Full signal but very slow 4G speed

[NetEng31]

Hi,

I have an Iphone 13 pro with 2 eSIM's, 1 of then is from o2, the other from a provider in Belgium that uses the EE network.

When I'm working in central London and out of WiFi coverage I'm getting 6,5Mbps Down and 6,8Mbps UP. Which is reasonable but as soon as I get a little less signal it drops to 1Mbps or less.

However on my Belgium eSIM that is using EE I'm getting 47Mbps Down and 5Mbps up (to a server in Belgium!!), in the same spot. 
I'd imagine I'm a 'low priority' client on the EE network as I'm roaming. 

I've noticed even just out and about it was so bad with o2, tried disabling 5G, turning off and on. I would have times where I couldn't buy my train ticket. 

Last weeks I've swapped to using my other BE eSIM and it's been soo much better. 

How can this be? Should I just get rid of o2?

[japitts]

You've illustrated what is a broad national pattern.

Data speeds are generally dictated by the amount of spectrum/capacity on a given site, divided by the amount of users on that site/sector.

EE generally have higher-capacity sites than O2.

[Enlli]

The UK is near the bottom in mobile communications when it comes to G7 countries. 

[japitts]

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@Enlli wrote:

The UK is near the bottom in mobile communications when it comes to G7 countries. 

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Whilst true, there's a significant difference between the 4 UK operators. O2 is far more marketing-driven than some.

[Oxonian]

You might find this informative @NetEng31 :-

My Network App - Find Out More About Your Network Coverage | Apps | O2

https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/my-network

Understand your network coverage

With the My Network app you can keep an eye on your coverage, wherever you are. Download the app and you’ll be able to:

- check the status of our network in your area – you don’t even need to enter your postcode
- test your network speeds
- report any issues with your service.

It’s simple to use and means that you can check the network without having to visit the main site or even enter a postcode.