Vodafone 'UK’s fastest network' says O2 study
Posted on: March 01, 2010 By Ed Shaw

An independent survey, commissioned by mobile operator O2, has found that the Vodafone network offers the fastest speed for web browsing on a mobile phone. O2 came top for music downloads.

The tests measured speeds on each of the UK's five mobile broadband networks to see which provided the fastest service. Tests were carried out at a range of times during the day, seven days a week, at 150 locations over a 60 day period. The aim was to replicate general usage patterns and provide a realistic picture of what speeds users are really getting.

Vodafone press release: 

We're pleased that O2 has recognised Vodafone has the fastest mobile internet browsing in Britain.

"This week's independent study by O2 is a welcome endorsement of Vodafone having the best network in the UK. We're seeing continued high demand for our range of smartphones, including the iPhone, driven by customers enjoying a great experience from our outstanding network," says Guy Laurence, CEO Vodafone UK.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phones/7299037/Vodafone-UKs-fastest-network.html

Shears Brothers Transport on the move
Posted on: February 15, 2010 By Ritchie Whiting

Shears Brothers Transport Ltd of Christchurch has just moved to a new 54,000 Sq ft distribution centre and warehouse on the Aviation Business Park at Bournemouth International Airport. This new facility allows them keep up with the increasing demand for their services and advances in operational efficiency.

Moving to this new site proved a challenge for Grapevine. For example, the steel exterior of the building meant that mobile communications were almost impossible in and around the site. When this problem came to light Shears Brothers Transport Ltd once again sought our help. With the use of some very clever equipment, we resolved this issue allowing them to once again take advantage of the benefits such as unlimited free calls to standard UK landlines that come as standard on their Vodafone package.

In order to keep up with their customer demands, Shears Brothers Transport has also decided to utilise mobile e-mail for key members of their team, allowing them to respond to their customers even quicker. With the assistance of Grapevine, Shears Brothers Transport is looking to make further enhancements to the way they communicate and work in the future.

Grapevine look forward to continuing the working relationship with Shears Brothers Transport for many years to come and wish them all the best in their new home.

Cream at the top of the milk...
Posted on: February 12, 2010 By Paul Lappage

Since the start of year, Grapevine has been in communication with a number of organisations locally to us who have premises on the Holton Heath Industrial Estate in Poole, Dorset.

This has been based on the exciting news that the Vodafone mobile network coverage is set to increase in the area from the spring. There are planned improvements for Poole Harbour mobile infrastructure, which will encompass the Estate.

Grapevine dipped into the creative expertise of one of our customers, Marketing Matters, to help relay the message.

This resulted in a personally delivered pint of milk for each company on the Estate! This was based on Grapevine's local presence and customer service, with the messaging "If Grapevine can deliver your milk, just think what we can do for your mobile phone service."

We've been delighted by the response. The approach has been instantly recognised by the companies at Holton Heath. Already we're talking with a number of them prior to the increased network roll-out, as internal signal strength in the short term can already be boostedd through the use of a Vodafone Sure Signal. This utilises an organisation's exisiting fixed broadband to create a 3G signal within office buildings.

Further conversations are scheduled for companies based on the Holton Heath, so when they start to enjoy the improvements on the Vodafone network through the enhanced support of Grapevine, they will as be happy as cats who have got the cream!

BlackBerry for the masses!
Posted on: September 16, 2009 By James Spinks

With the launch of the new BlackBerry Curve 8520, mobile email is becoming more accessible for everyone. This new model maintains the successful form factor and QWERTY keyboard favoured by many BlackBerry fans whilst stripping out some features that many find unnecessary. As well as the standard BlackBerry mobile email feature set the handset boasts Wi-Fi connectivity and a 2 megapixel camera. The traditional rollerball has evolved into a more robust touch pad making scrolling through the menus simple and reliable. The exceptional value of this new handset, coupled with new competitive tariffs from Vodafone for individuals and small businesses, BlackBerry really does have a solution for everyone.

My new Hero
Posted on: July 29, 2009 By Ed Shaw

The first Android device with Microsoft Exchange Sync compatibility has just landed with us here at Grapevine.

"What's an Android?" you may ask. Android is Google's very own operating system, a rival to Microsoft's Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Symbian and of course, Apple. Android is currently in it's first incarnation, although considering Google only announced their intention to create a new OS around two years ago even having it available in the marketplace already is an achievement. Even more so considering the quality and depth of this first version; I think future updates are likely to push this to the top of the OS tree.

With the Hero, HTC's third Android device (T Mobile's G1 was first, followed by the Vodafone branded Magic), comparisons with Apple's iPhone are likely to be at the forefront of discussions. Dimensions and design-wise it is similar, with a somewhat funky 'chin' at the bottom of the device setting it apart. The screen is bright and clear and connectivity features are the same - high speed 3G, Wi-Fi, USB, A-GPS and 3.5mm audio socket. Storage is provided by microSD card (currently up to a maximum of 16GB with 32GB available shortly) compared to the large but somewhat restrictive 32GB of the latest iPhone 3GS. The camera is a higher resolution 5 megapixel unit, compared to the iPhone's 3 megapixels - neither have a flash though which is disappointing compared to some of the high-end smartphones already out there.

The Apple App Store has been a huge success on the iPhone, with over one billion downloads in the first nine months and thousands of applications to choose from. Google's 'Market' on Android is a very similar concept, already teeming with apps, some free and some not, for you to download and try out. Considering nearly all the apps are written by independent third parties you can be sure they will want to make them available to as many customers and on as many platforms as possible, so don't expect the Apple App Store to be better stocked for long. Also, Apple strictly vet every app allowed on their store and if they judge it to replicate anything the iPhone already offers they will not allow it - sounds a bit restrictive to me. So far the Apps I have downloaded and rated highly include Beeb Player (watch BBC content), Scoreboard (football scores), Sky Map (ever wanted to know which stars are directly overhead?) and Metal Detector (which, er, detects metal!).

When you consider how many different handset manufacturers have a new device running Android on its way (Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson to name but a few) you don't have to have exactly the same device as your mate in order to get one of the best operating systems on the market. Although personally, from my last few days experience, the others are going to have to come up with something pretty special to become my new hero!