Just wanna cheap PAYG phone without giving details of ownership etc

bobbentos

Hi all

This is not as Dodgy as the title suggests. Basically, a relative/friend of mine had his fingers burned with a mobile phone contract 2 years ago. He'll be the first to admit it was his own fault that he signed the contract that when he came out of work he couldn't pay. He admits he didn't really think the contract through. Now after many threatening letters etc he has finally agreed a payment plan with O2. So, now he just won't use a Mobile Phone even though he needs one for his work (self employed). He is very upset the way things turned out with O2 (threatening to sue him/send baillifs etc) so he has vowed never to get into another contract again. I told him about PAYG phones but he is still under the impression that he'll be stung (and enticed in) when it's upgrade time. He now hates the idea of the phone company having his name, address etc so (in his words) "They can keep phoning me offering me great free deals but when it goes T*** up they can then use my details to threaten & intimidate me".

So, being the kind soul that I am, I want to buy him a very cheap phone (as cheap as possible). Then I want to give him a free sim card. Then, hopefully he'll be able to top up the SIM with cash at the shops or post office etc. If there is any suggestion he has to give his details to top up he will just refuse.

So, my questions are:
Can I get a free SIM?
If so, where can he top up with Cash (Not onloine or C C etc)

I have seen some sim cards at the till in Poundland for Lebara mobile. Are these any good?

This is difficult because he just won't entertain the notion of having to register any details for a phone now. Yes, he is aware that the previous problems were down to only him and he says "Fine. I just won't make that mistake again"

Any ideas?

Guys_Dad

PAYG phones are cheaper if you buy them with a sim.

So, you go into CPW, pick up one of their dirt cheap phones - or do it over the web via a cashback company if you prefer - and for as little as £10.01 you will get a mobile phone supplied in YOUR name with a sim card loaded with £10 calls, unlocked.

From there on in, top ups are done at ATM machines, over the handset itself or from the local shop. No contract or anything else as you have to put money on the phone before making any calls.

You can change network and number by putting in a different sim and MSE PAYG members are currently recommending GiffGaff network bundles or ASDA/TESCO., but CPW don't sell sims for them.

The only downside is that, if in the future your friend did anything dodgy, like abusive phone calls, joining a terrorist ring etc, the police would trace the initial sale of the phone to you !!!

grumbler

Guys_Dad wrote: »

So, you go into CPW, pick up one of their dirt cheap phones - or do it over the web via a cashback company if you prefer - and for as little as £10.01

The cheapest at CPW is £2.95+£10.

To get £10.01 you have to go online to mobiles.co.uk / e2save / osps (check quidco/TCB for a small cashback).

Guys_Dad

grumbler wrote: »

The cheapest at CPW is £2.95+£10.

To get £10.01 you have to go online to mobiles.co.uk / e2save / osps (check quidco/TCB for a small cashback).

Yes - you are correct. They are, of course, CPW companies.

Buzby

Or simply go to ASDA. They regularly offer basic-range handsets for £9.99 complete with SIM (connected to Vodafone). Hew can then top up at any of the usual places, or even in ASDA at the tills. Higher spec phones cost a little more and they may ask for a £10 top up, but these are usually well advertised. By going to e2s they get your address, so one to avoid.

gjchester

bobbentos wrote: »

He now hates the idea of the phone company having his name, address etc so (in his words) "They can keep phoning me offering me great free deals but when it goes T*** up they can then use my details to threaten & intimidate me".

I know this may seem silly but even if they don't have his name and address on file they'll have his phone number for obvious reasons. All the upgrade deals / offers I've been cold called over have been via a call to the mobile in question never by post to my home address.

Theres nothing, other than cost, to stop cold callers calling 07000 000000 and working there way through to 07999 999999 and trying to sell that way.

More likely is they'll call a block of numbers they know are assigned to a set network, but not knowing an address will not make any difference.

[Deleted User]

Walk into Orange shop. Hand over £14.99 cash. Walk out with an Alcatel prepay phone with £10 on it, no details needed. Job done.