Hi all, complete newbie here (to networks and mobile phones)!

I'm currently using Tesco mobile with a Motorola Razor V3 and am now wanting to upgrade to an iPhone 3GS. I live out in the Yorkshire Dales where I have to go upstairs to get reception on the Tesco/O2 network.

My questions are:-

1. I'm a bit confused about Tesco mobile and 3GS. Are they both separate networks? If so, will I get coverage in the Yorkshire Dales?

2. A friend told me that I would be able to get reception just about anywhere if I had an iPhone 3GS, is this true?

Sorry if these questions seem dumb, but I am!!

Lucky you, for living in the Dales (for the views). Unlucky for the reception I fear.

Tesco is a Virtual Service Provider, 3GS is a phone made by Apple. Do you mean 3G (high speed connection)?

If so, 2G and 3G are seperate, yes. Although a 3G phone will usuallly switch seamlessly between the 2 signal standards, depending on what it can pick up. So, in theory you may have a UMTS (3G/HSDPA) mast nearby, and get a good 3G signal, but have no nearby GSM mast and thereby a poor 2G connection.

In practice there are many more 2G masts than 3G, so the fact you get a poor 2G signal on the V3, indicates you're unlikely to get a 3G signal at all.

Might be worth looking at the 3G coverage maps for o2 (as Tesco don't have their own network, they pay to use o2's).
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/0,39029 ... 921,00.htm

You'll see o2 have the worst 3G coverage, unfortunately.

With an iPhone you really do need a 3G connection to get any real use out of it, otherwise you might as well get a cheap 2G phone.

SV

I live on the edge of the top of a north yorkshire cliff and still have to go upstairs to use the phone. And it'll only work when it feels like it. And that's a 3GS!

Thanks SV

I have to say, the primary reason for getting an iPhone is the integration of iPod, Camera, Video and GPS, as I would use these features more than the phone itself. I have an iPod Touch at the moment and a separate mobile, which would be another reason for getting the iPhone, rather than having to cart around 2 devices.

I'm not at all bothered about reception in the Dales, as I work in Leeds and most, if not all of the calls I'd make or receive would be made in or around the city. Once at home I have WiFi and a landline or Skype.

Presumably, if I get a 3GS, when I have reception I will be able to surf the net with good speeds?

SC

Stinker, which network are you on?

super_claret wrote:Presumably, if I get a 3GS, when I have reception I will be able to surf the net with good speeds?

It varies widely. In the centre of Leeds on Tesco (o2) you should get decent speeds. I live & work in Leeds and moved to Orange as they seem best for the iPhone where I live (2 miles outside the centre), but most service providers should give a good 3G signal and speed in Leeds central.

The thing about 3G though is it's not just about the signal. It's about how many people are connecting to the same cell you are at any given time. The higher the number of folk connecting, the slower the speeds for everyone.

That said, you should get a workable connection in Leeds.

The 3GS is fine for pics, vids and as an iPod - these features attracted me too. The 3GS will pick up GPS satellites wherever you are outside, but if you're using a map application that downloads maps on the fly, like Google Maps, then you need a decent 3G connection as it uses your providers data network.

I don't think you'll be disappointed if you go for the 3GS - I had a Moto V3 like you (but in 2004!) and there's a whole world of difference....buy, you won't regret it

SV

I wonder what the new iPhone will have to offer? Is it worth waiting for or should I take the plunge now?

super_claret wrote:I wonder what the new iPhone will have to offer? Is it worth waiting for or should I take the plunge now?

Only you can make that choice...
I'm on 02. They reckon that Orange works best around here, but they still have to come outside to use their phones!
But like you, I have WI-FI and I work near Middlesbrough, so the connection is no bother to me.

super_claret wrote:I wonder what the new iPhone will have to offer? Is it worth waiting for or should I take the plunge now?

Have a read of this:
apple-iphone-news-f4/3gs-t4583.html

Am I correct in thinking that if my Razor V3 gets a signal, the iPhone 3GS is not guaranteed to as it uses a different mast?