Vodafone Data Coverage

[northeastlife]

Hi can anyone tell me if using the Vodafone network via Lebara affects the data coverage. We have moved from EE via BT to Lebara and the data coverage is dreadful, often 4G doesn't work very well and it is often slow and I don't often see a 5G signal. Can anyone advise please.

[Jason]

Hi @northeastlife. We would recommend out our Network Status Checker online. This tool will advise you on how our network’s performing where you are, including up-to-date information on anything going on that might be affecting your signal and services. 

[northeastlife]

I have already done this hence why we switched to a provider using the Vodafone Network as it showed that the signal indoors at home was stronger than with EE, voice calls would drop out for a past time. We have moved and voice calls are great and data at home is ok. However data elsewhere seems to be very unreliable, we travel a lot and have noticed that for example on the motorways the data signal compared to EE is poor. When I have a 4G signal it seems to run very slowly and drop out, in short the coverage really isn't as good as we had with EE. Can you please tell me if Vodafone prioritise their direct customers ahead of the likes of me on Lebara? Lebara is mega cheap and there has to be a reason. 

[japitts]

Whether there is prioritisation of traffic is for VF to answer. There certainly isn't any difference in coverage, locked-bands or suchlike.

Did you test your coverage using a PAYG SIM prior to moving? That's standard advice rather than relying on a desktop prediction. EE are well-regarded for coverage on a national basis, all networks have localised poor areas.

[northeastlife]

Thank you for your reply, the EE signal in our house was awful and was the only reason we switched. The signal in the house with Vodafone is way better which matches with the signal map that I research on a comparison website. In answer to your question no I didn't test the signal with a PAYG SIM, it didn't even occur to me. Been with EE for year but mast changes in the last couple of years has weakened the signal at home. Once again, thank you for your response, I'm not sure what my next move will be when the 12 month contact with Lebara is up. Do you know anything about at home signal boosters? Thank you once again for taking time to reply, it really is appreciated.

[japitts]

Ofcom approved signal boosters are ££several hundred typically.

WiFi-calling is always a good solution if indoor coverage in one location is an issue, I rely on it myself. It's wide area coverage that can't be patched in a similar way.

[northeastlife]

Thank you very much for your advice