'm not in Manchester, but I used to be on EE and the phone would not
ring in the house. So I switched to O2 and that rings in the
house. Vodafone and O2 both get signal in the house, but not EE.

On 27/11/2023 07:57, Tweed wrote:
> David Wade <g4ugm@dave.invalid> wrote:
>> On 26/11/2023 22:17, Woody wrote:
>>> On Sun 26/11/2023 21:56, David Wade wrote:
>>>> On 26/11/2023 20:55, Roger wrote:
>>>>> On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
>>>>> <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> compare the networks here
>>>>>>
>>>>>> <https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>
>>>>>
>>>>> Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
>>>>> have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
>>>>> indoor signal. Take care.
>>>>
>>>> Its about the same with me. It says I should have good indoor
>>>> coverage. Just one bar usually...
>>>>
>>>
>>> I would recommend the OP to look at GiffGaff - who run on the  O2 net
>>> and are owned by but operate independently of O2. They are consistently
>>> voted the top MVNO and on one occasion even appeared in the script of
>>> NCIS!!
>>> Currently £6/m gets you 2GB data and unlimited calls and texts, or £10
>>> gets you 20GB data and unlimited calls and texts. You manage your
>>> account on line entirely yourself and can change the monthly top-uo
>>> whenever you like. PLUS they still operate call costs in Europe at the
>>> same rate as in the UK just like before Brexit (except that there is a
>>> data limit.)
>>> I have never found any coverage problems with O2.
>>>
>>>
>> I discounted GiffGaff because they run on O2 and I was having coverage
>> problems. It could be my phone, but my wife has similar issues with her
>> iPhone.
>>
>> Dave
>>
>>
>
> Try 1pmobile - they run on the EE network and claim to have access to the
> same spectrum as an EE customer. It will cost you £10 for the sim and you
> can then try it out on their PAYG rates. If you find it useful they have
> the equivalent of monthly contracts. I use them in a Mifi device and find
> it works well.
>

I think the best plan is to get a selection of third party sims and see
what each does round home before deciding.

Dave

David Wade <g4ugm@dave.invalid> wrote:
> On 27/11/2023 07:57, Tweed wrote:
> > Try 1pmobile - they run on the EE network and claim to have access to the
> > same spectrum as an EE customer. It will cost you £10 for the sim and you
> > can then try it out on their PAYG rates. If you find it useful they have
> > the equivalent of monthly contracts. I use them in a Mifi device and find
> > it works well.
> >
>
> I think the best plan is to get a selection of third party sims and see
> what each does round home before deciding.

The main networks usually offer free SIMs, that you have to topup by £10 to
activate. You can just get the free SIM (or buy from the corner shop for
99p, or Amazon for 11p, or whatever) and that's enough to test for signal -
you don't need to activate them. You can try calling their numbers like the
topup line, customer services, etc to check for call quality.

(the seller gets a commission if you do activate them, which is why they're
offered below cost on places like Amazon)

Theo

On Mon 27/11/2023 09:56, Richmond wrote:
> I'm not in Manchester, but I used to be on EE and the phone would not
> ring in the house. So I switched to O2 and that rings in the
> house. Vodafone and O2 both get signal in the house, but not EE.

That is because VF and O2 share distribution under the Cornerstone
project and so more often than not share cell transmissions.

Similarly MBNL was set up between T-Mob and Three to share the (mostly
microwave) distribution network which they still do. However I know of
two places that have Three towers that they share with EE/BT where EE
radiate 4G but Three do not - both sites are quite rural. Presumably
Three didn't see a market for 4G in that area?

On Mon 27/11/2023 10:13, David Wade wrote:
> On 27/11/2023 07:57, Tweed wrote:
>> David Wade <g4ugm@dave.invalid> wrote:
>>> On 26/11/2023 22:17, Woody wrote:
>>>> On Sun 26/11/2023 21:56, David Wade wrote:
>>>>> On 26/11/2023 20:55, Roger wrote:
>>>>>> On Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:44:14 +0000, Andy Burns
>>>>>> <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> compare the networks here
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> <https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage#pc=m11ad&uprn=10023056138&vw=map>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Note that it says "predicted". According to the checker I should
>>>>>> have OK indoor coverage with Three. In fact there is no usable
>>>>>> indoor signal. Take care.
>>>>>
>>>>> Its about the same with me. It says I should have good indoor
>>>>> coverage. Just one bar usually...
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I would recommend the OP to look at GiffGaff - who run on the  O2 net
>>>> and are owned by but operate independently of O2. They are consistently
>>>> voted the top MVNO and on one occasion even appeared in the script of
>>>> NCIS!!
>>>> Currently £6/m gets you 2GB data and unlimited calls and texts, or £10
>>>> gets you 20GB data and unlimited calls and texts. You manage your
>>>> account on line entirely yourself and can change the monthly top-uo
>>>> whenever you like. PLUS they still operate call costs in Europe at the
>>>> same rate as in the UK just like before Brexit (except that there is a
>>>> data limit.)
>>>> I have never found any coverage problems with O2.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> I discounted GiffGaff because they run on O2 and I was having coverage
>>> problems. It could be my phone, but my wife has similar issues with her
>>> iPhone.
>>>
>>> Dave
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Try 1pmobile - they run on the EE network and claim to have access to the
>> same spectrum as an EE customer. It will cost you £10 for the sim and you
>> can then try it out on their PAYG rates. If you find it useful they have
>> the equivalent of monthly contracts. I use them in a Mifi device and find
>> it works well.
>>
>
> I think the best plan is to get a selection of third party sims and see
> what each does round home before deciding.
>
>

The only catch is that if you don't have a monthly contract you have to
top up a minimum of £10 every 80days or you loose your service.

Look at Pete Forman's excellent site for more info:-

https://payg.pythonanywhere.com/

Woody <harrogate3@ntlworld.com> writes:

> On Mon 27/11/2023 09:56, Richmond wrote:
>> I'm not in Manchester, but I used to be on EE and the phone would not
>> ring in the house. So I switched to O2 and that rings in the
>> house. Vodafone and O2 both get signal in the house, but not EE.
>
>
> That is because VF and O2 share distribution under the Cornerstone
> project and so more often than not share cell transmissions.
>
> Similarly MBNL was set up between T-Mob and Three to share the (mostly
> microwave) distribution network which they still do. However I know of
> two places that have Three towers that they share with EE/BT where EE
> radiate 4G but Three do not - both sites are quite rural. Presumably
> Three didn't see a market for 4G in that area?

They have different signal strengths. Usually Vodafone is the stronger.

On Sunday, 26 November 2023 at 19:24:26 UTC, David Wade wrote:
> Folks,
> I know that as I am using an old S10 Plus I don't get 5G but I feel
> coverage is getting worse rather than better. Lots of low signal or no
> signal round Manchester.
>
> Am I the only one?
>
> If not are there better networks?
>
> Should I use the main network owner or an MVNO?
>
> Someone recommended Lebara?
>
> Dave

I am on O2 in Manchester - no problems. I did upgrade to a S23 Ultra early in the year and now get 5G. My only not spot is inside a large steel framed building where no network penetrates, however W-Fi Calling does.

O2 also always had 2G coverage (since GSM launched), which works in remote places - check you band settings and whether you have a 4G capable SIM. Voda and EE comparable networks, Three is pants, but fast where you can get it..

Always use an MNO if possible.

Install Network Cell Info Lite to see what you are getting.

I think your phone may be getting tired - my S8 was (battery, earpiece) so I Px'ed it for more than it was worth [to buy] second hand.

On 28/11/2023 17:33, notya...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Sunday, 26 November 2023 at 19:24:26 UTC, David Wade wrote:
>> Folks,
>> I know that as I am using an old S10 Plus I don't get 5G but I feel
>> coverage is getting worse rather than better. Lots of low signal or no
>> signal round Manchester.
>>
>> Am I the only one?
>>
>> If not are there better networks?
>>
>> Should I use the main network owner or an MVNO?
>>
>> Someone recommended Lebara?
>>
>> Dave
>
> I am on O2 in Manchester - no problems. I did upgrade to a S23 Ultra early in the year and now get 5G. My only not spot is inside a large steel framed building where no network penetrates, however W-Fi Calling does.
>
> O2 also always had 2G coverage (since GSM launched), which works in remote places - check you band settings and whether you have a 4G capable SIM. Voda and EE comparable networks, Three is pants, but fast where you can get it..
>

I have a 4G capable SIM. go to the centre of Manchester, everything is
great. Sat in semi-rural Spain its good.

> Always use an MNO if possible.
>
> Install Network Cell Info Lite to see what you are getting.
>

ok we will try that

> I think your phone may be getting tired - my S8 was (battery, earpiece) so I Px'ed it for more than it was worth [to buy] second hand.
>

I don't think so. When there is 4G it sings.

Dave

"notya...@gmail.com" <notyalckram@gmail.com> writes:

> Install Network Cell Info Lite to see what you are getting.
>

I've been looking at this app. I have two sim cards in my phone, but the
app map only ever points to one cell tower at a time. Can a phone use
two cell towers at the same time? I am wondering if I should switch off
one of the sim cards. I am also doubtful about the location of one of
the towers as it appears to be in someone's back garden. It could be
inaccurate, or maybe it is one of those boosters.

On Sunday 7 January 2024 at 13:35:28 UTC, Richmond wrote:
> "notya...@gmail.com" <notya...@gmail.com> writes:
>
>
> > Install Network Cell Info Lite to see what you are getting.
> >
> I've been looking at this app. I have two sim cards in my phone, but the
> app map only ever points to one cell tower at a time. Can a phone use
> two cell towers at the same time? I am wondering if I should switch off
> one of the sim cards. I am also doubtful about the location of one of
> the towers as it appears to be in someone's back garden. It could be
> inaccurate, or maybe it is one of those boosters.

Ah sometimes it get the distance half [or double] what it really is, although I thought that bug was fixed.

"notya...@gmail.com" <notyalckram@gmail.com> writes:

> On Sunday 7 January 2024 at 13:35:28 UTC, Richmond wrote:
>> "notya...@gmail.com" <notya...@gmail.com> writes:
>>
>>
>> > Install Network Cell Info Lite to see what you are getting.
>> >
>> I've been looking at this app. I have two sim cards in my phone, but
>> the app map only ever points to one cell tower at a time. Can a phone
>> use two cell towers at the same time? I am wondering if I should
>> switch off one of the sim cards. I am also doubtful about the
>> location of one of the towers as it appears to be in someone's back
>> garden. It could be inaccurate, or maybe it is one of those boosters.
>
> Ah sometimes it get the distance half [or double] what it really is,
> although I thought that bug was fixed.

This evening I went to the place where this cell tower was meant to be,
but it disappeared off the map, and my phone didn't connect to it. But
when I got back into the house it reappeared. It crossed my mind it
might be a reflection (bouncing off internal walls) of a tower in the
opposite direction. Are such things possible?

On 07/01/2024 13:35, Richmond wrote:
> "notya...@gmail.com" <notyalckram@gmail.com> writes:
>
>
>> Install Network Cell Info Lite to see what you are getting.
>>
>
> Can a phone usetwo cell towers at the same time?

3g phones will "soft handover" to the next cell as the signal gets a bit
stronger, which means that in some urban areas a phone could be in a
perpetual state of soft handover.

AFAIK there is no soft handover in 4G / LTE

On Monday 8 January 2024 at 08:36:34 UTC, Abandoned Trolley wrote:
> On 07/01/2024 13:35, Richmond wrote:
> > "notya...@gmail.com" <notya...@gmail.com> writes:
> >
> >
> >> Install Network Cell Info Lite to see what you are getting.
> >>
> >
> > Can a phone usetwo cell towers at the same time?
>
Dual SIM phone can.
>
>
> 3g phones will "soft handover" to the next cell as the signal gets a bit
> stronger, which means that in some urban areas a phone could be in a
> perpetual state of soft handover.
>
> AFAIK there is no soft handover in 4G / LTE