View Full Version : Should I switch to Orange 3G or stay with 3?
stickystickman
29-01-2005, 01:00 PM
Been with 3 for 8 months and like the price plan and video calls but their service and network is just so bad. You can't really appreciate how bad until you've been with them (but then it's too late).
Should I cancel my 3 contract (yes I'm prepared to pay the penalty just to get a stable network that doesn't cut me off all the time) and take out a new contract with Orange 3g? Is the Orange 3g network stable? Is the transition between 2.5g and 3g as seemless as Orange advertise? This is important as most of my use will be between areas with full, patchy and no 3g cover. Are there any problems or niggles out there that I should know about?
Look forward to hearing from you with constructive comments.
It is seamless for sure. Coverage is about 70% now and with the extra off-peak minutes the contract prices are quite compeditive. Watch out though as the offers change on 1st February.
Don't forget you can drop your existing 3 tarriff to VideoTalk100 at £15/month to see out your contract period. That might save you a few quid.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
DaveC
29-01-2005, 01:57 PM
Network seems good, but I must admit I have not moved around enough yet. However, I can say that 3g to 2.5g handover seems to be working OK.
Some peolple have complained about calls going directly to answerphone, but I have not had that problem in a while.
Orange World is IMHO better than the offering on 3. Full internet, of course and data speeds in a good 3g area are impressive.
martin4058
29-01-2005, 02:13 PM
I would probably be quick if you want the 3G promotional bundle. I don't know too much about the tariff side but I've read on the forum that it might run out on the 1 FEB.
3G promotional bundle.
http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/showthread.php?t=12023
you have till Monday.
http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/3g
Gunner
30-01-2005, 01:15 AM
Switch :) Welcome to our network ;)
On a more serious note, Orange will cost you more, for less. However, you'll actually be able to use what you pay for on Orange. IMHO, Three's lack of open data is unforgivable. Orange's implementation along with good data rates is a breath of 3G fresh air :)
Skyblue
30-01-2005, 01:43 PM
Yes, switch! I'm very happy with Orange, a proper network. They tend to look after their customers which is better in the long run. Plus everything works, internet connects first time every time, calls stay connected etc.
hecatae
30-01-2005, 01:55 PM
Switch :) Welcome to our network ;)
On a more serious note, Orange will cost you more, for less. However, you'll actually be able to use what you pay for on Orange. IMHO, Three's lack of open data is unforgivable. Orange's implementation along with good data rates is a breath of 3G fresh air :)
1000 sms for first 6 months
200 xnet minutes
200 evening xnet minutes for the life of the contract
Free evening minutes are per month and can be used between 8pm and midnight every day to any network.
60 video call minutes for 12 months
50mb data for 12 months
all the above for £30 a month
Orange will cost you less for:
3g support dial 350,
Cs support dial 150,
A simcard that will work in any 2g or 3g phone
Seamless crossover between 3g - 2g
Upgrade within 12 months. :D
Everyone seems surprised when they get a new contract on Orange or Vodafone 3G and it actually does what it is supposed to! 3 have a lot to answer for in terms of bringing the W-CDMA technology into disrepute. Their dash to roll-out and bag as many customers as possible has damaged confidence in the technology and will take some time to rebuild.
I will definately be trying an alternative 3G network soon and expect it to be an improvemnt on previous GSM services. Not an unrealistic expectation when billions have been spent really!
Gunner
30-01-2005, 04:23 PM
hecatae - I so need to switch to that tariff :D I wish the free evening minutes for life were available to existing subscribers though :(
stickystickman
30-01-2005, 05:29 PM
Thanks all for your advice. I think I'll be taking up either the 200 or 400 min contract (which is double with the eve calls inc) tomorrow. I've heard on the grapevine that Orange will also give a £50 or £100 trade-in to new accounts before Feb 1st. Is this true or just hearsay? Oh and would they actually give that for a '3' phone (I know I wouldn't)?
Oh and it's so refreshing to hear so many possitive comments about the Orange 3g product. You lot should read the posts on the '3' section to see how lucky you are!
3g4data
30-01-2005, 06:27 PM
IIRC, the trade-in applies only to deals concluded in Orange Shops, in which case you don't get the evening minutes offer - an Orange Direct benefit. If you sign up on-line you get £50 air-time credit (and you get to keep, sell, or bin your old handset).