Nov 11, 2016 10:41 PM
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## Vodafone Mobile Operator ##
High average 4G speeds
A fast 4G speed will mean web pages load faster, while apps and software also download more quickly. Vodafone’s 4G speeds are measured in megabits per second(Mbps). Ofcom rates Vodafone’s average 4G speeds as 15Mbps, which is fast enough for practically everything you could ever want to do online, from browsing to video streaming.
A strong highstreet presence
Customer service helplines are helpful, but are often a poor substitute for face-to-face communication when you have a problem with your mobile handset. Many town and city centres have a Vodafone shop, where you can talk to an expert and get your issue resolved.
Red Plan SIMs have several extras
When you join a Vodafone Red Plan you get a choice of extra features. You can choose from a Now TV Entertainment pass, a free subscription to Spotify Premium, or unlimited access to Sky Sports Mobile TV. The service is offered free on either a six or 12-month basis, after which you may have to pay to continue using it.
The monthly price is fixed
Vodafone promises to keep the monthly price you pay for its SIM-only deals the same for the full length of your contract. Unless, that is, you go over your monthly allowances, at which point you’ll be charged extra. If you stay within the bounds of your contract the fixed price promise means you won’t have to worry about unexpected price hikes.
Network trial for 30 days
When you join Vodafone or start a new plan, you’ll get to trial the network. Vodafone calls this period the Network Satisfaction Guarantee. It will allow you to test the network and if you aren't happy, you can cancel your contract within 30 days of upgrading or joining Vodafone.
There are no unlimited data plans
Vodafone has no unlimited data plans. All plans, whether SIM-only or pay monthly contracts, come with a predetermined data allowance. Vodafone has a range of data allowances, and most users will find a satisfactory amount; however, heavy users(those who like to download lots of files or stream video every day) may prefer to look elsewhere for an unlimited plan.
Mobile coverage is poorer than other providers
Vodafone's 3G and 4G coverage is not as extensive as that of other providers such as EE and O2. Rollout continues, but if you have concerns about coverage, Vodafone offers its 30-day Network Guarantee, so if you find coverage isn't good enough in your area, within a month, you can cancel your contract without penalty.
Charges are high if you exceed your data limit
Because Vodafone has no unlimited data plan, there is a risk that you could surpass your monthly data allowance at some point. If you do, you’ll be subject to an additional charge for every 250MB of data. If you’re not careful this can soon add up to a considerable cost.
You have to pay to unlock your mobile
If you’ve purchased your mobile handset from Vodafone and want to leave for another provider, you’ll have to ask Vodafone to unlock your phone. This may take from anywhere between 48 hours and 10 days to complete. However, if you’ve been with Vodafone for over a year on a pay monthly contract, your phone will be unlocked for free.
Plans generally cost more than the competition
Vodafone’s plans aren’t quite as cheap as those offered by competing providers. Generally, you’ll pay more for the same allowances. While this means you may be better off financially by choosing a cheaper provider, if you decide to go elsewhere you’ll miss out on many of Vodafone’s benefits, such as 4G and the extra features included with its Red Plans.
