Mobile phones: 3G phones
Should I get a 3G phone?
It depends on how keen you are to experiment with the new features of 3G such as video calling and video downloads, and where you live and work.
Bear in mind that all the networks are focusing their 3G coverage on urban areas at first, and when they claim to cover '80% of the UK' for example, this is usually based on coverage by population, not geographical area. So if you spend a fair amount of time out of town, you should expect that you won't be able to access 3G services all the time – instead it'll just work like a normal GSM handset for making voice calls, sending texts or using GPRS.
The handsets themselves – be they GSM or 3G are very similar in terms of features and functionality. 3G handsets do tend to be a little heavier and bulkier but have slimmed down a great deal in the last year or so.
How does video calling work?
To make a video call with a 3G phone, you and the person you're calling must have a 3G phone, and be in an area of good reception.
The downside of video calling isn't confined to worrying about what your hair looks like on screen, however. The service isn't perfect, with ropey image quality especially when on the move.
Sound quality is pretty poor too – there's usually a delay between image and sound, so you see the lips move, then hear the voice. Background noise can hamper a video call, so use stereo headphones (often supplied) to make sound much clearer.
Video calling is unsurprisingly more expensive than voice calling and if 3G reception disappears during a video call you'll be cut off, whatever network you're on.
Does using a 3G mobile cost more than using an ordinary mobile?
Make a regular call or sending a text message costs the same – but there's not much point having a 3G phone if that's all you want to do.
The extra functions of 3G phones, such as video calling and accessing advanced internet services (such as streamed video clips) can be expensive.
Some tariffs include a certain amount of UK video calling, but otherwise, it costs around 20p to 50p depending on the network. Accessing the internet is charged according to the amount of data, in megabytes (MB), that you download. Costs vary according to the tariff and network, from nothing up to around £2.50 per MB.
Can I use 3G services everywhere?
You can still use your 3G mobile to make calls on the conventional GSM mobile phone network. But you can only make the most of 3G services if you're in an area with 3G coverage.
Although growing, 3G coverage isn't as widespread as GSM, which is available in almost all of the UK. Areas of high population density, such as big towns and cities, tend to have 3G, more rural areas tend not to.
3 is the network with most coverage at the moment. Ask to see an up-to-date coverage map if you're in a shop. Alternatively, all four networks have postcode checkers online.
Will my 3G phone work if there's no 3G network coverage?
If you're in an area where there's no 3G network coverage, a 3G phone will try to connect to a GSM network.
Is GSM being phased out and will I have to change my phone?
There’s no need to worry about your phone suddenly being made redundant, nor any need to rush to switch to 3G unless you're attracted by the extra features. 3G will probably eventually supersede the GSM networks, but this won't be for a long time to come.
Do you have any tips for using 3G phones?
If the battery on your 3G phone is running low, avoid making video calls or connecting to the internet – these gobble up power much faster than voice calls or texts
If portability is very important to you, avoid 3G phones – they're bulkier and heavier than GSM ones
3G coverage is limited. Generally, urban areas tend to be covered and rural areas aren't. Check the network's websites for an up to date coverage map. If the 3G phone is in an area where there is no 3G reception, it will try to connect to the GSM network.