Hi,
I experienced extremely poor reception and very very unstable connections yesterday (31-Jul-2013). Since 9am yesterday, the modem was looping these steps:
1. "No Network" for 5 mins.
2. "Limited Service".
3. Restart modem
4. H Connection with one bar.
5. Connection drops off after 1 minute.
6. H with four blurred bars and X for 10 minutes.
7. Go back to step 1.
It went on until 6pm and I called in 1555 to complain. Coincidentally, the operator said that the network around my area was being upgraded and that would explain the very unstable connections. I told her that the pocket wifi modem has been like since day one when I first signed up. Although the connections may be slightly unstable and still tolerable to a certain extent, yesterday was the worst.
She promised me that the upgrading works will be finished by the end of yesterday and I will be experience much faster browsing speed. I just did a test and the connection speed is still as bad as ever. Sorry Vodafone, I hate being lied to. If your infrastructure is unable to support mobile internet in the first place, please say so and don't make up stories about network upgrades blah blah. I had a quick read around this forum and it seems that this "network upgrades in your postcode" template answer is always being in used. I will make an official complaint to http://www.tio.com.au/ and get them to find out what's going on with regards to this "network upgrade" claim.
Secondly, the operator told me over the phone that H displayed on my pocket WIFI modem means 3G. If that's true, why is my modem cycling between 3G and H consistently? Did the manufacturer of the modem put the label "3G" for fun? She insisted that H is 3G connection. So, is H really 3G?
It seems to me that Vodafone has deceived me and possibily thousands of other consumers with it being able to support 3G. As far as my experience goes, Vodafone NEVER gave me 3G. I know that for a fact because I was a previous Optus user before I switched over to Vodafone and Optus provided me with a good browsing experience. I will file this issue into the complaint as well. If I pay for 3G, I expect 3G. Don't make me pay first and then tell me later than upgrades are being done to give a better experience. If it's not there, don't sell it. Period.
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Postcode: 4101
Suburb: WEST END
Service difficulties (Call drops, Unable to send SMS, slow data speeds, No signal ETC):
1. "No Network" for 5 mins.
2. "Limited Service".
3. Restart modem
4. H Connection with one bar.
5. Connection drops off after 1 minute.
6. H with four blurred bars and X for 10 minutes.
7. Go back to step 1.
Time of day (AM/PM, times , be specific):
since 9am
How long has it been occurring: 31-Jul-2013.