Poor signal after port

[HenryKe_2017578]

Hi all,

Today I ported over from Plusnet/EE to Smarty, but am most unimpressed so far. I have gone form having full signal to one bar all day, and had mixed messages via customer service as to if my port is still happening, or there is a problem.  I was told that after 5pm it would all work but thats not happened.

Can someone offer any advice here? If this keeps up I will likely be switching to another network early next week, as I am currently without any meaningful phone service and data does not work in an area that usually is very good.

Thanks.

[Chalkychap · Accepted solution]

EE and SMARTY use different mobile network infrastructure, so having a good signal with EE in one location doesn't guarantee SMARTY will also have a good signal.

Your number being transferred doesn't affect the SMARTY Mobile signal you get at any given location. 

SMARTY Mobile might have a network fault or other service issues at your location @HenryKe_2017578.

Use your postcode to check at https://www.three.co.uk/support/network_and_coverage/network_support.  

[HenryKe_2017578]

Hi there,

Thanks for the reply. I checked 3s and smarty service checker and it is listed as "very good" in my area, so I was happy to switch.

I wondered if the process of switching me to the network is still taking place?

[MSF]

I do think that the checker gives a generalisation of service in the area. It does not allow for individual issues such as buildings blocking signals.

It may be worth checking if the signal is better when you move around the area.

[HenryKe_2017578]

I've been outside and all around and the signal is poor all over where I live, think i shall be moving away from Smarty rather fast sadly.

[MSF]

@HenryKe_2017578 Is the general area a bit lower than surrounding area? We had that problem when we lived somewhere that was in a slight dip when on O2. We had to run upstairs to take a call!

[HonourableTyr]

Ever since first activating my SIM I struggle with loading even basic text websites. Streaming music, one of my main uses, is impossible. I can buffer about 30s of a song before the internet bugs out or fails.

Over half the time I have no internet connection whatsoever. All I see in the signal indicator is 4G with high signal but with an exclamation mark indicating no internet.

I have tried multiple phones as well as inputting the APN settings manually. The automatic ones matched perfectly with those on the website but I thought I'd cover all bases. Nothing had worked to improve internet speed, availability, or reliability.

What is the point of having unlimited data if I can hardly use data at all?

I have tested the SIM in multiple devices running Android 9, 12 and 13. I set them to 4G/LTE, and 3G/HSDPA modes to see if the different network type would help or hinder things, neither helped.

This issue is not limited to my home cell, it happens everywhere. I have done motorway journeys that would definitely use multiple masts and the internet cuts out. Likewise going out for a run I cannot listen to music as there is never any interest, just a "!" Next to my high signal strength.

I'm seriously considering just leaving Smarty because Hutchinson 3G's network infrastructure is seemingly absolutely terrible. Other than the network, the only other thing that could be involved is the SIM. I'm unsure if that can cause these types of issues.

Anything anyone could suggest to fix things would be greatly appreciated. Although at this rate I'll probably just go to a non-MVNO provider or one that actually provides a service.

Support have been unhelpful so far, just reading from a script telling me "you device isn't supported for data". It is a GSM phone on a GSM network using the supported GSM bands, of course it should work! That is like saying an iPhone 12 is supported but an iPhone 12 Pro Max isn't (or vice versa) they have the same basic radio hardware.

[MSF]

@HonourableTyr  Always worth asking for a replacement sim to see if it is any better.

You do seem to have tried other workarounds.

[Oz90210]

I JOINED OVER A WEEK AGO AND I HAVE THE EXCAT SAME ISSUES AS YOU ITS DRIVING ME CRAZY THE BUFFERING IS STRANGE 

[JJP2RidesAgain]

Did you (and others replying in this thread) check the coverage of Three, Smarty’s parent company / network before buying your Smarty SIM card, or did you just  “buy blind”, not checking the three coverage where you live, work and socialise ? 

It’s pointless just buying a SIM card from any network without first checking its coverage in the places you need that coverage the most. 

The good thing of course is that with Smarty, you are not tied into a long term contract, so can quickly switch to another network that offers you better coverage. 

I am flabbergasted that we appear to have people posting in this thread who seem to lack the capacity and understanding that just because they get good coverage on another network, then they automatically think Smarty will offer good overage too !

It may well be that other network besides three / smarty will offer better coverage for you.

[Nickelp1654]

Exactly the same with me

Plusnet to smarty

And in two locations, one a big town, virtually no signal. Extremely disappointed 

[DarrenR_2569079]

I am in the same boat, dreadfull signal

[JJP2RidesAgain]

Did you (and others replying in this thread) check the coverage of Three, Smarty’s parent company / network before buying your Smarty SIM card, or did you just  “buy blind”, not checking the three coverage where you live, work and socialise ? 

It’s pointless just buying a SIM card from any network without first checking its coverage in the places you need that coverage the most. 

The good thing of course is that with Smarty, you are not tied into a long term contract, so can quickly switch to another network that offers you better coverage. 

[SimonWo_2549094]

Same problem. Signal goes from poor to non existent - and that's in Central London in locations such as The City, Paddington and the South Bank.

If the answer is "have you checked the coverage" for those locations then Smarty / Three have a serious coverage problem. Feel my only option is to leave and go back to EE which is the very last thing I want to do but may have no option