Vodafone (non) Mobile Coverage

Lgregmayeraus on 23/07/2019 - 08:05

Lately I’ve been discussing the lack of (and non-existent) coverage in multiple areas while traveling on the train between the Northern Gold Coast and Brisbane City with my mobile phone provider Vodafone.

I’ve been told by both the phone and social media customer service teams now that (and I quote) ‘coverage cannot be guaranteed while traveling’.

I may have missed something, but I’m pretty sure I signed up for a ‘mobile’ phone service, not a ‘stay in the one spot’ phone service.

My specific problem is that I use my mobile hotspot as a wireless connection to work on the train. My employer requires us to log into the platform via Citrix which requires a stable data connection. This has been getting increasingly frustrating of late as for about half of my one-hour trip I seem to be waiting for the connection to re-establish.

I’m wondering if any Ozbargainers have any advice or experience in:

  1. Disputing the claims that Vodafone can’t (or won’t?) provide a reliable service while traveling i.e. do I have grounds to cancel my contract/return the phone? They have informed me I will have to pay it out the phone installments if I wish to leave.

  2. Any other tips using Citrix with an unstable data connection?

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Comments

  • bdl on 23/07/2019 - 08:59

    lol

  • Bargain80 on 23/07/2019 - 09:39

    have you checked the vodafone coverage map?

    • gregmayeraus on 23/07/2019 - 21:37

      Yep - apparently 4G the whole journey.

      • Bargain80 on 24/07/2019 - 13:52
        +1

        then it could be a combination of many factors such as:
        - moving at high speed (changing cell tower is not quick enough to guarantee stable connection)
        - many people are using cellphone in one spot
        - material of train is blocking some of the signal
        - the signal strength is not strong enough.
        To test this, you have locate the point where you usually loose the signal. Driver there on the usual time like you catch a train. Get out of car and check your connection. If you still don't get good connection, then you can argue with Vodafone.

  • Alan Laz on 23/07/2019 - 10:12

    Frankly your answer is the Big T. To get cheaper Telstra goodness, you could try a Boost connection.

    Sent from a really fast and utterly dependable Vodafone MVNO :)

    • gregmayeraus on 23/07/2019 - 21:38

      Funnily enough I was with Optus until about 4 months ago. Trialled a prepaid Sim with both Telstra and Vodafone and it was Vodafone that came out better. No so the case now.

  • hikaru78 on 23/07/2019 - 10:51

    on a train and want a perfect data connection … hmmm does that include tunnels etc as well?

    • gregmayeraus on 23/07/2019 - 21:43

      I understand physics, so no, I’m not expecting a perfect signal while in tunnels or around other impedances that would affect a mobile signal. The areas I’m having trouble in are clear and are varied across residential, commercial and industrial areas.

  • Apple96 on 23/07/2019 - 11:01

    I used to take the Gold Coast train a lot, and there is a few dead zones, and im with Optus

    • gregmayeraus on 23/07/2019 - 21:43

      Used to be with Optus - one of the reasons I left. Pity the competitors seem to have the same problems.

      • Apple96 on 24/07/2019 - 07:50
        +1

        doesn't help a lot of the area near the line is privately held.

  • Randxyz123 on 23/07/2019 - 11:39
    +1

    Telcos can’t guarantee stable connections where external factors may impact coverage. That’s what voda is saying… Coverage on train lines has long been an issue. Not a lot can be done about it except trying another carrier.

    I would suggest you find an unlocked wireless dongle/hotspot and try Optus and Telstra. If they are better use them for data and claim it back on tax.

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