Orange yesterday became the second UK network to officially launch the iPhone 3GS and 3G. Finally, we have choice!
Ok, so Orange’s tariffs and handset prices aren’t much different to O2 but there are still big differences to consider between the rival networks. We really do have the opportunity to make a considered choice at long last and it’s important not to rush into signing up for one other on a whim.
- Quality of 3G coverage – O2 has been criticised for its ‘patchy’ 3G coverage whilst Orange have today claimed to they have the biggest 3G network in the UK (a claim 3 dispute!), covering 93% of the population. Excellent 3G mobile phone coverage is critical to an ideal iPhone experience as so many of the Apps rely on fast data access. Coverage varies form town to town and postcode to postcode so it’s important to choose a network with excellent coverage in your areas of work, living and play! Compare 3G coverage from O2, Orange and Vodafone.
Customer Service – Orange used to be the bee’s knees when it came to Customer Service – but things have changed. Acording to JD Power’s huge annual customer satisfaction survey O2 are the 2nd best mobile network for pay monthly customer satisfaction scoring 698 out of a potential 1000 points to Orange’s 673. Incidentally Virgin Mobile are 1st but don’t expect to see them launching the iPhone this side of a general election.- Treats and Freebies – Orange Wednesday’s offers you 2 for 1 tickets to the cinema every Wednesday night, and 2 for 1 pizzas at Pizza Express which can save you a few quid once or maybe twice a month. If music’s your thing O2 offer priority tickets to The O2 (for Londonites) and the eleven O2 Academies dotted around the country via their ‘blueroom’ free club.
- WiFi Hotspots - O2′s hotspot coverage includes both the WiFi hostposts in BT Openzone’s network and that of The Cloud, whilst Orange only offer BT Openzone so O2 arguably offer wider WiFi hotspot coverage. The Cloud often run WiFi in pubs, just in case you like to Facebook your friends in the depths of the local boozer.
So will you stick with the cool blue or go bright Orange?
Compare all the Orange iPhone tariffs and deals on the iPhone with our mobile phone deal comparison service
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