Which PAYG for a *very* low user?

OK, I guess this has been done to death enough times, but I'm fed up
with my current suppliers.

I have two phones here, one for myself, and one for my daughter. Neither
are used heavily - I top up with £20 every couple of months or so.

These are both on Vodafone at the moment, but I'm sick of never being
able to top up online, as they have 'technical difficulties'. I am never
able to update my credit/debit card details either, at least not without
a few calls to technical support. And, their pricing has changed for the
worse since I got them.

I also have an older phone on the Fresh network. This is OK for price,
but coverage is useless out of any built up areas (I travel around the
North Pennines a lot), I got the Vodafones because they do work.
However, Fresh don't do online credit checking (unless you do actually
top up), and you have to pay for a call to customer service to find out.

So, I'm reconsidering my options.

My main purpose for a mobile is for emergency use, I have BT Option 3
for most of my normal calls. However, I would consider a reasonably
priced contract phone and cut down the BT package instead.

Looking at all the PAYG options, the T-Mobile looks the best on Tariff,
but again I've just had problems getting through their web site - just
to find information on their SIMS only deals. I believe this lot also
supply Fresh with their service, so am concerned about coverage again.

My other consideration is the latest offer from '3', the £15/month for
life with 500 minutes. I could certainly consider this, and drop my BT
to option 1.

My paramount concerns are coverage in rural areas, reliable service
(both for calls and online needs), and of course cost. Any
recommendations? Cheers.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

---

› See More: Which PAYG for a *very* low user?

"Andy Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hxfksb.jriovd1mh09ivN%[email protected]...

Virgin are the best atm...

£5 min topup by swipe card, credit/debit card
Free voice mail, and every £100 spent you'll get £10 back towards a new
hadset.




---
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Virus Database (VPS): 000737-2, 30/04/2007
Tested on: 01/05/2007 11:10:21
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http://www.avast.com

lon <[email protected]> wrote:

> "Andy Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:1hxfksb.jriovd1mh09ivN%[email protected]...
>
> Virgin are the best atm...
>
> £5 min topup by swipe card, credit/debit card
> Free voice mail, and every £100 spent you'll get £10 back towards a new
> hadset.

Cheers, looks OK.

However, I've just seen a fly in the old ointment, T-Mobile do a SIM
only for £7.50 per month, and 50 minutes included, with no contract. My
Nokia is only a few months old, so that could be a consideration too.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

On Tue, 1 May 2007 11:10:19 +0100, "lon" <[email protected]> wrote:

>Virgin are the best atm...

The OP has stated that he is finds the coverage on his Fresh phone to
be poor. As Virgin use the same network (T-Mobile) as Fresh, I fail to
see how this will help him.

Take a look at Tesco Mobile. They use the O2 network which is fairly
solid and offer an easy on-line top up.

HTH.

Ed.

Ed Straker <[email protected]> wrote:

> On Tue, 1 May 2007 11:10:19 +0100, "lon" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Virgin are the best atm...
>
> The OP has stated that he is finds the coverage on his Fresh phone to
> be poor. As Virgin use the same network (T-Mobile) as Fresh, I fail to
> see how this will help him.

Ah, thanks, that's what I needed to know. When I go out and about I get
no signal at all from Fresh, but Vodafone worked fine.

> Take a look at Tesco Mobile. They use the O2 network which is fairly
> solid and offer an easy on-line top up.

Righto, thanks.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

"Andy Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hxfksb.jriovd1mh09ivN%[email protected]...
> OK, I guess this has been done to death enough times, but I'm fed up
> with my current suppliers.
>
> I have two phones here, one for myself, and one for my daughter. Neither
> are used heavily - I top up with £20 every couple of months or so.
>
> These are both on Vodafone at the moment, but I'm sick of never being
> able to top up online, as they have 'technical difficulties'. I am never
> able to update my credit/debit card details either, at least not without
> a few calls to technical support. And, their pricing has changed for the
> worse since I got them.

As a matter of interest, how come the pricing has changed? Vodafone have brought out
new tariffs but AIUI PAYG users are kept on the tariff they started on (which I don't
think have increased in price at all), unless they request a change.

> My main purpose for a mobile is for emergency use, I have BT Option 3
> for most of my normal calls. However, I would consider a reasonably
> priced contract phone and cut down the BT package instead.

You would probably be better off looking at a better landline deal - there are plenty
of CPS providers charging much less than BT.

> Looking at all the PAYG options, the T-Mobile looks the best on Tariff,
> but again I've just had problems getting through their web site - just
> to find information on their SIMS only deals. I believe this lot also
> supply Fresh with their service, so am concerned about coverage again.
>
> My other consideration is the latest offer from '3', the £15/month for
> life with 500 minutes. I could certainly consider this, and drop my BT
> to option 1.

Check very carefully what those minutes include - you may find they don't include
0870/0845 or even 0800 numbers! Whereas on Vodafone PAYG you pay the same rate to
these numbers as ordinary landline numbers.

--
Andy

Andy Hewitt <[email protected]> wrote:

> lon <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > "Andy Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:1hxfksb.jriovd1mh09ivN%[email protected]...
> >
> > Virgin are the best atm...
> >
> > £5 min topup by swipe card, credit/debit card
> > Free voice mail, and every £100 spent you'll get £10 back towards a new
> > hadset.
>
> Cheers, looks OK.
>
> However, I've just seen a fly in the old ointment, T-Mobile do a SIM
> only for £7.50 per month, and 50 minutes included, with no contract. My
> Nokia is only a few months old, so that could be a consideration too.

Avoid anyone who uses the T-Mobile network.

We switched all our company phones to T-Mobile last year (From Voda) and
the coverage is absolutely terrible.

It's not just really remote areas that cause problems, but I have some
examples of the signal dropping off suddenly when only half a mile
outside of Chepstow, ffs.

My German colleagues keep making comments about the 'British Congo' as
they launch their phones at the windscreen.
--
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

SteveH <[email protected]> wrote:

> Andy Hewitt <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > lon <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> > > "Andy Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:1hxfksb.jriovd1mh09ivN%[email protected]...
> > >
> > > Virgin are the best atm...
> > >
> > > £5 min topup by swipe card, credit/debit card
> > > Free voice mail, and every £100 spent you'll get £10 back towards a new
> > > hadset.
> >
> > Cheers, looks OK.
> >
> > However, I've just seen a fly in the old ointment, T-Mobile do a SIM
> > only for £7.50 per month, and 50 minutes included, with no contract. My
> > Nokia is only a few months old, so that could be a consideration too.
>
> Avoid anyone who uses the T-Mobile network.
>
> We switched all our company phones to T-Mobile last year (From Voda) and
> the coverage is absolutely terrible.
>
> It's not just really remote areas that cause problems, but I have some
> examples of the signal dropping off suddenly when only half a mile
> outside of Chepstow, ffs.
>
> My German colleagues keep making comments about the 'British Congo' as
> they launch their phones at the windscreen.

OK cheers. I remember my Fresh wouldn't even work at the MetroCentre
either (the largest shopping mall in Europe).

OK, looks like I'll start again. The Tesco one looks OK, if a little
pricier on tariff.

Cheers.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

Andy Pandy <[email protected]> wrote:

> > These are both on Vodafone at the moment, but I'm sick of never being
> > able to top up online, as they have 'technical difficulties'. I am never
> > able to update my credit/debit card details either, at least not without
> > a few calls to technical support. And, their pricing has changed for the
> > worse since I got them.
>
> As a matter of interest, how come the pricing has changed? Vodafone have
> brought out new tariffs but AIUI PAYG users are kept on the tariff they
> started on (which I don't think have increased in price at all), unless
> they request a change.

I don't remember it being 30p/min when I first got it.

> > My main purpose for a mobile is for emergency use, I have BT Option 3
> > for most of my normal calls. However, I would consider a reasonably
> > priced contract phone and cut down the BT package instead.
>
> You would probably be better off looking at a better landline deal - there
> are plenty of CPS providers charging much less than BT.

Well, not so much now, the full Option 3 is only a tenner now, and I
really don't care about saving a pound or two to get a rubbish service.
I have actually tried it in the past, and we ended up losing out while
being messed around trying to get the account changed over.

> > Looking at all the PAYG options, the T-Mobile looks the best on Tariff,
> > but again I've just had problems getting through their web site - just
> > to find information on their SIMS only deals. I believe this lot also
> > supply Fresh with their service, so am concerned about coverage again.
> >
> > My other consideration is the latest offer from '3', the £15/month for
> > life with 500 minutes. I could certainly consider this, and drop my BT
> > to option 1.
>
> Check very carefully what those minutes include - you may find they don't
> include 0870/0845 or even 0800 numbers! Whereas on Vodafone PAYG you pay
> the same rate to these numbers as ordinary landline numbers.

I'd have to check on that, but they're not numbers I very often call
from my mobile (if ever at all).

Just checked, Vodafone charge for 0800 numbers, and the rate to
0800/0870/0845 is 30p/10p, and 35p to 0844 numbers.

It's the calls costs to landlines and other mobiles that I'm most
concerned with, and I might equally need this during daytime or evening.

I Emailed Vodafone this morning to try and get the 'technical' issue
checked, but have had no reply as yet (other than an autobot response).

Cheers.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

<[email protected]> wrote:

> On Tue, 1 May 2007 22:23:49 +0100, [email protected] (SteveH)
> wrote:
>
>
> >Avoid anyone who uses the T-Mobile network.
>
> Just started my 3rd T-Mobile 18 month contract haven't had any
> problems over the last three years with T-Mobile .

Andy specifically wants his phone to work in remote areas.

That's not a T-Mobile strong point.

FWIW, I've had a T-Mobile contract for around 8 years now because I find
their deals very competetive.

I just keep a selection of SIM cards in my wallet to cover the massive
holes in the T-Mobile coverage.
--
SteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo'
www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark
Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL
BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC #

SteveH <[email protected]> wrote:

> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > On Tue, 1 May 2007 22:23:49 +0100, [email protected] (SteveH)
> > wrote:
> >
> >
> > >Avoid anyone who uses the T-Mobile network.
> >
> > Just started my 3rd T-Mobile 18 month contract haven't had any
> > problems over the last three years with T-Mobile .
>
> Andy specifically wants his phone to work in remote areas.

Yes I do, I know the T-mobile does not pick up in the Weardale and
Teesdale area. And although I'm expecting to be moving in the next few
weeks, I will likely be galavanting around the North York Moors as well.

That and a reliable online top up service.

> That's not a T-Mobile strong point.

Seems not. Unfortunately, Vodafone seems best for this.

> FWIW, I've had a T-Mobile contract for around 8 years now because I find
> their deals very competetive.

Hmm, that's kind of got me too.

> I just keep a selection of SIM cards in my wallet to cover the massive
> holes in the T-Mobile coverage.

I could just keep a Vodafone sim with me (or even a complete phone).

Cheers.

--
Andy Hewitt
<http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

"Andy Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1hxgj8l.wlka15m9l8luN%[email protected]...
> > > These are both on Vodafone at the moment, but I'm sick of never being
> > > able to top up online, as they have 'technical difficulties'. I am never
> > > able to update my credit/debit card details either, at least not without
> > > a few calls to technical support. And, their pricing has changed for the
> > > worse since I got them.
> >
> > As a matter of interest, how come the pricing has changed? Vodafone have
> > brought out new tariffs but AIUI PAYG users are kept on the tariff they
> > started on (which I don't think have increased in price at all), unless
> > they request a change.
>
> I don't remember it being 30p/min when I first got it.

It's always been at least 30p/min peak. Vodafone are good value off-peak, but
expensive peak.

> > > My main purpose for a mobile is for emergency use, I have BT Option 3
> > > for most of my normal calls. However, I would consider a reasonably
> > > priced contract phone and cut down the BT package instead.
> >
> > You would probably be better off looking at a better landline deal - there
> > are plenty of CPS providers charging much less than BT.
>
> Well, not so much now, the full Option 3 is only a tenner now, and I
> really don't care about saving a pound or two to get a rubbish service.
> I have actually tried it in the past, and we ended up losing out while
> being messed around trying to get the account changed over.

If you go for a CPS service rather then a full line rental service, you have the
security of still having BT maintain your line and being able to make calls over BT.
You pay BT your line rental but calls route over the new telco by default - BUT you
can override the CPS and route calls via BT using the 1280 prefix.

I've found TalkTalk quite good. They have the big advantage of free calls to other
TT customers, which now seems to be about half my contacts since they have been takin
g over other telcos left right and centre.

Also http://www.call18185.com/index2.php are worth considering, all landline calls
(peak & off-peak) are 5p per call regardless of length of call, and calls to mobiles
are 6p/min weekdays, 2p/min weekends.

> > > Looking at all the PAYG options, the T-Mobile looks the best on Tariff,
> > > but again I've just had problems getting through their web site - just
> > > to find information on their SIMS only deals. I believe this lot also
> > > supply Fresh with their service, so am concerned about coverage again.
> > >
> > > My other consideration is the latest offer from '3', the £15/month for
> > > life with 500 minutes. I could certainly consider this, and drop my BT
> > > to option 1.
> >
> > Check very carefully what those minutes include - you may find they don't
> > include 0870/0845 or even 0800 numbers! Whereas on Vodafone PAYG you pay
> > the same rate to these numbers as ordinary landline numbers.
>
> I'd have to check on that, but they're not numbers I very often call
> from my mobile (if ever at all).
>
> Just checked, Vodafone charge for 0800 numbers, and the rate to
> 0800/0870/0845 is 30p/10p,

Yes, their standard rate.

> and 35p to 0844 numbers.
>
> It's the calls costs to landlines and other mobiles that I'm most
> concerned with, and I might equally need this during daytime or evening.

As your current PAYG spend on Vodafone is so low, you'd almost certainly be better
off sticking with PAYG (maybe get a better PAYG deal), and look into landline options
for the bulk of your calls.

We make about 600 mins of calls a month (2 mobiles plus landline) and the total cost
of calls comes to about £10 per month (not including BT line rental - which I need
for broadband anyway). Although the majority of our calls are off-peak.

--
Andy

Andy Pandy <[email protected]> wrote:

> > I don't remember it being 30p/min when I first got it.
>
> It's always been at least 30p/min peak. Vodafone are good value off-peak,
> but expensive peak.

Of course, and I do have the 'stop the clock' option too.

> > > > My main purpose for a mobile is for emergency use, I have BT Option
> > > > 3 for most of my normal calls. However, I would consider a
> > > > reasonably priced contract phone and cut down the BT package
> > > > instead.
> > >
> > > You would probably be better off looking at a better landline deal -
> > > there are plenty of CPS providers charging much less than BT.
> >
> > Well, not so much now, the full Option 3 is only a tenner now, and I
> > really don't care about saving a pound or two to get a rubbish service.
> > I have actually tried it in the past, and we ended up losing out while
> > being messed around trying to get the account changed over.
>
> If you go for a CPS service rather then a full line rental service, you
> have the security of still having BT maintain your line and being able to
> make calls over BT. You pay BT your line rental but calls route over the
> new telco by default - BUT you can override the CPS and route calls via BT
> using the 1280 prefix.
>
> I've found TalkTalk quite good. They have the big advantage of free calls
> to other TT customers, which now seems to be about half my contacts since
> they have been takin g over other telcos left right and centre.

I would consider TT if it wasn't for their annoying crow-bar technique
of trying to get custom. I'm getting so pissed of with them knocking my
door to get me to change, that I won't go to them out of principle now.
It can be as often as a weekly visit at times, and their attitude is
pretty bad too, they're polite enough, but seem rather too intent on you
signing up.

> Also http://www.call18185.com/index2.php are worth considering, all
> landline calls (peak & off-peak) are 5p per call regardless of length of
> call, and calls to mobiles are 6p/min weekdays, 2p/min weekends.

The mobile costs are certainly worth looking at for sure. However, I'm
not much for faffing about, I just want my service to 'work'. Hence my
desire to dump Vodafone,

> > It's the calls costs to landlines and other mobiles that I'm most
> > concerned with, and I might equally need this during daytime or evening.
>
> As your current PAYG spend on Vodafone is so low, you'd almost certainly
> be better off sticking with PAYG (maybe get a better PAYG deal), and look
> into landline options for the bulk of your calls.
>
> We make about 600 mins of calls a month (2 mobiles plus landline) and the
> total cost of calls comes to about £10 per month (not including BT line
> rental - which I need for broadband anyway). Although the majority of our
> calls are off-peak.

Well, I made almost 1000 minutes of calls on my BT line last month, but
that cost me the £10 for Option 3. I probably spend not much more than
£5 a month on each of the PAYG phones. Which could mean that getting a
phone at £15/mth with 500 free minutes, and some careful use of the BT
line, could mean it won't need to cost much more.

Thanks for the info though :-)

--
Andy Hewitt <http://web.mac.com/andrewhewitt1/>

On Tue, 1 May 2007 18:19:36 +0100, [email protected] (Andy
Hewitt) wrote:

>Ed Straker <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 1 May 2007 11:10:19 +0100, "lon" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >Virgin are the best atm...
>>
>> The OP has stated that he is finds the coverage on his Fresh phone to
>> be poor. As Virgin use the same network (T-Mobile) as Fresh, I fail to
>> see how this will help him.
>
>Ah, thanks, that's what I needed to know. When I go out and about I get
>no signal at all from Fresh, but Vodafone worked fine.
>
>> Take a look at Tesco Mobile. They use the O2 network which is fairly
>> solid and offer an easy on-line top up.
>
>Righto, thanks.
If, as you say, you are a very l;ow user then you may not be
interested in all these offers of top up with at least £10/moth etc.
and you get....
I think that T-Mobile's PAYG Everyone at 12p/min to any network is
probably the best. it just depends how low a user you are.
If you start off with £20 top up it seems that you get 20% more credit
- thus calls are effectively cheaper than 12p/minute.

Remove 'no_spam_' from email address.

On 1 May, 23:24, [email protected] (Andy Hewitt) wrote:
> OK cheers. I remember my Fresh wouldn't even work at the MetroCentre
> either (the largest shopping mall in Europe).
>
> OK, looks like I'll start again. The Tesco one looks OK, if a little
> pricier on tariff.

Depends on which tariff you choose:
http://www.tesco.com/mobilenetwork/s...age=tariffinfo

The Value tariff is good if you just want to make calls and send texts
in the UK and are a low user.

The standard tariff is not great but allows you to make calls abroad,
use GRPS, etc.

The Extra tariff is the best value if you know you will spend at least
£15 per month.