Virgin Mobile compared to other EE-based operators

[ianch99]

How does VM compare in terms of (3G) data rates when compared to other EE-based network operators? I am hoping that there is no difference but VM might have their own (data) network that EE hands off to so in theory the end user experience could be different.

The coverage and call quality should be the same as EE, T-Mobile, Orange etc. as they all shared the same mast infrastructure (I think) but the one area that I can see possible differences is the data service.

There is talk of VM adding 4G later this year for consumer customers but no news yet if this is an extra cost or if it will be a free upgrade (like 3).

Given that VM charge customers £157 more for buying an iPhone 6 that Apple does, I am doubting if 4G will be a free upgrade

[Stephen]

For me the data speeds are ok but not great. I do get H+ everywhere now, but afaik EE to cap the speed that VM are allowed. 4G may be different when it launches.

What do you mean? most networks charge a premium for iPhones not just VM.

[ianch99]

Originally Posted by Stephen

What do you mean? most networks charge a premium for iPhones not just VM.

You are right, just seems a large premium to me .. maybe they all do it? VM seems a bit dumb to make it so obvious ..

From: http://store.virginmedia.com/virgin-...html?filters=1

Cash price of phone £696

[ianch99]

Interesting review of VM: https://www.cable.co.uk/guides/is-vi...bile-any-good/

---------- Post added at 08:48 ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 ----------

Couple of years ago, it seems VM was trialling a data speed cap of 2Mbps: http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-...ed-cap-1135569

Does anyone know if this was rolled out as standard?

[japitts]

As others have alluded, I'm pretty certain V-Mobile have a data-speed cap and/or lower "FUP" that triggers it - so yes, for heavy data users "EE-proper" is a better solution.

Radio coverage etc, as others have pointed out - will be exactly the same as any other EE/Orange/T-Mobile user. It's only on the core-network where the differences occur..

[qasdfdsaq]

Even the core network is much the same, at least for now.

EE do have an annoying habit of connection limiting though, so that if you open too many web pages at the same time (sometimes 3 is enough!) the connection gets blocked.

[ianch99]

Switched from 3 to EE for the daughter: iPhone 6 16GB for £23.49 pcm with £80 upfront and 1000/Unlimited/2GB 4G tariff over 2 years from mobiles.co.uk.

Switch went smooth, so far, so good ..

[jobbie8]

I'm on EE 4G and my wife has VMobile, both S4 handsets. There are a few times where I lose data all together and signal, (pub near the beach for one) whilst my wife still has a signal and 3g.