Appalling 4G signal strength. Disappointing!
4 reasons why I moved from Vodafone to Smarty: Price (very competitive for unlimited calls/texts + 40GB of data/month); SIM-only contract terms (1-month rolling contract; in EU, no roaming charges and 12GB/month of data without charge); Signal strength on Three's network; Customer service. 3 reasons have been fulfilled. But, an essential one - signal strength, is a complete failure. Getting no or 1 bar of signal isn't acceptable; people end up calling me on WhatsApp to ask if I've changed phone number or if my phone is broken. Since nothing has changed on my end since my transfer to Smarty, I can only conclude that Three's 4G network isn't as good as advertised and reviewed, and/or Three gives substandard signal to its Virtual Private Operators. What a pity, because all started well with Smarty, particularly an excellent price, good and flexible contact terms, and commendable customer service. However, at the end of the day, the key use of phones is for calling and receiving calls; if this doesn't work, then all other factors are worthless, and I can't afford to lose business calls. In conclusion, I'm happy to pay a few £s more if Smarty solve their problem of signal, or I'm out at the end of the month.
Looking for better coverage? Poor signal?
I live in Bath Spa, and have been on Smarty since 9/2025. For a good signal and enjoyable network experience, it is worth here especially to know a few things. As previously I was with O2 for a few years back. Only being in Bath longer, I've started having signal dropout and throughput problems. So I went to a local mate's mobile shop that I've known over 10 years to ask for some advice. His first point was "Are you on O2?", and soon after then I learned my answer. Myself too I noticed that with 5g connected coverage, here in Bath is the best way to signal/usage stability. He then recommended EE, however to get 5g from them, you need to be on contract. I didn't want that, so I tried Smarty and loved it ever since. MORE TO THE POINT OF COVERAGE AND IMPROVEMENT To sum things up. To stop having problems with finding better coverage, signal, or throughput, you need to focus on how and where you get signal. To help you do this to the above, I found a open source app called Open Signal (no charges, no ads, signups, no bs). There you'll find everything to help you approach and furthermore calibrate things better. It has tests for video quality limits, latency, and signal direction. There's a coverage map, a currently connected cell tower direction compass (just walk around with on screen arrow), and a table showing available 2g/3g/4g/5g available percentages at spot, and a map of available local cell towers(with a signal connected line from current tower to you). So objects and placement around(buildings, structures, interference), can be addressed to optimise your experience. Open Signal is a great tool for customising your signal experience anywhere. You can get it on the app store. Its completely ad and payment free.
