Data network keeps dropping

[Jo38]

Hi,

I am travelling in Oregon with my Samsung 5G eSim phone. Phone reception seems to be pretty good on various networks, but my data network keeps dropping so I can't look at websites etc. I've tried changing my network status to remove 5G as an option but the problem still occurs. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jo

[Jo38]

Should have added, that if I restart my phone the data network is restored, but this only lasts a short period.

[MI5]

@Jo38 

O2 have placed a speed restriction on data when using O2 Travel which is 0.5mbps.

Your data will be working but as it's so slow, operations will time out.

Many travellers use a local sim for data when in USA or just rely on Wi-Fi hotspots.

[Jo38]

Thanks @MI5 , but when it happens I get 'No data connection' message and calls sometimes go to 'Emergency calls only', would you expect that if it was just slow? Why would re-starting the phone always fix the problem (albeit just for a while)? I'm suspicious that my eSIM 'card' is the root cause (O2 removed my old sim, so the eSIM is all I have on my phone).

[MI5]

@Jo38 

In that case it sounds like your phone is dropping the entire signal, not just data and is struggling to maintain a connection to the network.

As you suspect, it could be the eSim causing the issue, but try manually searching for and selecting a different network to see if it still does it.

[Jo38 · Accepted solution]

Interesting, had a software update a couple of days ago and so far (fingers crossed) the phone has been behaving itself.

Many thanks for the posts @MI5 

[MI5]

Good news @Jo38 👍

[Capvermell]

@MI5 How the hell do O2 get away with placing a speed restriction on data use when overseas, especially for customers who do not have a contract extension covering that use and so will be paying ridiculous per Mb or per day charges.

Surely they can be successfully taken to the Ombudsman over such blatantly cynical and contemptuous treatment of their customers?

[MI5]

It's all covered in the T&C's @Capvermell so yes, they can.

No one outside of O2 agrees with it but it's there in black and white for everyone to read and accept when taking the service.

[Bambino]

@Capvermell Going to the Ombudsman would be a complete waste of time and energy. O2 have covered themselves, and you agreed to it when you took your contract:

O2 | Mobile Terms and Conditions - O2 Travel Terms and Conditions