3 don't support GPRS

Gulliver

Apologies if this has been posted before.

I got a 3pay modem from the GF for Christmas to use with our (often dodgy) Broadsat one-way satellite internet. I intended to use it as GPRS dial-up until 3 eventually get their act together to provide national 3G coverage.

I attempted to connect for ages, eventually having to use my Eircom 16kbps dial-up (sat not working, of course) to check the net for a solution until I found out that 3 don't support GPRS "roaming" on the Vodafone network anymore. They only connect on 3G signal.

She's gutted that she got me a dud pressie (and before the smartarses jump in, we were aware of 3's other failings from the m-m-megathread, but the lack of a contract was appealing).

So if there is anyone else out there that has the same requirements as me (and for your sake, I hope not) - beware!

Jonathan

Meteor are bringing out mobile broadband in Feburary.

Meteor have extensive EDGE coverage.

Sam Vimes

yeah we knew that :P

They never supported data on vodafone's network. It's always only been voice and text

strecker

I knew that too, since s.o. here told me last week, so I found it quite interesting to see the boxed modem instore. The specs list as supported: 3g, gprs, etc etc... Bit naughty, that. Also, I have been told that in the Mobile Partner app that comes with the modem, it looks as if you have a choice to pick non-3g networks...

Still a sneaky club, eh?

Walkman

strecker wrote: »

I knew that too, since s.o. here told me last week, so I found it quite interesting to see the boxed modem instore. The specs list as supported: 3g, gprs, etc etc... Bit naughty, that. Also, I have been told that in the Mobile Partner app that comes with the modem, it looks as if you have a choice to pick non-3g networks...

Still a sneaky club, eh?

The only way you will get gprs is if you sign up to the 3gb plan on bill, this will allow roaming on vodafone.

strecker

Walkman wrote: »

The only way you will get gprs is if you sign up to the 3gb plan on bill, this will allow roaming on vodafone.

Thanks
I'll make sure to sign up for billpay next time I buy a prepay product hahaha...
Sorry.

flodis79

strecker wrote: »

I knew that too, since s.o. here told me last week, so I found it quite interesting to see the boxed modem instore. The specs list as supported: 3g, gprs, etc etc... Bit naughty, that. Also, I have been told that in the Mobile Partner app that comes with the modem, it looks as if you have a choice to pick non-3g networks...

Still a sneaky club, eh?

What is quoted instore as 3g, gprs etc is what the e160 modem supports, not what is available on the 3 network. They should have told you that instore.

robinph

I have definately made use of data whilst connected to Vodafone masts in the past, it seems to vary a bit though depending on where you are at the time though as it does not work in all areas.

jimmycrackcorm

At least 3 have a 14 day returns option.

strecker

flodis79 wrote: »

What is quoted instore as 3g, gprs etc is what the e160 modem supports, not what is available on the 3 network. They should have told you that instore.

I know... Especially as the box is 3-branded! If I hadn't checked here first, I might have bought it tbh! Especially as the guy in the shop said without 3g it's just be slower, but still operational!
And come on:
They are now on sale in Dunnes Stores! What expert advice can shoppers expect THERE? It's a bit dodgy if you ask me! The display, and flyers do not at all point out that the things are useless without 3g!!! Not even in tiny-print! And it appeals to customers who haven't dealt with 3 before,...

Gulliver

strecker wrote: »

I know... Especially as the box is 3-branded! If I hadn't checked here first, I might have bought it tbh! Especially as the guy in the shop said without 3g it's just be slower, but still operational!
And come on:
They are now on sale in Dunnes Stores! What expert advice can shoppers expect THERE? It's a bit dodgy if you ask me! The display, and flyers do not at all point out that the things are useless without 3g!!! Not even in tiny-print! And it appeals to customers who haven't dealt with 3 before,...

What if you're a unlucky git like me who INTENDED to use it on GPRS?

Walkman

strecker wrote: »

Thanks
I'll make sure to sign up for billpay next time I buy a prepay product hahaha...
Sorry.

That was information not a suggestion

strecker

Walkman wrote: »

That was information not a suggestion

I know. Sometimes I just can't stop myself
Apologies!