text: Looking for feedback about Three (mobile phone network) - Olympus UK E-System User Group
  Looking for feedback about Three (mobile phone network)
  HELP! Looking for feedback about Three (mobile phone network)
  16th January 2014, 12:36 PM
  I am not ashamed to say that I'm committing to full time use of a Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone to replace my two year old Samsung Galaxy Note. As the Lumia 1020 is 4G compatible I've 99% decided to switch from T-Mobile (far too expensive and limited for 4G) to Three. Yes they are the last to offer 4G and their roll-out is very early-stage, but they have a high-spec 3G data service in the mean time and they are offering some excellent value unlimited data sim-only deals at the moment with no added-cost 4G upgrades as the expand their 4G network.
  So - do you use Three and what's your experience? Have heard that customer service is poor but I have to say my limited experience so far is very good...?
  Re: Looking for feedback about Three (mobile phone network)
  Customer service is great when just starting, Ian, almost non-existent afterwards. I had to go through the Ombudsman to sort out Overcharging, very slow broadband speeds and very threatening letters. Took three very fraught months to disentangle myself from them.
  I found the only way to get any attention was to stop the Direct Debit, amazing how fast they got in touch then.
  16th January 2014, 02:49 PM
  A relative who works all over the country tells me that it has worse coverage than any other network. He works out in the countryside and hardly ever can make a call whereas his colleagues are able to get a signal on other networks much more frequently. He is counting the hours until he is out of contract!
  I'm told they have great coverage in towns and cities, so you may be OK, depending on where you intend to use it.
  16th January 2014, 03:41 PM
  Same here. Very good rates for wireless data, but of no practical benefit if there's no signal! And their data coverage is much more limited than their voice coverage - you have to check carefully to make sure you don't end up with pocket-ballast.
  Interesting - has to be said the comments so far remind me of T-Mobile! My understanding is that 3 shares the EE (T-Mobile and Orange) network when one of their masts is out of range.
  16th January 2014, 08:13 PM
  If you are out of contract and own the phone go giffgaff. Piggy backs on O2 network. £15 a month with no contract, 500mins, unlimited data, unlimited text, cheap international, no 4G but it is on the way. £10 a month if 1G data is enough.
  All other providers are a rip off and tie you into expensive contracts. It is cheaper to buy a phone outright (even an iphone) and go giffgaff.
  Disclosure: no connection just a happy customer. However if you do join do it via this link http://giffgaff.com/orders/affiliate/simonknee then I get a free £5 credit and I think you do too!
  I bought a handset on 3 a few years ago as a present for my wife with a years contract paid - all was well for that year apart from poor reception a lot of the time out of town. At the end of the year she wanted to change and keep her number (which she had transferred to her 3 phone) and the trouble we had with 3 customer service was unbelievable. The cost of the calls to them to get the change done was probably the same as a months line rental! The frustration of my wife (and mine having to try and calm her down again after each call) you couldn't put a price on but it would be VERY high!
  I cannot recommend the 3 network at all - I recommend you steer well clear!
  I have been with 02 since they were Cellnet (and analogue ) and whilst they may not be the cheapest I have never had a major customer service issue - haggling for the best new upgrade every two years is par for the course - and the reception where I need it is good enough most of the time.
  I've just binned off T-mobile in favour of 3 on the recommendation of a friend. He's chuffed to bits with the price and coverage. All singing 1 year sim only contract at £10 a month after a discount discount was far far cheaper than anywhere else. Plus I can tether and they'll upgrade me to 4G when its ready for free (not that my current phone is 4G).
  As I'm mostly in London its fine and coverage at everywhere else that I go is fine with T-mobile and as such should be good with 3 but that is yet to be seen.
  I always expect poor customer service with mobile network providers and car insurance companies - its abuot the one place I just accept it and realise if there is an issue it'll boil my blood whilst I sort it out. For £10 a month I expect very little in the way of customer service, T mobile at £27 a month previously had nothing to offer at almost three times the price...
  17th January 2014, 03:52 PM
  Yes in London you'll get coverage. Good luck past Watford Gap! Innit?
  I am with Three, and find the service, coverage and tariff excellent. I have had probably the best experience with this mobile provider than with any other - and I have in the past been with Orange (never again), Vodafone, and O2.
  They are also offering a free upgrade to 4G with my iPhone whenever it is rolled out across the country.
  Heather is with Three, too - though not on contract - she has one of their pay monthly plans - which is still awesome for £15.
  What specifically do you wish to know about?
  I've been looking around too. I'm in dispute with EE (ex T Mobile) as since May last year I can't use my phone at work as they turned the two nearby masts off. It's been fine for the last 8 years. Their response to my complaint? We are a mobile network and don't expect our customers to use their phone in one place! It's with the ombudsman now.
  In the meantime I'm using a GiffGaff PAYG sim. I pay £10 a month, to get enough minutes, and data, but I haven't yet been close to the 1gb. I did have a problem from Dec 23rd to 31st with no signal at home and not much info from O2, but as soon as it was back GiffGaff refunded the non signal days within minutes. The £10 goody bag works out cheaper for me than 3, plus it depends on the EE network.