I am ot telling you something new but it makes me feel better to vent!

[Robtheupset]

Hi everyone! Let me tell you a bit about myself and my telecom journey. I've lived in four countries and had my fair share of experiences with major telecom providers. In Australia, I worked with Telstra; in the U.S., it was Verizon; in Canada, Rogers; and here in the UK, I’m currently with O2 after switching from EE for the (hopefully) better pricing. I thought the service couldn’t get any worse than EE, but I was in for a surprise!

If you’re not familiar, the UK has some of the world’s worst mobile network coverage and speed—and it’s costly too. With only three major providers, there’s little incentive for them to really compete or innovate. We don’t have the likes of T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T to keep them on their toes. And that lack of competition shows.

Here’s my gripe: when you’re signing up, they’re all over you with smiles and offers, but once you’re locked into a contract, it’s like you’re invisible. Need help with an issue? Good luck battling through their automated phone system, listening to tinny hold music, and getting absolutely nowhere. It’s night and day compared to companies like Apple or Amazon, which know a thing or two about excellent customer service. Why can’t O2—or any UK provider—aim higher?

Instead of flashy gimmicks like concert tickets, how about investing in the basics? I don’t want 5G in every nook and cranny; I want a solid, reliable 4G signal that doesn’t drop my calls or sound like I’m talking through a tin can—especially right in the city center. So here’s to hoping O2 and others can start delivering the service we deserve in this century. Stay tuned—I've got plenty more to say!

[Peter_L]

Hi @Enlli. Yes, I've got now a new eSIM with 5G SA support and everything works fine, thank you

[Oxonian]

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@Peter_L wrote:

Hi @jonsie I don't understand why they don't try to improve speeds of their networks. They must be aware that at some places although you have a full 5G signal, you can't open a single website... Do they don't use their network at all?

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I think @Peter_L that the reason might be that it costs money - lots of money. 

The only thing that would force O2 - and any other mobile network operator - to invest heavily in their infrastructure is if a mass exodus of customers was on the horizon. But inertia, cost, fear of the unknown and the fact that the other MNOs might be no better in some locations means that is not going to happen.

Of course, it is more complicated that that because of variations from town to town and area to area. I have just done a speedtest and O2 is giving me a download speed of 152Mbps ; but I do appreciate that is far from being everyone's experience. 👍 

[Oxonian]

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@Peter_L wrote:

Hi @Oxonian yes, you might be right, contracts are definitely cheaper than in a past. I just don't understand why do we need 4G/5G networks really for if we can't even open a simple website and speeds are terrible

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One reason is that 5g is good for publicity purposes @Peter_L.

Let's face it, no network that is hoping to remain credible can say we are not bothering with 5G ! 👍