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Hi all currently on Vodafone but contract is up.
The last time I did a big ride in the Cairngorms (Glen feshie up to Carn ban mor and Sgor Gaoith) I got talking to two local guys and they had pretty good mobile coverage up in the hills. Now I can’t remember the network they were on- I think it was either O2 or EE.
Anyone help? Is there a network that is generally better throughout the highlands or was it just a feature of that particular area?
Also is there one network that’s better than others in the lakes?
Thanks.
EE in the Highlands - they are providing the new network for emergency services, so are adding coverage to remote spots. The have a transmitter at the end of the road in Glen Feshie.
All the new provisions have to be multi-user, Scot Gov is pushing the suppliers to combine resources at long last so it will matter less soon. In most parts of the Highlands, it has up to now been Vodaphone with far the best coverage and certainly at present in the Eastern Highlands & southern Gorms, my personal phone on Vodaphone is way better than the work phone that's on EE.
Anyone got more details on the coming plans for combining resources?
I find EE coverage pretty good when out and about in the hills. Vodafone may have moved on a bit since I last considered them, every network seems to have black spots though. Good to hear they're being made to do something about it 👍🏻
EE for the Lakes.
I've had personal EE and work Vodafone for a decade.
Up until now Vodafone has been marginally better coverage for me in Scotland. That seems to be changing locally though.
Do remember when it's an emergency a 112 and 999 call or text will go via any available network.
Service can be a bit patchy for all here in the Southern Cairngorms, but have used EE for years and find them pretty OK. Sometimes better than Vodafone, sometimes less good, but the (expectation of) direction of travel for them is superior due to the emergency services contract.
Then, with an MR hat on, the question of a 999/112 call being possible on all networks. Yes, true, but the linked issue becomes that they cannot ring you if you are not on your service provider's network. Much simpler organisation if possible, particularly when operations may not be a straightforward smash and grab. Oh, and don't forget to pre-register your phone for SMS contact to the 999 system (text ‘Register’ to 999).
EE for the lakes for sure. North Pennines and NYM as well
I live just north of the Cairngorms - EE is the only signal around here
EE / BT now. It was Vodafone many years ago but things have moved on.
I was up at the Argyll Stone earlier this week and had a good EE 4G signal. Strangely enough it had dropped to zero only a couple of km further south at Sgorr Dubh Mòr. Just an example of how patchy it can still be.
I’m in northern lakes and EE has been the best for me.
Another north lakes vote for EE.
Thanks for all the replies folks. Looks like I might give EE a go, good to know it seems ok in the Pennines too, so probably decent in Northumberland?
Plusnet use the network too so I should be able to get a pretty inexpensive sim only deal.
For anywhere remote in Scotland not just Highlands EE is definitely the winner.
Just make sure you don't touch 3 or one of the companies that use it regardless of how cheap it is