Note 3. Finding networks abroad

[Cleoriff]

I go to Spain a lot. I have never had a problem finding Movistar (preferred network) when I land in Malaga.

Even back in the day before smartphones.... when I used Nokia and  Motorola Razr's, connection was quick.

My Samsung S3 connected immediately as well. It found the network automatically

However, I have a major problem since I have changed to a Note 3.

When I turn it on it displays No network. If I attempt to find Movistar it takes an age to 'register' and connect.

I find this quite disappointing (particularly when I can hear other phones have connected)

Any ideas why this should be a problem?

[MI5]

I think it's just coincidence as sometimes when I land somewhere my phone connects immediately and sometimes it takes a while.
Recently, when in Germany it took around 20 mins for my phone to register on a network and that was including me doing a manual network search, so it can be hit and miss.....

[Cleoriff]

One question then......would it have anything to do with Smart network switch being ticked (no laughter allowed)

[Beenherebefore]

Is it more to do with the construction of the building ?

I always lose signal whenever I'm in my local Tesco and ASDA but never when I'm in my local Sainsburys. Tesco and ASDA are of an insulated, metal clad construction but the Sainsburys is a conventional block/brick construction.

[Cleoriff]

The building is no different from when I had my S3.

Actually I never wait till I am inside the building.....I turn my phone on as soon as the plane lands.

I just can't see why I would have problems with a so called 'superior' phone

[MI5]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

One question then......would it have anything to do with Smart network switch being ticked (no laughter allowed)

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No, it shouldn't make any difference.

[Cleoriff]

I have to say once it has found Movistar, it remains constant and never drops out when I am in Spain

When I land back in the UK it finds O2 immediately.

I just find it so annoying that this is happening with a 'smarter' phone.

[jonsie]

I had a similar problem in Thailand strangely enough. The Note 2 with an EE sim found DTAC immediately whereas the Note 4 with the O2 sim found AIS after 3-4 minutes. I wonder if it's simply a learning curve for the 'smart' phone, the Note 2 was originally Thai whereby it was the first time I had taken the Note 4 from these shores?

No doubt I will know in April....

[Cleoriff]

In fairness @jonsie  I was prepared to give the Note 3 the benefit of the doubt when I travelled in December

I thought ok....now you have found Movistar 'eventually' ....you should have no problem when we come back again.

In January it was just the same. (In fact I was off the plane and got to passport control before it found the network) A good 10 minutes....

I can't be alone thinking that 'It could do better'...

[Cleoriff]

Just revisiting this thread to update.

I am pleased to say THIS time (on the third visit back to Malaga) the Note 3 found the network immediately.

I was going to switch to GSM only to try...but thought No.... I will give 'her' one last chance...

Landed...turned phone on as we were taxiing up to the gate....a few seconds later my text from O2 came in telling me I was now roaming....

So all good to go. Must have heard me having a moan....