3 is the cheapest, but is it best

black*diamond

Hi,

I am planning on buying the s4 right out and needed a sim only unlimited data deal (not bothered about mins or txs).

Three seems to be the cheapest for unlimited data with their Ultimate Internet SIM 200 plan for £12.90.

After reading this thread though now I am a bit scared to join Three...should I still join?

everett_psycho

alex_one789 wrote: »

Unfortunately I have no loyalty to Three to leverage (only this 24mo contract I'm at the end of). Any advice on how to get a cheaper deal or do I have to plump for the advertised £35/mo 'Ultimate Internet 500' plan?

TIA


(PS - other than this issue, I've been very happy with Three, living in London and occasionally roaming and would recommend it to friends).

have you asked for a pac code, last time i left three i did this and got a call back the next day offering me loads to stay, i had to turn it down as it was a service problem and lack of reception in our house.

That said i've moved since then and have gone back to three now, really loving the superfast service on my nexus 4 especially when paired with the all you can eat data. I might try and get the one plan from them if i'm feeling brave one day as tethering could prove useful, i'd definitely recommend them though, their signal has significantly improved in the 2 years I was on tesco mobile, we went camping and my reception was better than those around me on o2 and vodafone. Also I can't fault the DCHSPA network speeds, it's significantly faster then my home wifi

Pretty_mad

I have spent most of today attempting to terminate my contract with 3. The contract period had ended and I wanted to move to a deal with a different network provider. Everyone I spoke to at 3 made it as difficult as possible to the point where I wondered if they were just going to keep refusing to do it until I gave up and went away. It was a truly awful experience and I am not usually cowed or intimidated by telephone sales.
They tried every trick in the book from just refusing to accept I didn't want any of their offers, to saying that they couldn't help because I wasn't clear if I wanted to terminate or take a PAC code (I wanted a PAC code) to pretending they couldn't hear me. In the end I went to Carphone Warehouse to sort out the PAC code and setting up a new contract all in one go (I've always found CPW really helpful). 3 went through the same repertoire of reasons fornot to do what I was asking, including the "I can't hear you", along with a few more (can't give a PAC code because a third party initiated the call, can't give you a PAC code because this morning when you rang you decided not to take a PAC code, can't give you PAC code over the phone but will text it to you).

Took an hour at CPW and eventually got what I wanted but really shouldn't have to put up with that kind of intimidation and hassle.

While with 3, the contract ran OK. We had some issues with coverage which is one reason for wanting to change at the end of the contract period. But honestly, I would never go back to 3 after my experience today, whatever great deal they were offering. If you can't resist, just be prepared for a long fight when you want to leave and go armed with full knowledge and understanding of your rights. There is another thread on the topic of battles with 3 when trying to leave. Its worth a look because there is some good advice and information that I wished I had read before picking up the 'phone to 3

alexavfc

Pretty mad is the advice on this forum? There trying to call me but not been in a position to sit through another 30min plus conversation at the minute.

Pretty_mad

Hi alexavc - I can't find it on here but if you google 'cancelling 3 contract' you will find quite a lot of stuff and some posts from MSE. Basically, the advice I read was to be very clear about what you want (PAC code or just terminate contract), let them say what they want to say but just keep repeating I want my PAC code/to terminate my contract please, over and over.

Also good to be clear about what taking a PAC code means in terms of terminating your contract vs just terminating/giving notice on your contract. I'm afraid they were able to exploit my lack of knowledge and tie me up in knots. Again if you google something along the lines of does a 'PAC code request end contract' you should find some fairly clear explanations. But basically, my understanding is that being given a PAC code does not end your contract until you use it with another network provider within a certain time limit, I think 30 days. If you do use it within 30 days then the previous contract automatically terminates. If you don't, the previous contract continues even though you are no longer using it and you think you ended it. What this means is that 3 can tell you that you can't request both a PAC code and ask to terminate your contract. It's one or the other. Strictly speaking they are right even if they are being a bit disingenuous. Oh and also, I read somewhere that they have to provide a PAC code immediately over the phone or within two hours by text. Personally, I would insist on getting over the phone. They will keep making you wait on hold and coming back with more nonsense but stand your ground and eventually you'll get it! Please do check all this out because I am no expert - and my head is still reeling a bit from my 3 experience! Good luck!

Jharkinton

alexavfc wrote: »

Granted its Carphone warehouse but I've just been told they do the s4 for £37 a month with no up front cost. So exactly the same as 3 minus the handset initial charge

Although the initial handset cost is £49 up front; Your still paying the £48 by the end of the 24 month contract. So the difference would only be a minimal difference.

But I see what your saying a pound is a pound and it saves you the cost up front which is always a bonus.

I think for £35 a month and only 500 minutes is a bit harsh. All the other One Plan Packages have the full 2000 minutes available.

New phones are such cons!

Jharkinton

black*diamond wrote: »

Hi,

I am planning on buying the s4 right out and needed a sim only unlimited data deal (not bothered about mins or txs).

Three seems to be the cheapest for unlimited data with their Ultimate Internet SIM 200 plan for £12.90.

After reading this thread though now I am a bit scared to join Three...should I still join?

You shouldn't be scared of joining three based on the comments. The fact remains that all telecommunication suppliers are all the same, however, three is extremely good value compared to the other companies on the market.

The package is acceptable for the cost, taking it as your aware that that package won't allow you to use your phones tethering option. For that ability you would need to be on the one plan.

If you have a friend or family member thats already on three there is a SIM ONLY package available for previous customers.

600 minutes, Unlimited Text and Unlimited Data for £6.95 a month )))

When I upgraded I got the option to take it out in April 2013

tokaten

Jharkinton wrote: »

You shouldn't be scared of joining three based on the comments. The fact remains that all telecommunication suppliers are all the same, however, three is extremely good value compared to the other companies on the market.

The package is acceptable for the cost, taking it as your aware that that package won't allow you to use your phones tethering option. For that ability you would need to be on the one plan.

If you have a friend or family member thats already on three there is a SIM ONLY package available for previous customers.

600 minutes, Unlimited Text and Unlimited Data for £6.95 a month )))

When I upgraded I got the option to take it out in April 2013

Is this a 1 month rolling sim price of £6.90 or 12 month? Did you have to request your PAC before they offered it?

clemmatis

Jharkinton wrote: »

The package is acceptable for the cost, taking it as your aware that that package won't allow you to use your phones tethering option. For that ability you would need to be on the one plan.

3 has a month-by-month tethering add-on for £5. It isn't unlimited it's 1gb, but I tether a lot and haven't exceeded it.

I think it's available for all pay monthly plans.

Jharkinton

tokaten wrote: »

Is this a 1 month rolling sim price of £6.90 or 12 month? Did you have to request your PAC before they offered it?

The customer service rep said it was a 12 month contract. I was offered this without having to discuss everything about disconnecting. He said it was offered to everyone as a second SIM for your previous handset, so you could use it in emergences or have full access to the previous handset when transferring your numbers across.

Although this at first seems like only a upgrade and previous customers only deal my other half rang them back saying that I was offered this package when I upgraded and that she would like one.

She was given one without telling them any details about my account. So maybe its worth giving them a ring and just using the line that someone was offered the deal and that you would like to take the offer up yourself.

95% of these phone calls are code words any how. If you say the right things you can normally take full advantage of special offers.

If anyone would like me to ring them back and get full details I can