Vodafone coverage - unimpressed

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AKLWestie

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#581565 14-Feb-2012 21:31

ajobbins: I used Vodafone for many years, mainly in Wellington and Auckland. I had no end of issues with Vodafone coverage, especially in Auckland.

The solution was to change to Telecom XT. Better overall data (More stable, lower pings, faster page load times on web) not to mention better quality calls and far superior coverage.

+1

Although it is not fair to say telcos should provide good coverage everywhere (because it is simply impossible), but after years of bad VF coverage out west (I have almost nil coverage at home), I finally moved to 2degrees.

Even I cannot get 2degrees 3G coverage at home, at least I have a decent 2G coverage so I can do voice calls without shouting to the other party.

VF coverage is so bad I cannot even my phone in Westcity Countdown. You can try it yourself: take the phone to the far corner of the supermarket where they sell chilled drinks/water, and you will know what I mean.

Another blind spot is the Vodafone shop in St Lukes (the one next/close to 2degrees). I was there looking for a charger when I got a call from my wife. She could not hear me, so I check the signal of my phone, then my phone shown no bars in terms of coverage.

By the way, XT/Skinny coverage is great at my home. My wife is now convinced to moved to Skinny, just waiting for her number to be ported.

=-)

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johnr

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#581570 14-Feb-2012 21:46

Every network has Blackspots if you going looking for them you will find them!

AKLWestie where abouts are you out West? Vodafone have just installed new sites for Waitakere Township and Kumeu

Bethells is not far off from off from getting built

John

Jaxson

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#581598 14-Feb-2012 22:31

If you get better reception with one band than another, then is this a device issue? As in it's multiband capable, so why isn't it switching to a better one if your current band signal is too low?

oxnsox

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#581601 14-Feb-2012 22:44

Jaxson: If you get better reception with one band than another, then is this a device issue? As in it's multiband capable, so why isn't it switching to a better one if your current band signal is too low?

I've seen this before in marginal coverage areas where the handset switches from one site (or service/band) to another. Although the issue may have been handset related (which I doubt), I found that by locking the handset to 2G only provided more reliable reception in a particular marginal zone.

ajobbins

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#581603 14-Feb-2012 23:01

Jaxson: If you get better reception with one band than another, then is this a device issue? As in it's multiband capable, so why isn't it switching to a better one if your current band signal is too low?

Frequencies work differently depending on the environment. Eg. 900mhz is much better at going around terrain, and through objects (Like walls). Higher frequencies are less tolerant to obstacles (2100mhz for example), IIRC, higher frequencies carry more capacity (Shorter wavelength, more can be crammed in to the same 'space' - but sacrifice range).

Someone correct me if my understanding is not correct

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myfullflavour

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#581720 15-Feb-2012 11:17

Went out and bought a 2 Degrees USB modem today.
Here is the speedtest:
https://www.speedtest.net/result/1773447757.png

Meanwhile in Ohauiti Vodafone can't even sustain a voice call.

{MOD EDIT : SP : Removed reference to private message conversation}

Beccara

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#581725 15-Feb-2012 11:25

Just to stir the pot a little more, Downtown Whangarei (PortRd) AFTER being advised of 3g upgrades were done up here. XT vs VF

Most problems are the result of previous solutions...

All comment's I make are my own personal opinion and do not in any way, shape or form reflect the views of current or former employers unless specifically stated

ajobbins

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#581728 15-Feb-2012 11:27

Good to see VF latency is looking better than it was

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johnr

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#581733 15-Feb-2012 11:38

myfullflavour: Went out and bought a 2 Degrees USB modem today.
Here is the speedtest:
https://www.speedtest.net/result/1773447757.png

Meanwhile in Ohauiti Vodafone can't even sustain a voice call.

{MOD EDIT : SP : Removed reference to private message conversation}

Low coverage for Ohauiti is reflected on the Vodafone coverage Map!

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/coverage/

John

{MOD EDIT : SP : Borderline personal attack removed}

Lurch

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#581763 15-Feb-2012 12:22

I work at the Devonport naval base and have given up in some areas. Many people complain of calls dropping, not connecting and no signal.

Crazy as we're not in the middle of nowhere, and not good for being a Naval base.

Complaints, can't lodge these direct and have to go through inhouse support who forward it from there.

I have never had an issue with Vodafone before, all my home setup is via Vodafone which is fantastic so was surprised that the coverage was so bad on base.

Lurch

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#581772 15-Feb-2012 12:34

Now that I remember there is a "dead spot" starts somewhere in the middle between Te Kuiti and New Plymouth state highway 3, from memory it's not until you get well past Mount Messenger might be a bit further before bars come back.

Thats for XT and Vodafone :-)

scottjpalmer

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#581822 15-Feb-2012 13:38

The last couple of posts of you 2 playing ping pong have been hidden and this thread locked.

myfullflavour - call the Vodafone help desk to complain about your coverage, concerns and John's behaviour.

codyc1515

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#581823 15-Feb-2012 13:38

OP surely you must understand that 3G is a best effort service and that coverage is not guaranteed (you did read the contract, right?). There are other carriers around, just pay the termination fee.

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