TMCnet News
Firm promises action over internet speeds ; Three criticised for time taken to load web pages and videos [Hull Daily Mail (England)](Hull Daily Mail (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) InShort Next-generation broadband is to be introduced in Hull later than hoped, mobile operator Three has said. Its 4G service will launch next year. A MOBILE phone operator has promised to improve its internet service in Hull after complaints about slow speeds from angry customers. Three has been criticised for the time it takes to load web pages and videos. It had named Hull as one of 42 towns and cities to get faster 4G internet this year, but the date has now been pushed back to next year. Three said the problems were due to high demand in East Yorkshire and it wanted to fix them before the new service was introduced. However, customer Chris Tuck believes there are "major flaws" in coverage. He uses a Three dongle for internet at home in Orchard Park and has stuck with the company for about a decade. The security worker claimed there had been a slowdown in speeds during the past three years. Mr Tuck, 33, said: "I don't want to leave the company because they have brilliant packages. "I just want the system to work as well as it should do. "After certain times you struggle even to load a web page." Other users have also echoed his concer ns. One woman from west Hull, who did not want to be named, said: "I haven't been able to access the internet properly on my phone for about a month. "It tends to get worse in the evenings, when I am unable to access any web pages, email, or any apps that use the internet. "It's really frustrating, as I don't have broadband at home, so I am completely cut off." Despite slower speeds, Mr Tuck stuck with the provider on the basis 4G was soon being introduced. He signed a new contract and is hoping the issue will be resolved soon. Mr Tuck said: "There's a big congestion problem. "When I renewed my contract they promised me 4G was being introduced. "I put my faith in them but it's not being fixed." A Three spokesman admitted there were problems but said the company was working hard to resolve them. He said improvement works to tackle the problem would be announced soon. The spokesman said: "At busy times the number of customers using the network can mean some people don't receive the experience they expect and we want to deliver. "We're aware of these issues and have a comprehensive plan to address them and improve the performance of the network in Hull over the coming months. "This includes bringing 4G to Hull in 2015. We will confirm the timelines for these improvements as soon as possible." Mobile expert Paul Green said he understood Three's predicament. The businessman runs phone repair firm Stuf from shops in South Street, Hull city centre, and North Point Shopping Centre in Bransholme. Three and Orange users are his biggest customers and most he sees are happy with their service. Mr Green said: "There are blips in some areas - it's the nature of the beast. "The big networks aren't really loyal to the small man. "They will try to help out with a bit of a discount, which is all they can do without spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on infrastructure for the sake of a few customers. "But there is a choice and if one operator isn't working in an area you can change." Follow James on Twitter @jamesburton01 When I renewed my contract Three promised me 4G was being introduced. I put my faith in them Chris Tuck (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |