Vodafone EDGE - Can anyone tell me what is point of this?

Evening all,

Having switched to Vodafone a number of years ago, I am regretting it. Ever since the 3G switch-off, the service a lot of the time, is terrible. Travelling around, which I do a lot, often I will only get EDGE service in between 4/5G. I almost exclusively listen to internet streaming radio stations or podcasts. However, with Vodafone, there is NO data whatsoever under EDGE. Not even streaming a 32kbit/s audio stream, or a simple e-mail check!

According to the specs of EDGE, it should be capable of 384 kbit/s. Therefore, why do Vodafone not support data on this mode? Maybe someone can answer that..!

Many thanks!

I think a large amount of smart meters/security alarms ect 2G/EDGE.

The gov said it wants all 2G switched off by 2033, I'm sure it will slip further as these things do.

In reply to a post by TannedITGeek:

According to the specs of EDGE, it should be capable of 384 kbit/s. Therefore, why do Vodafone not support data on this mode? Maybe someone can answer that..!

EDGE or "Enhanced Data-rates for GSM Evolution" is the second 2G data protocol after GPRS. The spec allows for up to 384 kbps, but I believe only t-mobile USA ever implemented this. Most networks around the globe carried on at 64kbps same as GPRS but EDGE supports more concurrent users. HOWEVER most UK networks have shrunk the radio spectrum for 2G to the minimum possible, assuming most people will be connected to 4G or 5G, and where 4G handles all the calling. There appears to be some bugs in the new Apple iOS 27 where it can get stuck and not hand back up, so if you have an iPhone try the reboot sequence to see if you get 4G again.

The smart meter programme is working on replacing any 2G only communications hubs with 4G enabled ones, so hopefully not too many to replace...

3G had to go, it was too problematic, but to leave parts of the UK with no 4G when doing so seems a little irresponsible of Vodafone.

The very limited bandwidth in an EDGE area means congestion is almost guaranteed. All the devices in an EDGE area are fighting for a tiny amount of bandwidth, which will make any interactive mobile data usage pretty much impossible.

In reply to a post by David_W2:

The very limited bandwidth in an EDGE area means congestion is almost guaranteed. All the devices in an EDGE area are fighting for a tiny amount of bandwidth, which will make any interactive mobile data usage pretty much impossible.

Most networks are only allocating 2.4 MHz capacity to 2G GSM/EDGE for those legacy services such as parking meters.

See here:
https://mastdatabase.co.uk/gb/spectrum/

Scroll down to Band 8, B8, and click on the Vodafone 2.4 MHz block.

I would complain to be released from contract if this is all that Vodafone can supply in the original poster's area.

Does your phone have a setting to ignore 2G networks? Mine does, although it's hidden in the security settings (makes sense because 2G has terrible security). This should encourage your phone and the network to cooperatively prefer LTE and NR cells, even if they're "less good" by the weird criteria used. It should also help you connect to MOCN cells run by ThreeUK, assuming your contract is with Vodafone rather than an MVNO.

I think the OP has probably gone... I didn't notice the original post was 6 months ago in March!

6 months is a bit a stretch for a reply though innit 🤣 poor OP.

Apologies, have been very busy.

Many thanks for all your replies. Makes complete sense!

Unsure if this works but can you manually force the network to 3?

Network 3 has no 2G whatsoever. The only exception is a small number of areas where a legacy orange agreement exists to roam and this is undocumented (some very remote areas of Sussex) but is a handful of very rural areas, and I believe can roam onto 4G post 3G switch off but I could be wrong.

In reply to a post by ukhardy07:

Unsure if this works but can you manually force the network to 3?

VodafoneThree Ltd haven't set up roaming, they are using MOCN, which needs each mast software to be updated. Unlike the 10/15 years go when Orange and T-mobile merged when roaming was all they could do. Its worth a try, but I suspect if it was enabled in the area, it would transparently using the other network.

On other forums its been commented this MOCN ability is rolling out faster than expected.

MOCN = Multi Operator Core Network
https://www.telecomtrainer.com/mocn-multi-operator-c...