ML12 - Biggar Network outage?

[GreenIT]

1) Does the issue happen in just one location? - Mobile network unavailable in office.

If so, how far do you have to travel to regain service? - It was OK while at home, 3 miles away before coming into work.

2) What is the full postcode - ML12 6DA

3) Does the issue occur if you try your SIM card in a different phone?

- Yes, and across multiple handsets.

4) What errors are seen or heard when the issue occurs?  - On most handsets we see "Emergency Calls only".  Some handsets are showing "No signal"

5) Does this happen on 2G, 3G, 4G or all?  - It occurs on 2 and 3G.  There is no or limted 4G coverage in this are, so that hasn't been tested.

6) When did you first notice this issue? 09:15 today.

7) Is the issue permanent or intermittent? If intermittent, are there certain times of the day when it occurs?  - It appears hard down, not intermittent.  All Company mobiles at this location have no mobile service, the same with all private mobiles that are on the Vodafone network which we've been able to check.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi,

Your local masts are not showing at issue. 

However your surrounding masts are. 

"We've fixed an issue in this area recently. Sorry if you noticed any disruption - things should have been back to normal since 12.39pm 25 Feb 2017"

"We'll be doing some work on our network in this area to improve your calls, texts and data coverage. Sorry if you notice any disruption. We're expecting to start work on 8.30am 02 Mar 2017 and to have things back to normal by 4.30pm 02 Mar 2017. Everything else should be working fine."

Issues with surrounding masts can occasionally have an impact on local masts if vodafone are re routing network traffic to compensate. 

The checker also highlights your postcode is in a patchy fringe area for 3G & 4G. 

Options such as a Sure Signal that works off Home Broadband to create a 3G signal in the home will help but does cost £69 for the device. Appreciate paying out for a Sure Signal isn't always palatable for a person but it is a solution.
 
Another option for people on an eligible tariffs and phones is Vodafone Calling Over Wifi. 

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/explore/network/network-improvements/wi-fi-calling/index.htm

Vodafone Network Checker.

[lukimac22]

 
1) Does the issue happen in just one location? If so, how far do you have to travel to regain service? Travel 10 miles to Carmichael and it is ok again
 
2) What is the full postcode ML12 6RY of where the issue occurs? If you don't want this showing on the Community, add it to your profile here.
 
3) Does the issue occur if you try your SIM card in a different phone? YES
 
4) What errors are seen or heard when the issue occurs? Unable to dial out on any Vodafone number
 
5) Does this happen on 2G, 3G, 4G or all? ALL
    
6) When did you first notice this issue? 0200 on 27th feb 2017
 
7) Is the issue permanent or intermittent? If intermittent, are there certain times of the day when it occurs? PERMANANT

[GreenIT]

Thankyou BandOfBrothers.  I too can see the network status for the masts at Symington, Libberton and Abington.  This data corresponds with outages that some of our staff living locally to the office reported over the weekend from home.

Although useful for some, we would prefer not to purchase an after market device to workaround problems on the Vodafone network: afterall, the ability to make and recieve calls is what we pay for.

Your post suggests that Vodafone might be re-routing calls after issues at the nearby masts over the weekend.  How do we alert Vodafone that despite the information from the network status tool, there are issues both here and in the local area as noted by lukimac22?

[BandOfBrothers]

Vodafone Tech Teams read all posts here. 

They will catch up with this thread and I'm sure feedback the information back up to the networking teams. 

I truly appreciate your viewpoint on the purchase of a SS but this is a known option. 

Sadly even in this day and age all Networks have fringe coverage and Not Spots. 

Calling Over Wifi could be an option if eligible. 

[GreenIT]

I've just popped out in the car and found the Symington mast about 3 miles from here is live.  Now back in the office and the Biggar area is back online again too, so our staff are back on the network.

Thanks for the info re Vodafone engineering.

[lukimac22]

Vodafone/band Moffat brothers. It's all gone dark again. Signal disappeared as per this morning and cannot dial out. What is the bloody problem

[GreenIT]

Same here now in Symington since about 18:00. Don't know about Biggar. Both work and personal mobile off network.

[Jenny · Accepted solution]

@GreenIT and @lukimac22 - There was a fault with a site in your area which was resolved last night.

You can see this on our network status checker.

Let us know if you have any further problems.