Adding 5G to plan

[cgarde]

Hi. I recently signed up to a new two year Gov staff contract and purchased a Samsung Galaxy S21 5G phone. Can I please add the 5G bundle to my plan? On chat yesterday I was told this wasn't possible which surprised me. 

[Three_Deborah]

@cgarde hi there, I know that 5G is available on some of our business/corporate plans, it might be a case that your plan is not compatible with 5G. Were you given the option to change to a different plan? 

[cgarde]

I just contacted 1913 and you're correct I was told that my plan is not compatible with 5G. If I want 5G I would have to change plan and pay an extra €15 a month. It doesn't make sense to me why I can't just pay the normal €5 extra to add the 5G bundle. I've been a three customer for about 15 years so it's very disappointing. 

[Three_Deborah]

@cgarde I can understand your feelings on this and when I think that 5G is a relatively new technology, new plans and masts etc. had to be designed and built to accommodate it. This thinking can be applied to other areas of technology too! 

My dad's old "smart" phone (Samsung S5- he is very attached to that phone) wouldn't allow him install his banking app, and I found out that that model of phone wasn't compatible with the Android version needed for that app. So I got him a new phone OPPO A53 , with Android 10 and he is delighted that he has his banking app

Would you consider moving plan? Are you usually in an area of 5G ?

[cgarde]

I'm in a 5G area so there's no issue there and I've been told by 3 that there's a mast very close to my house. I'm willing to pay the extra €5 that everyone else seems to be charged to use the 5G network. 

You're story about the old smart phone is different to my situation though as I assume the Samsung S5 was purchased many years ago. 3 signed me up to this 2 year contract just a few weeks ago and now I'm locked in for 2 years with no possibility of 5G.

3 also had no problem taking alot of money off me for a 5G phone, without the possibility of using 5G? Again this is very disappointing as I've been a long term 3 customer. 

[Three_Deborah]

@cgarde we're happy to change your plan to one that is compatible with 5G. That way you'll be able to avail of the 5G service in your area. Unfortunately, your Government Staff plan isn't compatible, and as much as I'd like to help you there, the 5G add-on won't work or apply to account.

I'm sorry, but my hands are tied on this one.

[cgarde]

I think I will leave it because it would cost an extra €20 a month just to get 5G access.