Boost box - Hang your heads in shame O2

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys - first post and its gonna be a moan

I have been a loyal O2 customer (15ish years, initially on pay monthly then later simplicity - only ever had one year with Vodafone previous to that and some work phones on Orange) but the way O2 has treated their customers regarding the roll out of Boost boxes has appalled me

I had heard about these first via Vodafone who not only made them available much sooner (and I know of many people who switched purely on the strength of this product so that shows the gravity of their appeal), they more importantly made them available to EVERYONE (not just business custmers), and, at a fraction of the price (around a third of the cost I believe for what it appears is essentially the same product)

I should also point out that people are only having to purchase these products to get the service (reception) that they are already paying O2 to supply but not receiving so charging for such a product (which is essentially to fill in the gaps in your network) at all should be frowned upon

I have also spoken to various O2 staff regarding this, most agree it is wrong but they don't make the rules.

I am also amazed as to how many people work at O2 and don't know that this item is available - I even had one guy who told me during a live web chat that O2 definitely did not sell such a product, so, I sent him the link to it from the O2 website. I spoke with one tonight and he suggested that I did not need this unit as the TUGO app would be simpler/easier, except that I cannot find it in the app store and a quick Google suggests it hasnt been launched yet (although he clearly was under the impression it was)

In conclusion I am very disappointed with the way O2 has handled this - it very much seems that despite years of loyal service to the O2 brand not to mention the several thousand pounds it cost for the privelidge I cannot recieve the same products/sevices as a new O2 business customer that signed up today

I would very much like to hear why O2 believe this was the correct course of action in this instance, and more importantly taking in to consideration the points above, how they could ever consider this as "Fair"?

[Liquid · Accepted solution]

Is there any options within the boost box? I presume you can access it like a router?

Surely the option to add in a new number for service would be within there:/

[Anonymous]

"Is there any options within the boost box? I presume you can access it like a router?

Surely the option to add in a new number for service would be within there:/"

Good question Liquid and one I had pondered about myself, I intend to bring the unit home with me and see what (if anything) is possible although part of me feels that there needs to be some intervention from O2

If it turns out to be that easy then great, still doesnt explain why O2 choose not to offer a possible solution to everyone when there are no other options at present

[Anonymous]

"The box does not need to be registered it just needs to be on O2 signal. I could explain port forwarding but I am not intelligent enough."

Don't worry about it - I deal with port forwarding almost every day

well if that is the case then you would surely know what you are talking about and understand the principle behind it plus more importantly you could have helped your friend out. 

You do not personally have a issue and the only person you are whining about is a friend with a business that could get access to the 'boostbox' you so vehemently support. So what is the issue?

The cost which as a business is peanuts to get constant service and can claim back through his accountant I thought was the issue but its not. You want it to be available to everybody when O2 are investing in a solution that makes the cost not necessary and a product redundant. 

What exactly is 'your' issue? The emphasis is on your.

Lets look at the signal issue, your friend ( not you) has moved his business to a blackspot. Who is to blame for that? O2, vodafone, T-mobile. 

You stated earlier that the service should already be in place but no carrier provides a signal there but that seems to be solely O2's problem. He (not you) has the option to try a boost box from O2 or alternatively he could pay out his contract and join vodafone yet still no guarantee he will get a solution to his problem. 

The easiest solution at no cost is to forward his calls and texts but 'you' think that is not acceptable even though it is not your issue. 

TUGO has an imminent release, this has been beta tested by O2 staff and a select customer base and based on reports will be available within weeks. Yet you think a product that has been shown to show varying results is the way to go and O2 should invest in this. 

Lets point out the obvious here, your friend could have checked the signal before moving his business and then we would not have had to read your posts. He chose not too. 

The boostbox only being provided to business customers has been explained already but you seem unable to grasp it. 

By the way, i never insulted you I told the truth. You would know if I had insulted you. 

I suggest you take your friendship, so called intellect and do something productive with it rather than writing nonsense on a customer forum.

[Anonymous]

If it turns out to be that easy then great, still doesnt explain why O2 choose not to offer a possible solution to everyone when there are no other options at present

There is a option for your friend and there will be a better solution very soon. I wish O2 would give you a personal mast. 

[MI5]

There's more nibbles on here than at a Tuperware party

[Anonymous]

Love it MI5. 

[adamtemp64]

O2 boost box requires it to be issued by O2 and then O2 associate the imei etc to the boost box for the amount of numbers allowed( depends on initial price of bost box) they work under the license issued to O2 by ofcom and must be able to be disabled by the network operator.

info in the enterprise section

o2 and Vodafone actually use different frequency allocations within the 900 MHz 1800mhz and 2100 MHz band the boost box provides a 3G service on the 2100mhz band so the variants may be customised by the supplier for o2's 2100 MHz allocation.

just my take on the background.

if O2 have taken the decision to issue to corporate / business only is there decision but it is not even listed on the sme section only corporate.

perhaps if the business that has the boost box contacts the numbers in the guide that was supplied with the box then they may get connected. 

T&c for boost box http://www.o2.co.uk/termsandconditions/business/boostbox-terms

http://www.o2.co.uk/enterprise/products-and-services/managed-networks/internet says how to contact O2 re boostbox but as the business did not buy the service/box from O2 they may not help

[Anonymous]

@adamtemp64

As I have said you can buy a o2 frequency box from the supplier and if you know what you are doing you can set it up yourself.

[adamtemp64]

http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/mobile-wireless-broadband/cellular-wireles...

suggests only units issued direct by the operators are legal for use in the uk.

i am now leaving the thread after posting the facts.

[Liquid]

Adam is correct on that basis, however because its not a cell repeater and it only aquires signal then pushes them through a broadband connection I'm not sure if this falls into that jurisdiction:/