No signal

[Petegh]

O2 keep telling me there are no faults in my area (Upper Beeding, West Sussex), which is supposed to have good coverage (even 5G outside). It is barely 3G (two bars) at Beeding Bridge on a clear day and non-existent where I am. My phone works fine in other areas of the country. Does anyone actually check signals before presenting maps of their coverage or claiming the system works?

I CHALLENGE O2 TO COME HERE AND SHOW ME THE SIGNAL THEY CLAIM IS HERE!

[Cleoriff]

@Petegh 

Check these

Guide: How can I sort out my network issues? 

Guide: Is the network down for me or everyone? 

Download the My Network App. It allows you to report issues etc https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/my-network 

Other than that, have you tried free PAYG sims from other networks? You may find one which gives you a better signal.

[MI5]

@Petegh 

Do you really think that every network goes around the whole country checking the signal in every square inch and putting it on a map?

Maps are computer generated theoretical results based on location from each mast only.

They do not take into account geographical features, obstructions, weather etc and cannot guess how indoor signals will be transmitted due to building construction,

There is a disclaimer on the signal page which states:

Data reception and speeds may not be as good indoors or in a car. Signal can also be affected by buildings, trees and even weather conditions. This map is just a guide and does not guarantee signal coverage.

Actual signals should always be checked physically with a PAYG sim for each network being considered.

[Petegh]

I get that! But they claim 5G and it's barely 3G  on a good day, on open ground. They don't tell you about PAYG when you sign up... what's the point of maps and apps (which say the same thing) if there is no signal in the area that is supposed to have one? It is not even a "guide" to coverage, as there is none here. 

[Petegh]

Thanks for your reply. I tried all of that before contacting O2. No one at O2 will tell you that a PAYG sim is necessary before signing you up!

[japitts]

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@Petegh wrote:

But they claim 5G and it's barely 3G  on a good day

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Most networks' T&Cs also have a provision for services being delivered over any available technology. They will never guarantee any "G" in a given location.

[Enlli]

Just to say O2 PAYG does not have 5G, nor is their WiFi Calling to aid with indoor reception.

I've been travelling lately and there are lots of places that the maps indicate good coverage but on the ground there is a big difference.

I have access to O2, EE, and Vodafone and that goes for all of them.

Also maps don't indicated the quality of the signal. You can have 1 bar and great data and 5 bars and slow data.

[Oxonian]

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@Enlli wrote:

Also maps don't indicated the quality of the signal. You can have 1 bar and great data and 5 bars and slow data.

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One only needs to go to a sports' stadium on matchday to see the effects of congestion. There are many stadia with great signals and fast data when the venue is empty, but it is a different picture when there are tens of thousands of people therein. 

A similar picture emerges if you go to somewhere like Brighton in the middle of Winter and compare it with a hot July afternoon. Again, the signal might collapse with tens of thousands of users on the Summer day. 👍