According to Three UK, GPRS internet = “no internet”.

Being spoiled with 3G the last several years means I almost get angry when I see the icon on my phone retreat back to the comfy yet dark confines of 2G. As you all know, 2G sucks in this day and age. It simply cannot keep up with pretty much anything on the real or mobile web anymore. But in a pinch, rolling back to the golden oldie when 3G is unavailable is a god send as long as the page you’re trying to visit isn’t heavy in anything besides text.

For UK users on Three, there isn’t any “rollback”. Unfortunately for them, Three has determined that any 2G/GPRS mobile internet service isn’t up to their standards. Because of that, users cannot access any web or email services when the little icon on your phone shows a G/GPRS/2G.

The reason is because Three doesn’t own their own 2G network — they borrow Orange’s. When ElectricPig contacted both Orange and Three on the matter, Orange said that 2G data services work just fine. Three’s response: 2G isn’t good enough. The Three spokeswoman also goes on to say that by the end of this year, any fall back solution in 2G won’t be needed as Three continues to expand and develop their 3G network.

I’m all for rapid 3G expansion. But let’s be real, if you don’t have it, you don’t have it. What I mean is, suck it up and accept that your network will not reach all areas of the UK/land and provide 3G coverage. 2G is desperately needed as a failsafe for these situations. Not being able to have any data access on 2G networks is a big problem I’m sure has caught many Three users off guard. Regardless of how slow 2G is, slow access is better than no access.

Here in the US we really don’t have any major cellular providers that operate as Three — a 3G only network that rents out 2G infrastructure from other carriers. Because of that, there isn’t really any “hometown” example to compare them to here. Regardless, the same issue still stands.

So let’s hear it Three UK users: Are you finding the lack of a fall back 2G data solution a pain the rear as you traverse the UK?

ElectricPig

Author: Mike Norris

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Gadget lover, smartphone collector, and beer connoisseur. I've been writing about gadgets for three years now and loving every minute of it. Outside of the digital landscape, I enjoy being active outdoors. I'm always up for a good conversation, so feel free to drop me a line!