Talk to me about networks!!

[TheBooMonster]

I'm looking at getting the iPhone 6 Plus. I am currently using a 4s on giffgaff (was originally O2)

I'm looking at which network to go for for the 6 Plus. I was fairly set on O2 as I've had experience with them before and they were always pretty good to me, however, a peak at their network coverage checker says they don't have 4G in Norwich which is pretty shocking.

Vodaphone seems to be similarly ill equipped for 4G in my area, which leaves me with 3 or EE. EE is in some sort of something with T-Mobile, and I have been seriously burnt by T-Mobile in the past I still have the credit score scars to prove it so my gut reaction is that I want absolutely nothing to do with EE.

What are peoples experiences with 3? and is 4G really all that, will I notice a difference using 4G or should I stick with O2 who I at least know I can trust and sacrifice the 4G?

[NetworkGuy]

I have been using Three for years (4 years from 2008 with a dongle for internet access, and last 3 years using phone SIMs for mobiles). Have found them pretty good, and when there was a problem with signals earlier this year for a few weeks, they refunded a month's fee as goodwill.

Problem I see with most networks is that (apart from GiffGaff and Three) they rarely offer truly unlimited data, so if you do get on 4G, with most it means you can use up the data allowance twice as fast (and possibly be hit for usage over and above the allowance). I'd say if you plan to watch video or might send video clips [taken on your new phone] via e-mail, then an unlimited Three plan (One Plan) may be worthwhile.

If you currently have an unlocked 3G mobile, you might find it useful to try a Three PAYG SIM {top up with a tenner}, and make calls check e-mail, etc, so you can get a feel for the network coverage on 3G (and know what you'd get if 4G wasn't reliable) before taking on a contract for a top-of-the-range phone and then find the network coverage lets you down, even on 3G...

That way you risk only a tenner before committing to spend several hundred over the course of a 24 month contract.

[TheBooMonster]

Thanks for that NetworkGuy My phone should be unlocked as I bought it from the Apple Store, will try a 3 sim.