Signal

[LeeTayl_2191549]

Ever since being with smarty with unlimited everything I'm forever getting the round circle with line through it ( no reception) yet when I check coverage it says its perfect for my area but this can't be true...... What can I do about this as I've been missing calles and messages due to no signal... 

[JJP2]

Did you check the coverage of Three, the parent network of Smarty, before you bought the Smarty SIM, or did you “buy blind” without checking the coverage where you live, work and socialise ?

As Smarty plans are only 30 day plans, at least you are are not locked into a long term contract. 

What can you do ?  Retrospectively check the coverage offered by Three in the areas you use your phone the most, and if coverage is poor, switch to a network that offers better coverage. Obviously, if you do move to another network, check it’s coverage first, otherwise, you may find yourself in the very same situation you are in now. 

EDIT - Just saw that you checked coverage. 

[MSF]

@LeeTayl_2191549 While the coverage may be good for your area, you need to check the network status in case there is a mast problem that is being worked on.

You also need to factor in that some masts get very congested at times and this will affect the signal you get.

[Jon2023]

The signal coverage that users can search for and see on various signal strength urls are just INDICATORS, they are not indicative that the user would get a usable continuous signal at all times. Think of the MPG thats stated for your  car's spec, its more than likely done in lab with the figures derived from the output direct from the engine rather than from the wheels with no wind/turbulence etc..... looks good on paper but you are unlikely to achieve that in 99% in real life.

Trying in different rooms in your house and see if it makes a difference and yes I know what you're going to say before you say it, you shouldn't have to move to a particular place/room in your home just to receive a signal and hence a call. I already know  what their customer service would say if I contact them with the same issue.....

[jassingh]

@LeeTayl_2191549 Here's the thing with mobile networks - it's a lottery in terms of which one will be the "best" for your location(s) etc because one network that is superb in Area 1 is probably not so good in Area 2. Striking a balance is not as simple, and mobile networks will come back to you and say that they can't guarantee a service, or a fault-free service due to the nature of it.

Although the maps with coverage info do meet Ofcom's high confidence standard, it is only ever an indication and not a guarantee so things can change, even temporarily if masts are being worked on or some other interference or permanently if there are tall builds or other structures, trees etc. Not sure how often those coverage maps are updated either.

I would advise maybe comparing with a SIM from another network that might rule out if the no reception thing is just with Smarty (Three) or whether it happens with other networks too (which could indicate other things like congestion etc). If you are getting better signal with those other networks, then as the guys below have suggested it might be worth switching (after you've verified that the performance works for you). It pays to research for your own peace of mind!