topic Re: O2 4G is here - and .............. in Pay Monthly

O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:01:11 GMT

I have been trying unsuccessfully for months to find out when O2 might extend 4G coverage to Northern Ireland. If the Gurus know they are not telling and when I checked on O2's online Network Coverage checker this morning it simply said there is no 4G coverage in that location. So I was very surprised to receive a text message from O2 at about 17:00 hrs today saying "O2 4g is here". Then came a bigger surprise. "We are giving you access at no extra cost from 24 April" There is a link to "find out how to set up so you can use 4G when you are out and about...."

Now call me a cynic - but WHAT IS THE CATCH? I have a Galaxy S4 that I got from O2 in February 2014. Will I need a new SIM Card? Will I need to download many gigabytes of new software? Will it upset all my stored data, contacts etc etc?

What pit falls should I be looking for?

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

MI5 — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:04:32 GMT

to get 4g you need to be:
1 - In a 4g location
2 - Have 4g turned on in settings
3 - Have a 4g sim card
4 - have a 4g tariff.

1, 3 & 4 should be covered but you may need a small carrier update from O2 to be able to enable 4G.
Check in settings, mobile networks to see if you can choose LTE preferred.....

ps. It won't delete or upset any of your data or contacts etc.....

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:17:12 GMT

Thanks MI5 - not quite sure what LTE preferred means. My S4 seems to be set to select preferred network automatically, though a list of 4 operators is shown O2, vodafone uk, EE and 3UK. The selected Network mode is shown as 4G/3G/2G(auto connect).

Don't know what I am getting excited about since I don't really use that much streaming. Not in to muisc and videos and fast moving games. I just like a fast internet connection for the things I do like and if 4G can help then I'd like it.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

MI5 — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:22:44 GMT

Some phones say LTE and some say 4G, but it "means" the same thing - Sounds like you should be all setup ready to go

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:36:15 GMT

Oh good - will let you know how it goes. Hope the few grey cells I have left can cope with it all.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 05:38:57 GMT

Once you have 4G @Anonymous you'll love it.

I typically attain 50mbps download speeds which are faster than my fibre optic broadband.

Obviously speeds will be different across the Uk.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 07:48:57 GMT

I stayed on 3g instead of moving to 4G due to coverage.

I live 8 miles south of London and in a pretty urban area but for some reason the coverage is better in the middle of the golf course behind my house than it is in a road full of shops lol

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 07:51:07 GMT

It is weird how coverage fluctuate.

Structures and trees etc can affect signal.

Hopefully as the Network improves you'll be able to take up these awesome 4G speeds.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 14:16:23 GMT

Gerry, where in NI are you? I can probably bet that if 4G launches soon in NI (finally) it'll be for Belfast first, then Derry, then a few months before the 2017 deadline, most other parts will get it.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 14:32:58 GMT

There is no catch they are doing thus now think it's to match 3 all great for the customer

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 17:27:25 GMT

catch is probably that there is no 4G available anywhere near you. I had the same text and excitedly went through the setup mprocedure, received a text that I had been "upgraded" and should power-cycle my phone. Spent all day in the center of Cardiff and switched phone off many times with no sign of 4G signal. Now I get home I check O2 web site and there is no coverage anywhere in Wales (or even Bristol by the look of it).

SO basically I have been given free access to something that I cannot access. Gee thanks O2.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 17:54:48 GMT

The plus is you're set up for when O2 carries out its improvements ref it's Network updates

http://www.o2.co.uk/connectivity/network-coverage/the-next-big-thing

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:49:24 GMT

To be honest I serioulsy doubt if O2 know where Northern Ireland is. I share your frustration GeeJayBee - but I suppose it is good to know we at least have "free" access if and when it does becaome available which will probably be 6 months after they start work on 5G.

Mustn't complain - with my trusty S4 and a little assistance from Google Maps I was able to navigate my way to the ruins of a 7th century monastic site in County Down. Who needs 4G anyway!! ;o))

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:50:35 GMT

As my Dad used to say "Live old horse and you'll get grass"! Or as Baden Powell used to say - "Be prepared!"

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

tullyhubbert — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 21:38:18 GMT

Another from Northern Ireland here (North Down). I've received no messages promising free but unobtainable 4G yet.

Will all pay monthly customers (I'm SIM only) get a free 4G upgrade, seems very generous? How do you go about getting a new SIM, my current is a standard sized SIM chopped down to fit in a Micro SIm Lumia.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

MI5 — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 21:43:56 GMT

Just call 202 or go in to an o2 shop. If done in store they will start the sim swap process or if ordered on 202 you can do the sim swap online.

http://swapmysim.o2.co.uk

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:50:46 GMT

Hi TullyHubbert - I was in the O2 shop in Lisburn this morning (25 April) and they told me O2 expect 4G to be available here from end of May 2014.

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

paulbacon — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 06:35:27 GMT

I got a text last night from o2 saying they're "upgrading our network" where i live in the next few days so sorry if i lose service. Does upgrading mean 4G? I cant imagine why a small village where i live would get 4G when the town centre near me hasnt yet

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 06:39:24 GMT

Upgrading could mean their improving the 2G / 3G part of the mast and yes it could be readying the mast(s) for 4G.

Put your full postcode here to see if more info is available for your area.

http://status.o2.co.uk

Re: O2 4G is here - and ..............

adamtemp64 — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 06:40:00 GMT

@paulbacon check the status page it may list your area and what planned work is being done http://status.o2.co.uk