Terrible signal for the last 6 months

[Mrjdale]

I’ve got exactly the same problem. From the beginning of 2022 my 5G had steadily declined. Down from 4 bars (maximum on an iPhone) then to 3 and in 2023 it’s at 1 bar at home (in London) 

It’s now impossible to search the internet or refresh apps without Wi-Fi. The same has happened at my work in central london. The service bar is down to 2 there but it is still incredibly slow retrieving data. 

My partner has exactly the same issue on EE and a number of work colleagues has turned 5G off and are reporting better coverage. Right now 5G is unusable for me and the issue clearly goes beyond the handset. I think everyone reporting the issue to me uses an iPhone though. 

[Chris_B]

@Mrjdale   So more users are now using the network on 5G so this will impact your connection.  It’s happens as more and more people jump over to newer network bandwidths.  It happened with 4G also.   

It’s nothing about what device is being used as the same issue is across different iPhones and as you say from the beginning on 2022 so that rules out the iOS 16 update.  You say it’s been getting worse since early 2022 so more users are now on 5G and you say 4G is better. Ie less users on it.   And being in a building with more users on 5G (outside/inside) it will affect your signal as the mast has to work harder and the more users on it the more strain on it so that output doesn’t reach as far so hence your signal on your device will decline.     Also no network will guarantee a signal indoors as your home can be blocking the signal.    Has any redevelopments happened in your local facility lately as this can have an impact on signal.     Ie it’s blocking it. 
  And you can aways use Wi-Fi calling.  

[bristolian]

It would be interesting to canvass experiences of Android users in these locations. Also non-5G customers.

Naturally, users should report their issues - initially via the status checker but latterly via CS. It may require some persistence.

[Karlos666]

No longer with EE now with O2 full signal snd services.

Regards Karl

[bristolian]

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@Chris_B wrote:
And being in a building with more users on 5G (outside/inside) it will affect your signal as the mast has to work harder and the more users on it the more strain on it so that output doesn’t reach as far so hence your signal on your device will decline.

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This isn't quite true. 3G was unique in that cell-breathing affected coverage under load, something that doesn't affect 4G or 5G and is part of the reason for 3G-switchoff.

Indoor RF penetration is far more affected by the frequencies in use - what combination of low-band/high-bands are available.

[stuartedrop]

Same here. Travel the same route every day, but since changing to a 5G iphone i drop calls all the time. Also get strong 4G signal but data wont load. Tried turning off 5G but still awful. May have to look to move network to see if any better. EE Data was always good, but something has clearly happend in last 6 months. Phone is now useless

[Leanne_T]

Hi @stuartedrop 

Does the Network Status Checker show any reported problems for the area if you select the 'check status' option after entering your postcode and device? 

Thanks 🙂

Leanne

[stuartedrop]

No nothing. I think it`s a general EE issue. Lots of colleagues are having
the same issues all over the West Mids

[Leanne_T]

Thanks @stuartedrop 

You can all report the issue on the network checker and our network team will get this looked into in more detail and keep you all updated 🙂

Leanne.