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

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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))

[Anonymous]

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

[tullyhubbert]

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.

[MI5]

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

[Anonymous]

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. 

[paulbacon]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[adamtemp64]

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