Poor reception on O2 network

[dmb22]

A few weeks ago my Virgin mobile began playing up, with very poor reception when making calls and sometimes no service altogether. As I understand it Virgin have been gradually switching people's mobile networks over from Vodafone to O2. This would make sense as to the root cause of my problem as my wife's own O2 mobile phone became useless when we moved into our current residence a few months ago, and she had to switch to Vodafone, which immediately rectified the problem. 

I did call Virgin and explained the problem. They sent me a new sim, which hasn't solved the issue at all. If anything it's now worse than before.

My question is, is there any way for Virgin to switch me back to using the Vodafone network, or do I have to simply cancel and get a mobile contract elsewhere?

Thanks

[Carley_S]

Hi dmb22

Welcome to the community. 

Sorry to hear you're having issues with your mobile coverage. Does the service work well in other locations? You can check the coverage checker here for O2 to see if there are any known issues in the area at this time. 

[dmb22]

I've checked the coverage checker several times. There are no known issues. The service works fine when I leave the flat so I assume it's a building or tree hindering the signal.

[Carley_S]

Okay, let's investigate this further. Please join me on private message so I can locate your account and pass account security. You can see your private messages at the top of the page, in the envelope icon. 
 

[enlli · Accepted solution]

If it is indoors at your flat and you have broadband  turning on WiFi Calling will allow you to make and receive calls at home

[dmb22]

Thanks enlli, that does seem like a good solution to the problem.

I'll have to find out if it works. Not sure if my phone will allow it though. It's a Nokia 5.1+.

[Ryan_N]

unfortunately your phone wouldn't be compatible. I will send you over a private message to discuss further options. 

Cheers, 

Ryan. 

[archercj]

Ive been through a similar experience. I have a static caravan in the middle of no where but still like streamin Amazon, Netflix etc whicH I do through tethering to the phone.

When I started with Ooomph it was Virgin/EE and the connection was amazing - around 60mbps (ideal for streaming and also the times I work from the caravan). But the Virgin moved to Vodafone and I was getting speeds of 6mbps. Far from ideal. So I took a gamble and moved to Volt which comes with O2. Same speeds - around 6-8mbps.

I understand why (the mast infrastructure in the area and EE have an additional, and nearer, mast. But that doesnt help me.

Ended up taking out an EE contract (at £30pm may I add) which instantly resolved it and when my own Three (non Virgin) mobile phone contract ends in August I will cancel it and use the O2 sim in my phone as a lot fo the time I am in an Urban area and reception is fine. That will off set the £30 cost I am paying for EE.

Was a little disappointed because I hoped that after the 3 month period (with some it's 6 months) when you start with O2 you can add a phone to your Virgin/O2 SIm only contract but the deals are expensive. For example a Galaxy Pixel 6 Pro can be got for less than £50 with an unlimited sim with some vendors. If you add in the £25 cost of the Virgin/O2 sim it was around £64pm (and it was a 3 year contract with the option of a get out after 2 years). You can buy one from Google for £640 which works out at £27pm for 2 years.