R has nothing to do with data transfer - it just means that on 48 you are "roaming" on the O2 network. Some people get this, others don't. In some cases enabling national data roaming gets rid of the R on the signal bars. In others it does not. I had one phone where it worked and my current one it does not. However it doesn't really matter (in terms of cost, coverage etc.) so I just ignore it now.
How do you know what data transfer you are getting - e.g. 3G, HSDPA etc.? What are you using to check this?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/2g-3g-4g-and-everything-in-between-an-engadget-wireless-prim/
Bear in mind that 48 seem to be planning some improvements to data transfer speeds at the end of this month.
http://community.48months.ie/t5/Techie-Updates/Let-s-get-technical/m-p/1044#U1044
I don't know why you get the text about internet settings every reboot but as far as I know this text does nothing. Certainly on any phone that I have used on 48 it didn't and I had to configure my internet settings myself or via the Tweakker APN app.
Hope this helps.
