Bad network coverage

[LEO_MCCREA]

Hi, I have been with Vodafone since May and complained three times as I am not getting adequate network coverage. Many times within a mile of my house I am unable to connect to the internet, receive emails and use apps. 
I have tried complaining but just get fobbed off and they say if I end my contract they’ll charge me the full amount of my contract. Any help? 

[Cynric]

@LEO_MCCREA Did you follow these steps? https://forum.vodafone.co.uk/t5/Network-queries/Network-issues-initial-checks-and-template/td-p/2622...

What is your definition of inadequate network coverage?

Have you tried turning off WiFi on the phone when you are out of the house?

[LEO_MCCREA]

Yes I have done all the trouble shooting steps and still I have limited data within a half mile of my house. Either no bars, or EE service that doesn’t work or sometimes 2 bars but apps won’t load or google maps. 

I have reset network settings, changed APNs, restarted device, erased device and reset up 

at this stage I would really like to leave Vodafone as I have complained 4 times now 

[Cynric]

@LEO_MCCREA Some phones have a setting for how they cascade through the different cell frequencies, do you have an option to change it? Are you in a location that is hilly or rural?

[LEO_MCCREA]

No I am reporting bad signal displayed on my phone which means I can’t access data 

I am in a city area that is showing good coverage on Vodafone’s network coverage checker 

[japitts]

---

@Cynric wrote:

@LEO_MCCREA Some phones have a setting for how they cascade through the different cell frequencies, do you have an option to change it?

---

When you refer to "different cell frequencies", are you talking about 2G/3G/4G/5G? These are radio access technologies, not frequencies - if so.

There is no "out of the box" software that will allow locking to specific frequency bands, and quite rightly so. Android phones can only do so if rooted, I'm not sure about Apple.

[Cynric]

@japitts You mean these frequencies then? https://www.4g.co.uk/4g-frequencies-uk-need-know/

Some Android devices have options to drop though 2/3/4 and 2/3 and other varieties thereof. On my phone the setting is called "preferred network type".

There are some software apps that will attempt to keep the device connected to a particular tower.

[japitts]

2G, 3G, 4G & 5G are radio access technologies - RAT for short. Each of those technologies operate on specific frequency bands. That list you've quoted isn't exhaustive, but is a basic guide.

2G & 3G were generally operated on one or two bands, but 4G & 5G use multiple - all of this is transparent to end-users, most of whom neither know nor care about such things.

There are ways to lock devices to specific sites (eNB/gNB), bands or even individual carriers (EARFCN) but these should not be undertaken without good radio access knowledge.

[japitts]

---

@LEO_MCCREA wrote:

Hi, I have been with Vodafone since May and complained three times as I am not getting adequate network coverage. Many times within a mile of my house I am unable to connect to the internet, receive emails and use apps

---

Are you reporting poor coverage levels? Or inability to connect to mobile data whilst coverage is displayed? It's quite possible to have poor speeds with excellent coverage, or vice-versa.

The two are different - and have different causes.

[LEO_MCCREA]

Hi there 

No I am reporting bad signal displayed on my phone which means I can’t access data - been happening for 4 months