| Product: |
FORUM: Battle of the Networks |
| Date: |
28/08/00 (235 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Orange and Voda best for coverage
Disadvantages: Voda and Cellnet too business focused for the best deals.
In the battle of the big four (or should that be five), one key item we need to address is quality of coverage. In both of the independent surveys commissioned by Oftel, the results have stayed pretty much the same. Top is Orange, then Vodafone (but really too close to call), Cellnet then One2One (which obviously includes Virgin).
These results really do reflect real conditions on the ground, and what’s most astonishing about these findings, is that Orange is so good. Orange and One2One are handicapped by having the less efficient part of the radio spectrum, so you’ll realize just how much effort has been put into choosing good antenna sites (and lots of them).
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you disagree with me on this one, but these results are based on a reasonable segment of the UK. Of course if you live 500m from a One2One mast, then clearly it’s going to be good.
When it comes to packages for the typical user, it’s either Oranges Everyday 50, or Virgin.
Everyday 50 has to be the best of the off-peak hour packages (and on a good network). When Orange claim you can give up your home phone, I think this really only applies to single occupancy homes were the resident is at the house during the day time – but even then, it’s a bit rough quoting only a mobile number for you friends and family to contact you. I think it also assumes you’ll be using your office phone for out-going calls during the day time (which of course Orange would never dare say).
Of the pay-as-you-go, Virgin is at least honest and open, and for most will probably represent the best value in the long term. It’s just a shame Virgin’s partner is One2One, the real redeeming feature being free voice mail.
Me, I’ve been through various 12 and 18 month contracts on Voda and Cellnet, but frankly I’m sick of always looking round for the best deal for when the contract
period ends, so I’ve gone for Virgin. Coverage in my area leaves a little to be desired, but overall it’s OK.
Summary:
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Last comments:
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- 29/05/01 Im using Orange (Everyday 50) and it has really impressed me. Nice op. |
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- 30/10/00 Although Orange and One 2 One use 'less effiecient' frequencies (they don't propagate over such a large area), they have 3 times more radio channels than Vodafone and Cellnet do on their digital networks. Cell site selection for all networks is a tricky business, just for different reasons. The impressive thing with Orange is the relatively short time it has taken them to build such a good network. |
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