Fed up with slow data connections in SW England

[Anonymous]

I've been with O2 now for 8/9 years and have always been happy with their service, in particular, their excellent UK based customer service and the odd perks I get.

However, im getting really fed up lately of slow data speeds around the South West.  I have a HTC One M8 which runs extremely fast on 4G in places like London, but when I head back from London to Exeter, my data speed is mostly "G".  

When it switches to "E", this is basically useless as it never works.  

In Exeter central I get "H".  But overall, the data speeds are incredibly slow and i'm struggling to understand why it is that in 2014, we have to put up with these incredibly slow connections.  Its ok talking about 4G but how about upgrading people to 3G first?  

I'm also puzzled to not see Exeter on the list of cities to have 4G in the near future.  

I really want to stay with O2, but while companies such as EE strive ahead and seem to have stable high speed data connections across the UK, O2 seems to be stagnant and out of date (unless you live in London).  

Come on O2, modernise your network in the SW.

[jonsie]

Unfortunately it's a slow process and vast areas are suffering from mast congestion and lenghthy mast repair times. I'm quite happy now on EE unfortunately (for O2) as I lost patience with the coverage in my area. I,m in Thailand with a local sim and there is no problems with any of the networks here.

[Anonymous]

Hi @Anonymous

Welcome to the community forum.

O2 can't / wont pre release 4G Rollout information like other Networks do which is something we here have fed back to the network that many are unhappy about.

Black spots do exist which can also affect end users.

The network is improving its masts and one piece of official info given is Network Future -> http://www.o2.co.uk/connectivity/network-coverage but for a person having issues now this can seem a long way off. 😒

O2 offers Tugo App for use on WiFi as a help.

If a person is not locked into a contract and signal issues exist, then the option of using a PAC Code to move their number to another network could be the extreme end result. (checking firstly that any new network gives good signal where they reside, commute and work by testing them out via Payg Sim Cards) and if the phone is locked to O2 ,and a person wants to test out alternative Network SIM cards on their phone then it can be unlocked via https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset%20Unlocking%20Form which is Free to Contract Customers and £15 to Payg (T&C apply to Payg)

I appreciate you haven't said your ready to move Networks as you've been happy ,but you have mentioned other Networks giving more stable speeds , I assume you've been looking and considering, so I just point this out as it's an alternative to the issues you state.

Whichever avenue you take I hope things get better for you.

[Anonymous]

It isn't much better in the Fens, it's not as if there's any mountains in the way!
I've tried different networks and O2 used to be the best back for coverage back in 2004, but hasn't improved much since then!
I'm currently using 3 in my 5 and get 3G in most places and sometimes 4G.

[Anonymous]

A person can check where their masts are here http://sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/search to see if any obstructions etc could be causing issues.

[jonsie]

If changing networks is an option I wouldn't let the very few perks that O2 offer stop you to be honest, especially due to the length of time this problem has existed. I'm still getting used to the novelty of seeing 4G at the top of my phone 

[Anonymous]

I'm in North Devon and extremely rarely i got H or H+.

I gave up in the end, cancelled my contract early, and moved to EE. Now 95% of the time i see H+ on my phone! 

[Cleoriff]

It really does look as if the time has come to try another network. It is no good remaining loyal if you can't use your phone properly...:smileysad:

[MI5]

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@Anonymous wrote:
A person can check where their masts are here http://sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/search to see if any obstructions etc could be causing issues.

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Excellent advice !!

[Anonymous]

It also tells you if transmitter is GSM/UMTS!