Update: If you’d like to file complaint against Vodafone then check out THIS VIDEO.
Vodafone 3G network is currently available in selected cities in India and following is a review for the same.
Before going into further details, keep following things in mind:
- For testing the network we have used Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which is capable of handling both 3G and 4G network (HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 and LTE 800 / 900 / 1800 / 2600).
- The test was performed at New Delhi, India.
- Network strength and speed may vary from one city/location to another. Don’t jump to any conclusion just by reading this review! You should use the network personally and do some speed tests.
Activating 3G
If your mobile or tablet device is capable of using a 3G network, then you may have to activate 3G services on your number. For this you are required to call Vodafone customer care and ask them the procedure for receiving network settings. They may ask you your device type and model number for activation purpose.
Once 3G has been activated on your number, go to official store site of Vodafone India and recharge your number with a 3G pack.
Note:
- 3G services may take 24 hours to get activated on your number, so have patience.
- For postpaid users, the activation procedure and 3G packs can be completely different.
- If you don’t want to recharge your number online, then you can go to your nearest recharge shop.
Setting up your device
Following are the network modes available in Note 2:
- GSM only.
- WCDMA/GSM (auto connect).
- WCDMA only.
For me WCDMA only mode worked perfectly with the 3G network. Whenever I tried to select WCDMA/GSM (auto connect), there were frequent disconnections and reconnection with the network. No matter what mobile OS you are using, you should try switching to some other mode, if you experience problem with the network.
In Android 4.x based devices, you can access Network Mode by going to Settings >> More networks >> Mobile networks >> Network Mode. If you are using some other operating system, then you should try searching the web or refer its user manual.
Download and Upload Speed
The maximum download speed I got using Vodafone’s 3G network was around 4 Mbps, while the upload speed was around 1.2 Mbps:
Following screenshot shows you successive speed test results with the network:
As you can see in above screenshot, you can expect download speed between 3 Mbps to 4 Mbps using Vodafone’s 3G network, provided that the network strength is maximum at your location.
Latency (Ping)
As you can see in above screenshot, the latency of the network ranges from 80 ms to 95 ms. This is the ping from my location in New Delhi to speed test server located at Mumbai.
Overall, I will give Vodafone’s 3G network a 8 out of 10, when it comes to speed, network performance, connectivity and customer care.
Important notes:
- Speed and strength of the network also depends on the type of 3G adapter you are using. If you are using a cheap mobile device, then you may get slow download speed.
- If the network is too congested, then you may experience slow download speed during peak hours (when the network is crowded with other people).
- The connection with the network is continuous and doesn’t break at all. But if you’re travelling in a very fast car or a train, then you may experience frequent disconnection.
- If you have any query then you should contact Vodafone customer care, not us.