Poor Network - Getting out of a Bill Pay Contract

Shred

Hello,

I switched providers earlier this year having been with my previous one for many years. Since moving I’ve been having lots of problems with call coverage and my new provider hasn’t been helpful in this regard. I make/receive the majority of calls when driving and here’s a summary several months down the line:

Them: “ call quality can vary while driving between masts etc.”

Me: “barely ever had an issue with the exact same circumstances with my previous provider. Call quality also varies while walking short distances at times”

Them: it must be the device (I also got a new phone when switching).

Me: I get onto Apple who remotely run multiple diagnostics with no issues found.

I’m now in the US and can’t get any data whatsoever; I’m apparently connected to 4/5G networks, tried setting to manual and stepping through each network to no avail, tried just 4G and multiple restarts also.

I called them: “we’ve seen multiple dodgy ports, you need to get onto your previous provider”

On and on it goes and I’m sick to my teeth of it at this point. I’m paying the most for my service out of my travelling party and, from a data standpoint right now, may as well have a Nokia 3310 rather than a 5G iPhone 15 pro. Call quality seems fine here funny enough for a supposedly dodgy device…I’ll be driving in a couple of days and won’t be surprised if it’s fine.

So, can I get out of this contract (6 months plus in) when I get back as I’ve really had enough at this stage?

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058362847/poor-network-getting-out-of-a-bill-pay-contract

If in USA try select specific network type such as 3G as sometimes roaming data is only on certain network types such as 4g but not 5g depending on roaming agreements.

You could also try calling to a USA cell store. Without naming the network it's hard to give specific advice. Beware USA roaming can be crazy expensive if on a bill pay phone.

In terms of coverage there is typically very little to nothing support can do for you yo improve coverage. Phone shops sometimes give you a new SIM or different phone knowing it probably won't help but gets you out the door.

You need to read your contract terms and what are the consequences on breaking it. First step may be to ring and cancel as they may need x days notice but it depends on plan and contract.

In your home area certain providers may have much better coverage, that's just the way it is.

Shred

There are no 3G options here but this is just a continuation of problems since the beginning and according to my current provider none of the fault lies with them. I had problems roaming in the UK in May also but eventually got it to work on 4G with a specific network; I asked and Verizon/AT&T are preferred partners here in the US - no joy with either.
I was with Vodafone for almost 24 years and never experienced anything like this…switched as they were getting too expensive, regret it now as coverage (calls and data) was always rock solid.

Regardless of who my provider is, surely there’s a standard in ireland - I’m paying for a service I’m simply not receiving?

In the meantime I’ve asked for my phone unlocked so I can try a SIM here (I have an eSIM)…it was approved but I’m waiting for that to happen.

rhinosaurious

I agree with you, Vodafone is rock solid for me and I switched before too after a decade and a bit with Vodafone and I had to switch right back because I regretted it. Who did you switch to, who’s the network giving you these problems? I’d get onto comreg as they are usually very helpful in cases like these. You’ve clearly been onto them several times with no joy. ComReg is next step.

Shred

Cheers, I switched to Three and I’m defo going to get onto Comreg to clarify my rights.

I can’t even locate my contract details, nothing in the original mails I received nor in the My3 app that I can see.

But! It’s now working; despite the support guy stating no blocks were in place there were - I re-read the text I received upon landing, in it it stated to text “REMCAP” to remove roaming caps, did that and data is now working…limit increased by a FURTHER €50 but I enabled the 2GB daily data roaming cap when I landed so…It looks like I’m being charged for all calls including the 45 minute one to support ffs 😂 Almost €35 pending for calls so far (a handful), I can’t find any way to add international roaming minutes and support are closed today, plus the immediate €50 roaming charge (80% cap used a immediately upon landing) - a compete joke.

smuggler.ie

Frustrated, inconsistent, several different issues mashed in one outburst …., i feel for you.

What plan you're on? I hope you do have roaming add-on
https://www.three.ie/pdfs/legal/billpay-price-guide-p2-jul-2024-v2.pdf
If not that roaming cap you'd potentially be greeted with bill of several hundred upon returning home, still might - 2GB could translate to some 10k

Obviously, if you feel that your service does not meet standards described in your contract, exercise official complaint to three(mail, phone is no good) and follow up with complaint to comreg

Shred

Thanks for that Smuggler 👍