Orange and T-Mobile customers to share 3G signal

[Larry-G]

Orange and T-Mobile customers are about to get a 3G signal boost, as the two companies begin sharing their data network.

Orange and T-Mobile recently merged to form the confusingly named Everything Everywhere. They're keeping the two separate names, for some reason, but all 27 million customers of the two companies will be able to use each others' network.

During the 'big switch-on' last year, Orange and T-Mobile customers were able to use both networks to make phone calls and send texts. Up until now you've been limited to your own network's 3G coverage, but that will change from next week with the 'big 3G switch-on'.

In theory, that should mean that your 3G coverage improves while you're out and about. The BBC recently discovered that 3G coverage in the UK ain't that great.

There's no charge to use the other network's signal -- you won't even notice it's happening, as your phone automatically connects to whatever signal is available, with the minimum of fuss.

As well as extending the 3G coverage available for customers, Everything Everywhere plans to make improvements to the phone system for calls and text.

The 3G sharing starts next week, and will reach new regions across the UK over the next few months.

Are you an Orange or T-Mobile customer? Has your signal improved since the merger? Are you in a 3G blackspot and can't wait for some extra signal-sharing? Signal your thoughts in the comments below

 http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/orange-and-t-mobile-customers-to-share-3g-signal-50005560/

[Sicilian]

I certainly hope their 3G coverage improved, never made much difference with the phone coverage.

[Larry-G]

i cant see it making too much of a difference to be fair as there not improving the network just opening up both halves to all customers now rather than restricting orange to orange and t-mobile to t-mobile. although i cant fathom out why there still two separate networks.

[punisher]

ill let u know as we just got the joint coverage at work for 3g for our pda's lol

[silverfox0786]

i wonder when t-mobile customers get the orange deals

like orange iphone films and orange wednesdays

[obo110x]

can't say that it improved my signal strength when they merged. I'll wait and see how the 3g goes

[punisher]

I dont think its ment to improve the signal, it just ment to give you more coverage by using either orange or tmobile, i dont think it works simultaneously so u wont see an increase. We were told if ur signal is pants then switch fone on and off and it will switch to the other network that has better signal

[Larry-G]

I dont think its ment to improve the signal, it just ment to give you more coverage by using either orange or tmobile, i dont think it works simultaneously so u wont see an increase. We were told if ur signal is pants then switch fone on and off and it will switch to the other network that has better signal

yes thats pretty much it, customers of both can now latch into each others network towers, so if your on t-mobile and you enter a area that has no or poor t-mobile cell coverage but excellent orange coverage the phone can switch to the new towers giving coverage where there previously was none.

[Stanman]

This was done some months back IIRC getting an email and having to log on to my account to enable it so would not be charged for using Orange, guess there done away with it. To be honest service is not that better as still get dead spots.

[silverfox0786]

yea stans right it was done months ago about 6 iirc

also to answer punishers query it does use em silmultaniously as im on tmobile myself

there is now 3 options to choose from in network search

1 T-Mobile
2 Orange
3 T-Mobile Orange

the 3rd being the one that uses both at same time

its a bit like binding

so it chooses best coverage at time of call without needing to keep searching and switching

mine is always latched to the 3rd one

[punisher]

Nicee ill have to check that out

[silverfox0786]

here you go punisher this is what i ment

IMG_3657.jpg

[punisher]

Aah right mine shows GBR Virgin Media which im guessin is our merge with orange and tmobile and virgin

[obo110x]

hmmmm "Your SIM card does not allow this connection"
Thanks Orange, wondered what I was paying you £30/month for

[Sicilian]

Got a text today from Orange, looks like the 3G upgrade has taken place, 3G on my iphone aint never been so fast