Testing Network Coverage

Recently I "purchased" 3's mobile broadband package on the strength that
the three postcode areas that I would use it were all indicated as 3G
according to 3's network coverage. Unsurprisingly, it didn't work in any
of them but it is most inconvenient to go through the nausea of having
to take it back etc. What's needed is some device that you could take to
various locations to "test" whether that area receives a signal from the
various networks and what type of coverage ie. 2G, 3G, HSDPA etc.
Anyone know of such a thing?

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Nick Budd wrote:
> Recently I "purchased" 3's mobile broadband package on the strength that
> the three postcode areas that I would use it were all indicated as 3G
> according to 3's network coverage. Unsurprisingly, it didn't work in any
> of them but it is most inconvenient to go through the nausea of having
> to take it back etc. What's needed is some device that you could take to
> various locations to "test" whether that area receives a signal from the
> various networks and what type of coverage ie. 2G, 3G, HSDPA etc.
> Anyone know of such a thing?

I would like to do a similar thing with ADSL. I think that the principle
of know being able to determine the speed you will get before you enter
into a contract is wrong.

On 30 Oct, 09:52, Chris Hills <c...@chaz6.com> wrote:
> Nick Budd wrote:
> > Recently I "purchased" 3's mobile broadband package on the strength that
> > the three postcode areas that I would use it were all indicated as 3G
> > according to 3's network coverage. Unsurprisingly, it didn't work in any
> > of them but it is most inconvenient to go through the nausea of having
> > to take it back etc. What's needed is some device that you could take to
> > various locations to "test" whether that area receives a signal from the
> > various networks and what type of coverage ie. 2G, 3G, HSDPA etc.
> > Anyone know of such a thing?
>
> I would like to do a similar thing with ADSL. I think that the principle
> of know being able to determine the speed you will get before you enter
> into a contract is wrong.

To measure mobile 2g signal strength I use Network Monitor (hidden
menu on older Nokias - can simply be enabled by phone shop that knows
what they're doing) plus a non-UK sim (ie capable of roaming on UK
networks).

For 3g and HSDPA, you'll need an HSDPA capable phone that can also run
Network Monitor (or similar programme).

Regards

Simon Clark
Business Telecoms

"Nick Budd" <nbudd@myinternetpass.com> wrote in message
news:1193728800_293@sp6iad.superfeed.net...
> Recently I "purchased" 3's mobile broadband package on the strength that
> the three postcode areas that I would use it were all indicated as 3G
> according to 3's network coverage. Unsurprisingly, it didn't work in any
> of them but it is most inconvenient to go through the nausea of having to
> take it back etc. What's needed is some device that you could take to
> various locations to "test" whether that area receives a signal from the
> various networks and what type of coverage ie. 2G, 3G, HSDPA etc.
> Anyone know of such a thing?
>
> ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet
> News==----
> http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+
> Newsgroups
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easy, find a friend or neibour who has one and try that