Brian A wrote:
> Thank you all for your comments. However, one question, possibly
> missed, is if you set your network to manual selection, on your phone
> (as distinct from automatic) , does it then mean that you can safely
> say that you will only get access to that network and not drift off
> onto some other network that is going to charge you big bucks for the
> privilege.
> ---
> Remove 'no_spam_' from email address.
> ---
Sorry for the long post but I hope you'll find it useful.
A friend of mine is currently in Australia using three like home. You'll
only get service on the 3 network in the capital cities (Perth,
Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide). Outside those areas
you'll pay roaming fees. Calls whilst roaming on a 2G network (Optus or
Telstra) do not qualify as "3 like home" calls. See here:
http://www.three.co.uk/personal/help....omp?cid=31224
Don't forget that 3 like home in Australia is only available for pay
monthly customers. If you're on PAYG you'll always be charge roaming
rates in oz. See here:
http://www.three.co.uk/personal/help....omp?cid=31224
If you have a three branded handset you'll probably find you cannot set
manual network selection. Three restrict this to prevent people staying
permanently on the Orange network in the UK (Orange acts as a backup in
areas with no 3 signal). On some handsets the manual option isn't
present, on others it will appear to work but then switch straight back
to "automatic" mode.
On my friend's 6120 Nokia phone the alternative is to select "UMTS only"
in the network setting menu. Three UK phones only roam onto competitors
2G networks in Oz, so that setting should ensure you don't pay roaming
charges. However not all phone models have a "UMTS only" option.
Whilst out there you'll be on the 3 network if your handset displays "3
AUS" or "3 Telstra". If you can't select UMTS only make sure you check
which network you're on before making or accepting a call.
My friend has found the 3 network in Melbourne to be pretty unreliable.
Calls drop for no apparent reason and we can't always get through to
her. When she first arrived there were several very bizarre occasions
where calls from the UK to her number were routed to what I assume must
be a prank call service recording designed to confuse and infuriate
callers (you can listen to the recording here
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oQJoBGDmbk> it was definitely a
recording - I heard the exact same thing several times)
The routing to the bizarre recording hasn't happened recently but
unanswered calls aren't always diverted to voice mail (the line just
goes silent after a few rings but does not cut off) and sometimes she is
unable to dial out. Text messages from/to UK numbers sometimes arrive
straight away, sometimes are delayed several hours. Skype calls are even
less reliable. Bottom line - don't rely on a 3 phone as your only means
of communication whilst out there. My friend took a spare unlocked phone
with her and bought a PAYG Virgin Australia SIM.
regards,
drbob
remove the spam block to email me
'Three like home' : Maintaining connection to '3' 
Linear Mode
