Let’s talk about the network.

We can feel lost if we’re not permanently connected to the digital world. When something goes wrong and you have no network connection, or there’s patchy coverage, it can feel like you’ve lost an arm.

Here’s the big question: how does the Three network actually work and what can cause network issues? Let’s be honest, all we’re really concerned with is getting re-connected as soon as possible, but do you really know how to get the most out of the Three network when you’re in an area with limited coverage? Do you know your 3G network from your 4G network? Your LTE from your VoLTE?  Let’s get started.

 

Signal stress.

Our network is made up of thousands of sites built across the country that house several antennas (or masts) that provide a signal for that specific area. You can check your coverage or find out latest information on any network issues using our coverage checker. Let’s try and understand some of the things that can cause the nightmare of having no signal.

 

Hardware or power failures.

Failures with hardware can happen at any stage of the connection process. This can be anything from a fault in the mast nodes, to a failure with a 3rd party’s infrastructure or a fault with the mobile device or SIM.

This may seem like an obvious cause for electrical equipment failing, but loss of power can affect masts in different ways. Each mast runs on a mains power supply. A complete loss of service from the mains will take a mast completely out of use.

 

Congestion.

Congestion is the result of too many users trying to use one site. The site can’t handle the volume of traffic being fed into it, causing those with weaker connections to drop-off. This typically happens in areas of high populations, or rural areas where masts are a lot more spread out. Congestion can also be impacted by the capacity of the site, which can vary depending on the fixed line connection running to it. We’re continually upgrading our sites to prevent congestion.

 

Antennae placement and direction.

Our network teams plan our network placement and the area covered by each mast. Typically, each mast will have three nodes, each containing several cells. These nodes can be pointed in different directions depending on where we want the signal to lie, making sure there’s enough overlap in the signal area with surrounding masts. This allows a constant transfer of data, and provides a seamless connection when you’re moving around. Changing their position needs to be carefully planned by our network strategy team and can be carried out remotely or manually by an engineer visiting the site.

 

Signal interference.

A number of objects can interfere with network performance. Anything from hills and valleys, to large buildings, structures and vegetation can impact or limit the signal. Newly built structures or buildings and growing trees can cause an outage by reflecting or absorbing the radio link between two masts. In the case of trees, we’ll often try and contact the land owner to work through these issues.

Weather can also impact your signal. In summer, hot temperatures can cause aircon systems to fail within the mast sites, whereas in winter heavy rain and snow can cause signal failure. Strong winds can sometimes damage the antennas by changing their direction.

 

Stay connected.

Now you’ve got more of an understanding of how the network works, and what can prevent it from running as perfectly as we all want, how can you prevent yourself from being impacted by network issues?

 

Wi-Fi Calling and Three InTouch.

When faced with the situation of having no mobile signal, you can still have the best experience possible on our network with Three inTouch and Wi-Fi Calling, which allow you to still call and text whenever you’re on Wi-Fi in the UK, and you’ll be charged in the same way as you usually would.

Depending on the phone you have, it’ll either need a simple software update to switch seamlessly to Wi-Fi Calling, or you’ll just need to turn it on in the settings. Do this now, then you’re prepared for any future network issues.

You can find out everything you need to know on our dedicated Three inTouch page.

 

Jargon buster.

3G – Third generation mobile technology. Built to meet International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 specifications which called for minimum transfer speeds of 200 kB/s.

HSxPA (3.5G) – High-speed Downlink Packet Access and High-speed Uplink Packet Access – Introducing new transport layer channels allowed for increased data transfer speeds and building our network foundations for data transfer.

LTE (HSDPA+ or 4G) – Stands for Long Term Evolution – LTE is essentially 4G connection, 4G allows networks to provide true mobile broadband with speeds averaging 15Mb/s.

VoLTE – Stands for Voice over LTE. This connects voice calls over our LTE data network which is better built to handle larger volumes of traffic. This has been brought in to alleviate congestion issues across our 3G network.

Site – A site is the physical structure that houses a number of antennas, often for more than one network. Each site will host multiple cells for each network node, which are positioned to provide the best coverage the site can offer.

 

Quick tips to get the most out of the network.

1. If your usual signal has changed recently check coverage checker for the latest info.

2. Get up to speed and set up on Three InTouch and Wi-Fi calling to make sure you stay connected.

3. If your issues persist get in touch with us, we’re here to help.

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Source: Three Mobile Hub






Stream movies online or hit the cinema this Valentine’s with Wuntu.

Do you love to serenade, snuggle and smooch? Or have you left your inner Mr Darcy in the ditch? Well this Valentine’s Day, it really doesn’t matter whether you’re having a date night, a mate night or me time – you can stream movies online for less and make cinema savings with our Wuntu app.

 

Stream movies online with Rakuten TV

You don’t have to join the hordes of loved-up lovelies showing up and dining out. You can entertain your hot date at home (or even just entertain yourself) with Wuntu. Snuggle up on the sofa, call in the takeaway, crack open the bubbles and enjoy! Because Wuntu has partnered up with the awesome Rakuten TV (one of the best movie streaming sites around)  to bring you 350 Super Points (that’s £3.50 to you and me) towards a movie.

Love Actually; The Big Sick; Home Again; The Fault in our Stars; Notting Hill… The list for hopeless romantics goes on and on. And if these heart-wrenching titles don’t float your dreamboat, why not get stuck in to the multi award-winning musical sensation, La La Land. There really is something for everyone when you stream movies online with Rakuten TV.

 

£3 movie deal with Cineworld

If you have severe FOMO  (that’s ‘fear of missing out’) then you don’t need to worry. Because you can hit the town with the best of them this Valentine’s day, without blowing the budget. Because Wuntu also brings you a movie-tastic treat, courtesy of Cineworld. The film for £3 deal is back from today (14th Feb) until 20th Feb – so you and your date can head down to your nearest Cineworld (there are 82 around the UK!) and catch one of the latest movies for a lot less (just make sure you both have the Wuntu app first).

As with all our Wuntu deals, it’s super-easy to get yours (and these ones last until 20th Feb at 23.55pm). All you need to do is download Wuntu from Google Play  or the App Store  (if you haven’t already). It’s exclusive to Three customers – but don’t worry, if you’re not with us already, you can join us on a SIM Only plan.   

Love-in or night out?  The choice is yours. Because no matter how you choose to spend your Valentine’s – and whoever you choose to spend it with – Wuntu has your back. And look how super-easy it is to get your movie deal…

 

Get the Rakuten TV deal:

  • Find the offer, tap on ‘Use now’, then copy the code and enter the Rakuten TV site.
  • Log in or register on the landing page from your phone, paste your code and hit Redeem. You’ll automatically be credited with 350 Rakuten Super Points to use on any SD film you fancy renting.
  • Pick a movie and select Watch Now. You don’t need to tap Redeem Voucher as you’ve done this already.
  • Finally, select Rent SD. Your film will now be available to view on your telly, laptop or wherever you like after. Just head to the Rakuten TV site. Time to enjoy the show…

 

Get the Cineworld deal:

To book online:

Go to Wuntu and find the deal

  • Select ‘Use now’, then copy code and open site
  • Choose your cinema, film and time
  • Enter your code at checkout – remember there’s a booking fee

 

To get your tickets in the cinema:

  • Go to Wuntu and find the deal
  • Select ‘Use now’, then show the staff your code

 

Rakuten TV offer terms and conditions

  • Code expires 20.02.18 at 23.55.
  • 350 Rakuten Super Points, worth £3.50. Subject to availability. Rakuten Super Points expire 2 days from the date you acquire them unless used. UK residents only.
  • One claim per user, and one code per Rakuten TV account.
  • Visit site and enter code. https://uk.rakuten.tv/terms_conditions/617 gives details of Partner’s privacy policy and how your personal data is collected and processed.
  • Partner’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • Rakuten TV is responsible for administration and fulfilment. For any code queries, contact Three using Help & Support within the app. For all product or offer queries or related Partner terms and conditions, please contact: [email protected]
  • For full T&Cs, see: https://threemicrosites.co.uk/rewardstermsandconditions

 

Cineworld deal terms and conditions

  • Code expires 20.02.18 at 23.55.
  • Adult 2D cinema tickets for £3 on Wuntu. Subject to availability. Redeemable only on films showing before 23:55 on 20.02.18. Upgrade charges for 3D and Superscreen, if applicable, are payable. This voucher cannot be used to upgrade to IMAX, 4DX, DBOX or VIP.
  • Bookings online will incur a booking/processing fee. Redemption in person at the cinema will not incur this fee.
  • UK residents only.
  • One claim per user.
  • Visit site and enter code, or visit cinema and use code. https://www.cineworld.co.uk/terms/privacy gives details of Partner’s privacy policy and how your personal data is collected and processed.
  • Cineworld is responsible for administration and fulfilment however Three will be managing customer service communication, contact Three using the Help & Support section of the app.
  • For full T&Cs visit https://threemicrosites.co.uk/rewardstermsandconditions

 

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Source: Three Mobile Hub






Valentine’s Day tips from Three, no matter what you’re planning.

You can smell it in the air, you can see it in people’s eyes, and whether you’d like to or not, it’s tough to ignore it. Yep, Valentine’s Day is here again. And whether you’re planning something very special, keeping it low-key, or burying your head under the sheets until it’s all over, we’ve got a few ideas on how to help you make it a good one.

 

Save on your romantic weekend away, with Feel At Home

Whisking your loved one away on a beautiful romantic weekend break? Well, not to spoil your whole trip, but around this time of year you’re probably going to notice that things – from flights to accommodation to romantic dinner – is gonna be somewhat more expensive than at other times of the year.

But never fear, we’ve got your back – with Feel At Home, so long as you’re in one of our 71 eligible destinations all around the world, you’ll be able to us your normal data allowance to upload those extra-romantic #ValentinesSelfies, without breaking the bank. Plus, you can use your minutes and text allowance to let everyone back home know you’re having a much more romantic evening than they are.

 

Get some great value dinner deals with Wuntu

So you’ve forgotten to plan your romantic night out, and the mid-month bank balance isn’t looking too healthy. We get it, we’ve all been there. And maybe we can help you out a little. If you don’t already know about it, Wuntu gives you fantastic freebies, competitions and deals every single Wednesday. And more importantly, most weeks have at least one fantastic lunch and dinner deals, where you can chow down on everything from Italian to Mexican, for as little as £3.

We’ll supply the deals, and you can bring the romance.

 

Kickin’ it solo? Go Binge has you covered.

Staying home? We don’t blame you. And whether the mere thought of romance sends you into a rage, or whether you’re just not down with the idea of a regularly scheduled day of romance, you could do a whole lot worse than popping on Netflix, shutting up the curtains, and getting down to a serious binge-watch.

And whether you’re hunkered down at home or in a quiet little hideaway somewhere, you can take your shows with you, with Go Binge. On selected plans, you can stream from Netflix, TV Player, Deezer and more. Whatever entertainment you need to distract you for the day, you can enjoy it wherever you dang well please.

The post Valentine’s Day tips from Three, no matter what you’re planning. appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub






Three ways to up your social media Pancake Day game.

Pancake day is here again! (by the way, for anyone asking “When is Pancake Day,” it’s Tuesday 13 Feb)

And not to be terribly vain, but what’s the point in cooking up a batch of delicious, fluffy pancakes if you can’t make all your friends and followers lose their mind at the sight of your lovingly crafted pancake pics?

We’ve pulled together three simple ways to take your Pancake Day social media efforts to the next level.

 

Perfect your pancake recipe

Okay, so first things first, you need to get your pancakes looking and tasting their absolute best, otherwise what’s the point, right?

There’s a few different schools of thought on pancakes, but for our money, the best pancakes come down to a nice balance between sweet and salty, between fat little cakes and wafer-thin crepes. And for that, the best recipe we’ve found is Felicity Cloake for the Guardian. Plus, you get a nice little pancakes history lesson, to boot.

 

Make your photos pop

Phone cameras have come a long, long way in the past few years. These days, it’s easy to take a few quick snaps, fire them off to your followers, and forget all about them. But taking just a little bit more time and effort can really make your pics stand stacks above the rest (pun intended). From props to lighting, backgrounds to your choice of angles, it all adds up. Thankfully, it’s easily done, and there’s plenty of tips online for how to do it.

 

Share, far and wide

Now you’ve cooked your beautiful, tasty pancakes, and you’ve taken a snap worthy of hanging in the Louvre, all that’s left is to make sure as many people see it as possible. And for that, you’re gonna need to get hashtagging.

There’s plenty of tools out there to help you find the most effective hashtags to get your pics out to as many people as possible (one good example is Hashtagify). Just search for your topic (this one of course being “pancakes”), and you can find all the most popular related hashtags. Then just add ‘em to your picture, hit post, and send your beautiful new snaps out to the world.

The post Three ways to up your social media Pancake Day game. appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub






We’re proud winners of the Most Popular Mobile Network 2018

We’re proud winners of the Most Popular Mobile Network 2018

We’ve only gone and done it! Last night (8th February) saw the very best of the telecoms industry gathered together to celebrate the uSwitch Broadband and Mobile Awards 2018. And we were voted as the most popular mobile network in the UK. It’s an exciting event for us, and the results are based on consumer votes, an expert judging panel and data from uSwitch.com itself.

 

Which is the best network for roaming?

Well, according to uSwitch, the best network for roaming is Three! And it’s worth noting that we also picked up the Best Network for Roaming award in 2017. This one is based on the judges’ choice. So the expert panel – made up of leading news, technology and consumer finance journalists – selected Three as their winner. We’re very excited and super proud to be recognised for Go Roam, which means customers can use their phones in 71 destinations around the world at no extra cost.

 

And which is the most popular mobile network UK? 

That’ll be us too! The most popular mobile network award was based on a public vote and data that’s been gathered across the year by uSwitch. Winning Most Popular Mobile Network feels really special and is new for us in 2018.

 

We’re working hard this year to continue bringing you amazing services and deals – such as our SIM Only deals and our great range of mobile phones – that make Three stand head and shoulders above the competition. So, watch this space…

 

If you want to find out more about the other accolades we’ve won, then we’ve got a whole page dedicated to our awards for you to check out.

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Source: Three Mobile Hub






Five things to love about the Honor 7X

It’s safe to say we’re plenty excited about the release of the Honor 7X. Last year’s Honor 9 was one of the best releases of 2017, and the Honor 7X is looking dead set on being even better still.

There’s plenty to love about Honor’s new flagship device, but to make things easier (and more convincing), we’ve drawn up the top 5 reasons.

 

1. It looks and feels fantastic

Where to even start? Well, for one thing its 5.5in body is made with a specialised molding process that gives it a smooth design and finish. Apparently it took a full 15 months to perfect the design, and we believe it. It’s smooth and metallic to the touch, and still manages to be super light and sleek.

 

2. It’s an entertainment machine

The edge-to-edge screen on the 7X boasts an almost 21:9 ratio. Plus, it’s got a 2160×1080 FHD+ resolution. What does that mean, you ask? Basically, it means it’s got just about the most perfect mobile screen possible for watching movies, gaming or reading. Plus, if gaming is your thing, its 4GB RAM and superfast processor means you’ll not have any problems with processing power.

 

3. The cameras are fantastic, no matter what way they’re facing.

Alright, first of all, you’ve got your 16MP Dual-lens rear camera. With a wide aperture, and super-easy portrait mode, it provides supreme high-definition photography, even for the most amateur of amateurs.

Then there’s the 8MP front camera. It’s got a bucket load of features, from portrait mode to a gesture trigger that lets you take your snaps hands-free. Your selfies will never have looked better.

 

4. It keeps on going, and going, and going…

So here’s the techie bit. The Honor 7X has a 3340 mAh battery. Still here? Cool. That means with one full battery charge, you could make 38 hours of calls. Or you could watch videos, continuously for 12 hours straight. Or, if you’re a music fan, you could listen to 91 straight hours of music before the battery dies. Though I imagine you might want a rest or two first yourself. Point being, the Honor 7X has one heckuva battery.

 

5. It gives you more for your money.

If you’ve read this far, I’m sure you’ll agree, the Honor 7X has a whole lot going for it. But we thought, well, you don’t see a phone like this released just every day. Why not do something a little more special with it? So we did. Along with everything we’ve described (and more) about the Honor 7X, anyone who upgrades or takes out a contract with the 7X between 1 February and 31 March will also get a free Honor Sports Bluetooth headset thrown in, absolutely free. It’s the gift that just keeps on giving.

The Honor 7X is available on Pay Monthly plans, and you can pick yours up today in the Three Store.

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Source: Three Mobile Hub






Fancy grabbing a Dominos free pizza? Grazie Wuntu.

Sack off the cooking and crack open a beer. You’ve just bagged yourself a sumptuous 7” free pizza from takeaway titans, Dominos. All you need to do is whip out your smartphone and redeem the deal using your trusty Wuntu app. Because dinner (or indeed lunch) is totally on them.

This deal gives you a free 7” personal pizza from Dominos today (Wednesday 7th February). It’s perfect for one – so you don’t have to share – and you can keep the dough (do you see what we did there?).

Plus, you can totally suit yourself when it comes to the toppings, because you get a choice of up to 4 scrummy ingredients. Will you make yours meaty with Italian sausage, pepperoni, Philly steak and bacon? Will you snaffle 4 of your 5-a-day with mushrooms, onions, peppers and pineapple? Or do you plan to play it cool with a classic margherita? The choice is yours. And you’ve got all day long (until 11.55pm) on Wednesday 7th Feb to order your perfect pizza.

If all this cheese-tastic talk is making you drool, then let’s get started. First you need to make sure you’ve got Wuntu downloaded on your phone. It’s exclusive to our lovely Three customers and totally free – so what are you waiting for? You can get it now in Google Play  or the App Store. And if you’re not already with us, why not pick up a Three SIM for your phone so you don’t miss out.

Once you’ve got the Wuntu app, here’s what you do next (it’s worth checking out the full terms and conditions at the bottom of this article too):

 

  • Select ‘Use now’ on the Dominos deal, then copy the code and go to Dominos online or use the Dominos app before the day’s up (7 Feb).
  • Find your nearest Domino’s store online or on the app using your postcode.
  • Choose collection or delivery. Your 7″ personal pizza is free to collect but you can have it delivered if you meet the local minimum delivery spend by buying more stuff.
  • Pick a 7″ personal sized pizza from the menu, or create your own 7″ personal size pizza with up to 4 toppings (add more if you like, you’ll just need to pay extra).
  • If you’re just claiming the pizza without any extras, enter your code at checkout and select ‘cash’ as the payment method (don’t worry, it is free). Getting more food in? Enter your code then pick a payment method to cover the rest.

Dominos free pizza terms and conditions

Wuntu is Three’s offers and rewards app available to Three customers via the App Store or Google Play. Promoted offer from Domino’s Pizza. Offer valid for a free 7” personal pizza.

Available online only with a valid voucher code via the Wuntu app. Only valid on Wednesday 07/02/18. Collection only. One code per person. No cash alternative. Not available with other offers. See Wuntu for full terms.

 

  • Code Expires 07.02.18 at 23:55. Redeem for a free 7″ personal pizza from the menu or a ‘create your own’ 7″ personal pizza up to 4 toppings.
  • Can only be redeemed online or via the Domino’s app.
  • The offer is for collection only – unless the local delivery requirement is met, by ordering more items from the menu.
  • UK residents only (including NI).
  • Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
  • This offer is valid at participating stores only.
  • One claim per user.
  • https://www.dominos.co.uk/legal/content/privacypolicy gives details of Partner’s privacy policy and how your personal data is collected and processed.
  • For any code queries, contact Three using Help & Support within the app. For all offer queries or related Partner terms and conditions, please contact your local store.
  • For full T&Cs visit https://threemicrosites.co.uk/rewardstermsandconditions

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Source: Three Mobile Hub