Very weak signal and slow mobile data in South Grangemouth
Hello, For the past 7 days, the mobile signal in the southern part of Grangemouth has been very weak. Mobile data is also extremely slow, with very high latency (ping), making it difficult to use the internet. Could you please check if there is an issue with the local network or if any maintenance work is taking place in this area Thank you.
Can't make/receive calls?? Not necessarily a network problem!
There are a LOT of customers posting in the Community that are having problems making/receiving calls on their device even though it has the 'capablility' of connecting to VoLTE/4G Calling and WiFi Calling. Even if your device is on the SMARTY 'Approved Phones' list (or not) this may not be down to SMARTY supporting your phone BUT because of something you may not know about. What many people do NOT know, is that when a mobile phone is sold by a 'Network' it is controlled by them with regards to software/firmware updates that will enable certain features to be available on your phone (even when 'update software' is performed on the device). I recently got a 'hand-me-down' Samsung Galaxy J4+ phone from my sister that had VoLTE and WiFI Calling ability (among many other features) available to use but they could NOT be accessed on the SMARTY or iD network. After much research I found iD Mobile supported my phone and yet when I changed over to their network I was still was unable to access these features (VoLTE/WiFi Calling) on my device. What I didn't know is that all phones are controlled by the 'Network' that it was originally sold by and it had their firmware enbedded in to the device For example. the firmware on my SG J4+ was:- SAOMC_SM-J415FN_OVF_VOD_PP_0015 / 40009a7d / VOD/VOD/VOD which shows that the firmware on my phone was controlled by Vodafone (VOD) which was the network that my sister was a customer of and had purchased the phone from. (This information can be found in the phone under 'Software Information'). Unless I was 'connected to/used' the Vodafone network with this phone I wasn't able to get the firmware updates to enable all the capabilities available. The ONLY way to 'free' a device for updates, so that it can be used with ALL networks, was to 'FLASH' the phone to an Unbranded firmware. After Flashing my phone this is the software that is now on my device:- SAOMC_SM-J415FN_OXM_XEU_PP_0013 / 40009a7d / XEU/XEU/VOD (XEU is 'unbranded'). I now have ALL the capabilities that this phone has with the capacity to use VoLTE, WiFi Calling etc. These are the codes to which your phone network is locked in to:- BTU (unbranded) EVR (EE) BTC, CPW (Carphone Warehouse) H3G, O2I, O2U (O2) ORA (Orange) TMU (T-Mobile) TSC, VIR, VOD (Vodafone) XEU (EE & Three) If you go down the 'Flashing' route... PLEASE do your research! It is easy to do once you know how but there are many things you need to know to do it safely! SO, the conclusion of this is that this isn't just a 'network provider' problem i.e. unsupported phone, but could most likely be a firmware problem/restriction. IF, you decide to 'FLASH' a device then PLEASE do your research! There are many 'small' details to take in to account but once you have all the info it is straight forward and easy to do! Good luck all and I hope this helps solve a problem that affects so many!Smarty decline since merger
Any one else noticed the decline in data speeds and reliability since the merger. Smarty outages are now lasting days instead of hours, 2 - days now with less than 2Mbs, sometimes drops to 0.5Mbs on 4G - upload speeds are fine at 20Mbs. I used to get 70Mbs download even on 4G+. Three as always says work on going but Smarty only sends you to the community, not sure they have a customer service portal.
WhatsApp Parent-Managed Account
Hi, I’m trying to setup a WhatsApp Parent-Managed account for my son who is on Smarty. When trying to create this in the app, I’m not being given the option. After doing some digging, it may be because Smarty is an MVNO and WhatsApp is not recognising the Smarty number (0748x block) as eligible for a child account (Copilot implies missing or incomplete metadata??) Has anyone else encountered this? Or managed to get a parent-managed account set up and have any tips? WhatsApp guides say there should be an option under ‘More Options’ when first opening the app but no matter what I try, just can’t get the option! Thanks!UNABLE TO MAKE CALLS OR ACCESS THE INTERNET
I am now entering the third week without the ability to make calls or access the internet. Each time I contact support via web chat, I receive the same generic response: “Sorry for the inconvenience, engineers are looking into the issue.” Requests for an estimated resolution time are met with the same repeated message, with no meaningful update or explanation and that I should use the online network service checker. During my most recent interaction, I asked to speak with a manager due to the unacceptable length of this outage. Unfortunately, the manager simply repeated the same scripted responses, including the standard disclaimer that coverage cannot be guaranteed and that I should check the coverage in my area. I have already done this, and according to the company’s own online coverage checker, service should be strong both indoors and outdoors. Surely with the Vodafone–Three merger (which includes Smarty), shouldn't the network theoretically be more stable and faster than before. Given the lack of transparency, the absence of progress, and the ongoing disruption to essential services, I am now seriously considering escalating this matter to CISAS (the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme).Calls straight to messages
Over the last three or four days, incoming calls have gone directly to my message inbox. I have no diverts set up and have good signal coverage as well as WiFi calling when at home. this is extremely frustrating, particularly when expecting a call. This has also been happening to my wife over the similar period. Any thoughts?
E-Sim with new phone problems no calls texts etc
I have recently upgraded from an Iphone 13 to an Iphone 15 and transferred everything over using the E-Simm option - I cannot access any networks, make or receive calls or text and anything outside of normal wifi I cannot receive. I have not changed my mobile number or any other details just the phone
