3g Coverage

[mikkyh]

Does anybody know if 3G coverage is set to expand ? Yes, most big areas have it but many don't. I am just wondering wether or not the 3G coverage will be getting better and perhaps how long it's going to take for Vodafone and other mobile broadband providers to rollout 3G to other areas.

Thanks

Just a general enquiry about 3G (so yes it does belong in the mobile broadband forum )

mikkyh

[DPH]

3G sites are still being rolled out so the coverage will improve, have you checked the planned coverage maps to see if it will be in your area in the next 6-12months?

Each site that is added can cost anything from £50,000so it's normally a commercial decision where and when the sites will be added.

[Retired-Jon_V]

Hi Mikkyh,

We are continuously rolling out more 3G coverage daily, and have invested a significant amount of money in network improvements this year - in fact, a massive amount more than we've ever spent on network improvements in the past - so Vodafone is definitely the one to stick with if you're looking to the future of data networks.

There can often be problems with finding suitable sites for masts in some areas, either due to local concerns or environmental impact, but we are constantly working on bringing 3G to 100% coverage

Jon

eForum Team

[ja1]

Can I ask a supplementary question? I do not have mobile broadband, but I am considering a USB Modem. On the coverage maps Red is 3g broadband, dark blue is standard service. I would like to know if the USB modem continues to work (but slower) in the “standard” areas? Does it just select its “fastest possible” means of communicating or does the user have to select a mode (or service)? I live in a 3g (red) area, but would want it to work in a standard (blue) area too.

I have tried looking at the "future coverage" maps for the areas that I am interested in, but there is no difference! ... maybe one day.

[DPH]

You are absolutely right in your thinking - the USB modem will work just fine in GPRS coverage, albeit slower than when on 3G. It does select the fastest possible speed it can by default, although there is an option in some versions of the software which allow you to select 3G only.

[ja1]

You are absolutely right in your thinking - the USB modem will work just fine in GPRS coverage, albeit slower than when on 3G. It does select the fastest possible speed it can by default, although there is an option in some versions of the software which allow you to select 3G only.

Thank's DPH. I would not want to get it and then discover it is useless when not at home! I know that data rates are variable with network load etc. but I would still need to access normal web pages (like the BBC news) with a mixture of text and small images; but the web site does not really say that this is OK, and the assertion that the standard service is for "Voice, Text Messaging, Picture Messaging, Mobile Email" (http://maps.vodafone.co.uk/coverageviewer/web/default.aspx) does not tell me that web viewing is OK but slow. I am familiar with the "old" landline modems, so I can cope with "slow". Thank's again.

[Retired-Lee]

Hi there ja1,

DPH has already done my job for me, cheers DPH.

I have nothing further to add.

Cheers,

leeH
eForum Team