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O2 Wants Users to Know More

Liam — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:09:36 +0000

For those who are already subscribing to an existing plan or contract, there are several considerations and rules that should be understood. From the monthly fees to the cut off rates, users need to understand what usage patterns would cause their bill to grow.

More importantly, it is also important that existing network clients are made aware of the features and services of the network that they are under. Information regarding area coverage and signal strength should be openly and freely given to any user.

Mobile network operator O2 is on a crusade to promote transparency between mobile network operators and the consumers.

Smart phone technology is growing, and each year more and more people find themselves relying on handsets more and desktop computer less. In this day and age, network operators are expected to deliver more than just one service: calls and the internet. Thanks to the development of 3G technology, giving net access to users has become easier, but it certainly is a lot more complicated.

Rates, charges, and even the cancellation of contracts all entail things that even regular users are not fully familiar with. O2 UK stresses that the average plan holder does not know the termination and cancellation policies that are being used.

Of course, calling for change is one thing, but action is another.

O2 has already taken the initiative when it comes to their services. In fact, for any user who is unhappy or dissatisfied in any way regarding O2’s services, they can have the plan or contract cancelled instantly. Users will then receive a full refund with no questions asked.

Supporting the Communication Consumer Panel, O2 has been able to provide users with plenty of important information regarding plans and tariffs –pushing for other networks to offer better cancellation options for users should existing network conditions prove to be hostile.

Apple’s iOS Update is not a Solution

Liam — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:09:43 +0000

If Apple thinks that lowering the signal meter by a couple of bars changes things, they are quite wrong.

The whole point of the complaint is that Apple should do something about the exposed antenna. There is a part of the Apple iPhone 4 that when touched with the hand, drains the signal from the handset. Now, it has been proven with other smart phones that a touch of a bare hand has the potential to lower the signal. In fact, when held in certain ways, it is possible to make some phones drop several signal meter bars instantly.

The problem with the iPhone is not with the signal meter, it is the fact that holding the device in a certain way will make the phone lose all reception. This means that the signal does not only get weaker, but becomes completely cut off. Sadly, the exposed part is easy to touch when using the handset to make calls –which is why there are plenty of people complaining about the dropped call issue.

Apple’s response to all this is to create a new software update that would show a lower signal meter. That’s fine, considering how they explained that the meter was not behaving properly in the first place. But that does not solve the antenna problem. After all, having a weak signal is just one thing, but completely being unable to connect is an entirely different problem.

In some ways, it is disappointing to see that Apple seems to not take the issue seriously. They may be avoiding the fact that a hardware issue of this scale is difficult to fix, but unless they finally start addressing the problem directly, they will only prolong the situation.

For those who have yet to “fix” the signal meter on their handsets, it is reported that the update for the meter is already available.

Vodafone: Getting the Community to Help

Liam — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:29:26 +0000

The UK is no stranger to policy debates and discussions regarding the need to extend and expand mobile network coverage. Even in the busy streets of London, there are locations where signal is slow, bad or in some cases, completely absent and there is a need to address this concern.

With technology now pushing for the use of 4G/WiMax networks and faster data transfer speeds, there is also a humanitarian and social call for operators to seek and find the places that are not covered by their services. After all, having faster connections is not as important as bringing the connection to everyone.

However, seeking out the places, regions and area that have weak or no mobile coverage is difficult and even if Vodafone places all of its resources to finding these places, they would need plenty of time. In order to make the task easier, Vodafone has sent out a call to all of its users and subscribers to give the network a quick and instant feedback of network signal strength and availability in the various areas of the UK.

In order to participate, Vodafone users simply need to make a quick Tweet about where they are, what connection they are using and how strong the connection is. This will give Vodafone a clearer and more defined idea of which places are not getting good signals (as these locations would not be present in the tweets). For anyone who does not use Twitter, Vodafone will also allow you to post the information directly on their website.

While there are no incentives or rewards for anyone participating in the program, this is actually something that people should do when they can. The effort spent here is not just going to be beneficial to Vodafone, but for everyone as well as it will help Vodafone UK determine how they will improve and expand their network to provide coverage for more people.