Best PAYG emergency mobile for car

Alechjo

Dear All,

I am looking for a SIM card to insert into the existing phone to sit in my car turned off and be used in emergency only (e.g. breakdown or accident). Actually that means I am not going to call from this phone. What option could you recommend? Orange gives SIMs for 50p, yet Vodaphone sells them for 2 pounds, but adds 2 pound credit+1 pound for online registration. I am not quite sure whether this credit expire or not.

Another thing to consider is network coverage, what provider offers most stable connection in all areas of Britain?

Many thanks,

Alexey

gizmos

Alechjo wrote:

Dear All,

I am looking for a SIM card to insert into the existing phone to sit in my car turned off and be used in emergency only (e.g. breakdown or accident). Actually that means I am not going to call from this phone. What option could you recommend? Orange gives SIMs for 50p, yet Vodaphone sells them for 2 pounds, but adds 2 pound credit+1 pound for online registration. I am not quite sure whether this credit expire or not.

Another thing to consider is network coverage, what provider offers most stable connection in all areas of Britain?

Many thanks,

Alexey

With Vodafone PAYG I believe that the phone has to either make or receive a call every 90 days in order to keep the phone alive. Just use another phone to call itand dont answer. Do remeber if you are to keep a phone in the car you will still need to charge it occassionally even if its not switchd on the power will wear down.

rwgibson98

Alechjo wrote:

...Another thing to consider is network coverage, what provider offers most stable connection in all areas of Britain?...

An entirely personal and not-very-scientific opinion:-

Orange - good coverage in lots of areas, reliable
O2 - good coverage, but feel "over-subscribed" - can't always get a line, and texts are regularly delayed.
Vodafone - good coverage, call quality not so clear, often have to hang up and re-dial
T-Mobile - apparently fewer masts than other networks, so might be risky if you're travelling (no personal experience).
3 - Again, no personal experience, but struggle to hear/read anything that convinces me that they're serious about running a mobile telecommunications network

If there's anything more subjective/scientific out there, I'd be interested.

There will always be quotes like "I'm on 3 and love them", or "I use O2 and they're the best", but like my comments, they're opinions.

Have you considered Tesco Mobile (a 2nd class O2?) and Virgin (a 2nd class T-Mobile?)?

Personally I'd want to make a call or two every few weeks to be sure that the phone/SIM still works - just as you check your spare tyre every once in a while. I'm sure leaving it in the cold won't help the re-chargeable battery keep its charge.

virgo17

gizmos wrote:

Just use another phone to call it and dont answer.

Be aware that most networks require you to actually make or receive a 'connected' call rather than just ringing the number. Some networks actually define it further by saying that they require a chargeable event every three or six months.

To be completely safe I would make a call to your home phone, pick up the receiver and then put it down after 5 seconds. Total cost should be about 5p but this will definately guarantee the SIM card keeps working.

Hope this helps.

V.

billy_the_kid_2

As far as I can remember, Virgin have no connection deadlines. Also any unused credit always remains.

bluesnice

I'm on orange and find the reception can be a bit iffy. I'm considering changing to another network because of this. However, I can always get a line and text are delivered quickly.

hope this helps.

virgo17

billy_the_kid wrote:

As far as I can remember, Virgin have no connection deadlines. Also any unused credit always remains.

If you read the 'small print', Virgin reserve the right to disconnect any phone which is not used for a period of time. Quite what that period is is debateable.

I have never known Virgin actually disconnect a mobile that has not been used. Quite the reverse in fact. There are reports that people have dug SIM cards out of the back of drawers after two years and they still work with the credit still intact.

V.

03022242

on VF i i think you will have to make a chargeable outgoing call every 90 days otherwise youll need to top up regardless of how much cred you have on there

kai666

virgo17 wrote:

I have never known Virgin actually disconnect a mobile that has not been used. Quite the reverse in fact. There are reports that people have dug SIM cards out of the back of drawers after two years and they still work with the credit still intact.

V.

That happened to me, hadn't used it so easily 3-4 years. Still working with credit when i tried last month

redux

Although you say you don't intend to use it, I think that if you do have the occasion, you will need more than the starting credit, which will last only a few minutes. Therefore I suggest you investigate advance registering a credit card ready to top up in case it is ever needed.