While Everything Everywhere has made grand statements about the improved coverage offered following the merging of the T-Mobile and Orange UK networks, some users believe otherwise.
According to a number of mobile broadband subscribers with Virgin Media, an MVNO running on T-Mobile UK's network, they have been disconnected following the decommissioning of some T-Mobile 3G sites in areas that are already covered by Orange.
One customer who complained to Virgin Mobile customer service was informed that "the postcode you have supplied is one of the areas in which the T-Mobile signal has been removed and the Orange signal has taken over." He was informed that it was not possible to make use of the Orange 3G base station, and given the chance to leave the Virgin Media network.
However, a spokesman for Virgin Media has rushed forward to reassure customers, and told PC Pro that they will eventually be granted access to both T-Mobile and Orange service.
"As T-Mobile and Orange integrate their mobile networks, there may be some isolated incidents where signal strength is disrupted," the spokesman claimed. "We understand that not having a mobile signal at home can be inconvenient and will offer alternatives wherever possible. We're working with Everything Everywhere to ensure any customer disruption is minimal and, as the network integration is completed, all Virgin Media customers stand to benefit from improved nationwide mobile coverage."
The formation of Everything Everywhere was unveiled in May 2010 and, with a combined customer base of around 30 million subscribers, is the largest operator in the UK.
For more:
- see this PC Pro article
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