Forum Discussion

JohnWall_921896's avatar
JohnWall_921896
SMARTY Maverick
11-09-2023
Solved

Download Speed...Mbs

I have activated a new SIM from Smarty after using EE for 6 years. The reason for the change was the Unlimited Data price.

WHAT A MISTAKE THAT WAS. Realising this after only 2 days.

My EE Download speed is 75Mbs average. 

SMARTY' Download speed is a disgusting 0.70Mbs. Apparently the mast near me is being looked at by engineers. I can't help feel I have been lied too, 100%.

Time to go back on my old  EE SIM  I think.

Data
Download
internet
Mbs
Network
signal
speed
Wifi
  • jassingh's avatar
    jassingh
    11-09-2023

    As JJP2 and others on the forum have mentioned in various posts - it it always advisable to do a test run of the host network using a PAYG SIM card in order to check the coverage level and suitability. This goes for *any* time you move to a new network; that way you'll know what the service will be like in the areas that you visit and stay when you commit to a 30 day plan for real.

    Having said that, if you haven't contacted the webchat to look into this, you may want to check your coverage/ network status by entering your postcode into the Three checker here. This won't indicate speeds but should be able to tell if there are maybe any issues impacting the signal/service in your area. 

    Moreover, 30 day plans are flexible so it's easy to port out and move onto another network if its not working out for you. 

    P.S I recorded a download speed of 290Mbps yesterday evening on the way to my local McDonald's

9 Replies

  • Vip3r09's avatar
    Vip3r09
    SMARTY Commentator
    25-01-2024

    A brand new 5G/4G mast has been installed by Three and is finally live near my home address. So I have decided to order a SIM with 120GB of data to test run for 30 days for £12. Hopefully the download speeds are decent. Will post results soon. 

  • RuggedRoss's avatar
    RuggedRoss
    SMARTY Maverick
    18-01-2024

    I have same issue. Brothers samsung phone on smarty is over 80mb. I am only getting 0.7 on my POCCO phone. We are testing at same location. Note I get over 80mb on Giffgaff so it's not a phone or mast issue.

  • Gwyndy's avatar
    Gwyndy
    SMARTY Maverick
    26-09-2023

    I have an almost identical issue. I live in a 'fringe' area for most of the major providers but, based on coverage maps, Smarty / Three would seem to offer the best signal for my area. (This is also the company that is making any sort of investment in improving our local mobile infrastructure.) I cannot make voice calls at home without using WiFi calling and I need the security of a reliable connection in the event of losing my landline / broadband connection. (It happened recently.)
    I have posted on another thread about the awful Smarty signal. At home it is almost non-existent. In areas where I can get a signal from both EE and Smarty (some distance from home) the download speeds are wildly different. EE - approx 60Mbps and Smarty approx 15Mbps.
    I have done a long on-line chat with Smarty and am told that there is a network issue and that I should wait for 48 hours to see if this is resolved. However, I do know that this problem has existed for some time. In the meanwhile I was told that I should be able to use the 3G network which is apparently working OK. Not for me it seems.
    I will wait a little longer but I am honestly not very hopeful

     

  • ChrisWo_2246449's avatar
    ChrisWo_2246449
    SMARTY Pioneer
    17-09-2023

    Hi , 

    5g speeds are dependent on the coverage area. Buildings / trees / weather can all have an impact on your speed also. It’s always best to do your homework first. 
    I’ve found the service that smarty offer really excellent with helpful staff and more importantly are giving me what I expected. 

    here’s a snapshot of my speeds 

     

    • JJP2's avatar
      JJP2
      SMARTY Pro-coach
      17-09-2023

       Smarty speeds are still great for me too.

  • jassingh's avatar
    jassingh
    SMARTY Motivator
    11-09-2023

    As JJP2 and others on the forum have mentioned in various posts - it it always advisable to do a test run of the host network using a PAYG SIM card in order to check the coverage level and suitability. This goes for *any* time you move to a new network; that way you'll know what the service will be like in the areas that you visit and stay when you commit to a 30 day plan for real.

    Having said that, if you haven't contacted the webchat to look into this, you may want to check your coverage/ network status by entering your postcode into the Three checker here. This won't indicate speeds but should be able to tell if there are maybe any issues impacting the signal/service in your area. 

    Moreover, 30 day plans are flexible so it's easy to port out and move onto another network if its not working out for you. 

    P.S I recorded a download speed of 290Mbps yesterday evening on the way to my local McDonald's

    • JohnWall_921896's avatar
      JohnWall_921896
      SMARTY Maverick
      25-09-2023

      Well it's been 14 days since recieving the SIM. Apparently engineers are STILL working on the mast, likely story really. Recent speed test "0.48Mbps"

    • JohnWall_921896's avatar
      JohnWall_921896
      SMARTY Maverick
      25-09-2023

      It doesn't help that I HAD to pay £20 to get the SIM card sent through the post. Then activating it to get it started

       

  • JJP2's avatar
    JJP2
    SMARTY Pro-coach
    11-09-2023

     

    This is the Smarty community forum, populated by Smarty customers, so, if you are trying to vent, you are venting at the wrong people. 

    Your post clearly says you switched to Smarty on price, but did you bother to check the Smarty coverage where you live, work and socialise, or just “buy blind” ?

    For me, and others, Smarty offers brilliantly fast speeds. 

    In your case, the good thing is, Smarty doesn’t tie you into a long term contract, so you can quickly move on.

    My speeds by the way, tested just now :