O2 and Vodafone Network merge

[dannyleeuk]

So, its been in the news that 02 and Vodafone are merging their networks to 'cut costs' and share their networks. This also includes all 2G and 3G signals etc.

Does anyone think this will improve 3G availability and speed or do you think that the merge will put more load onto the network and slow things down?

A sign of bad times to come?

 

[Satanic Goat]

This may not have been the great news it first seems. I had hoped it would mean a better 3G coverage. Seems it may not be so.

h**p://w*w.theregister.co.uk/2009/03/24/vodafone_o2_fud/

I can't post links yet so amended it slightly.

 

[Casper TFG]

Gossip today hints at Orange UK also getting iPhone this summer..

I moved from o2 to Orange to get the UMA function going on my Blackberry..

I WAS happy to be on o2 as I always planned on getting an (improved) iPhone one day -

So this move away could cost me about ?400 extra to pay off the 18 month Orange contract to move BACK to o2..

If iPhone DOES come to Orange - I will save that outlay..

However the Orange reception at my house is poor and my Blackberry hops over to UMA several times during the day..

Typically I get:
2/3rds of the day on GPRS
1/6ths of the day on UMA
1/6th of the day on EDGE

(My Blackberry Curve 8900 has WiFi but doesn't have 3G)

Soooo... I have mixed emotions

The Iphone doesn't do UMA (so far...)

I sincerely hope on Orange or o2 - whatever I go for - my phone reception will be OK..

If not I could always swap networks within the 14 day trial period..

What thoughts UK Smart phone fans?

 

[Satanic Goat]

I wouldn't get your hopes up about the Orange thing, read the comments on the news item on the blog.

 

[Casper TFG]

cool tip - thanks - I wont be holding my breath now..