Which is the best network (UK) for internet?

[starbuck]

My dad is currently on O2, and contract is coming up for renewal. He currently has a Samsung Soul.
He wants to get a smart phone (ideally on an 18month contract) and is leaning very heavily towards the desire (he is also considering the galaxy S).

As one of the main features of both these phones is the internet features, he is looking for a network that has the most cost effective internet package (lowest price vs mb per month).

As all networks tend to offer similar texts and minutes, I am trying to find a network with a cheap internet package with at least 500mb-1gb per month.

He doesn't like O2's reception and not sure about T-Mobile's reception (although I think this is getting better now isn't it with the joint use of orange's masts). I've also heard O2 have really cracked down on their internet usage.

Basically, I don't want him to have to worry about his internet usage, and I think 500-1gb would be a realistic usage (not 200mb like I've heard some networks do).

Any suggestions/advice?

[oolon]

The thing to watch out for is the over usage fees, some of which (vodaphone) can be amazingly high. That is what attracted me to the T-Mobile deal (even though its coverage is poorer) they will not charge you for the extra they will however slow your connection to a crawl (not unreasonable). T-Moble and Orange are merging/merged.

[Singh400]

Pretty sure 3 offer the best mobile internet coverage.

[Agent]

I'm with Voda and don't rate them, Avoid IMO.

Wish I hadn't left O2 in all honesty.

[Bunjiweb]

I'm with Orange and around towns and motorways the mobile broadband speeds are great, however out into the country it quickly turns to GPRS..

I decided to go with Orange after looking at the Ofcom 3G signal maps here:

http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/binari...erage_maps.pdf

Although 3 (H3G) is generally considered to have the most widespread 3G signal in "populated areas".

Ben

[Spud1]

There is no easy answer to this one..

Price wise they are all fairly similar, and it depends on what contract range you are looking at. From what I have seen, if you are only spending £20-£30 a month then three or Voda will be the best in terms of £/mb, but if you are into the £40+ range then o2 or T-Mobile offer better value. Its really very similar across the board though, so it comes down to coverage.

This is where it gets tricky, as it depends where you are in the country. I am in manchester on o2, and I have a 3G+ signal almost everywhere I go - its /very/ rare that I get dropped onto edge or gprs. This is not likely to be the case all over the UK however - it will vary depending on when you ask the question (operators constantly upgrade their masts) and where you ask it.

You will have coverage problems no matter which network you choose, so if I were you i'd make sure my chosen network has good coverage where you will be most of the time, and then put up with the occasional dropouts elsewhere.

[Muns]

OP - don't know if you're still looking for this. IMO 3 have the best internet service, although don't expect to make phone calls. Unfortunately the phone network (frequent disconnects) and customer services (stubborn) leave much to be desired for.

I just saw this deal come out - http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/t-mo...600mins/754103. Might interest you.

[starbuck]

Thanks for that. I'm also wondering about the announcement from t-mobile/orange saying that if you lose signal on 1 network, it will switch to the alternative network for you. In theory, it should give you great reception anywhere.

[Brewster0101]

Pretty sure 3 offer the best mobile internet coverage.

Since three upgraded their network they have the highest coverage percentage for 3g and 3.5g signal.

They seem to also be the best value when it comes to deals on internet.

I do though suffer a big problem with three. Quite often I will be using the net on my phone and have full 3g signal, then after a short period my signal will drop for a minute or two.

[leebroath]

I used to be with Virgin and swore by them every single year....then they were bought from Richard Branson and it all went down hill

I have moved over to o2 and I'm really happy with them

[marcel808]

I use Three mostly and speeds are very good. If I'm on the trains, I personally find T-Mobile network to be better; not as fast but better signal. Maybe just me on the south coast lines

[Great Eastern]

O IMO 3 have the best internet service, although don't expect to make phone calls. Unfortunately the phone network (frequent disconnects) and customer services (stubborn) leave much to be desired for.

I can agree with that, no problems with their 3G internet service, although even with full bars for reception, phone calls are near impossible at times