Mobile phone unlocking.

KxMx

Am with Tesco Mobile but not impressed with the range of handsets available online, and am not able to visit store for the forseeable future.

If I pick up a handset in say, Vodafone, can I take it to one of those places that unlocks them? And what is a reasonable fee?

The reason I am hesitant is that although they have been about for ages, Tesco mobile are still not such a mainstream network as the others (can't top-up still in WH Smith for example). When unlocking a phone to all networks, does that include Tesco?

grumbler

KxMx wrote: »

If I pick up a handset in say, Vodafone,

I'd check CPW first. And their online outlets like e2save, osps, mobiles.co.uk (through quidco/TCB). All their handsets are known to be unlocked.

can I take it to one of those places that unlocks them? And what is a reasonable fee?

Many handsets can be unlocked for free (DIY). The majority can be unlocked for under £15. Some can be more expensive.

giffgaff's unlockapedia

The reason I am hesitant is that although they have been about for ages, Tesco mobile are still not such a mainstream network as the others (can't top-up still in WH Smith for example).

Why do you stay with them then?

When unlocking a phone to all networks, does that include Tesco?

Yes. Handsets locked to O2 don't need unlocking to work with Tesco sims.

KxMx

Thanks for your help. Maybe then I will get an o2 handset. I am with Tesco out of habit and have been considering moving networks. But I am very happy with my light user tariff, being ill and not going out etc I don't have much call for 500 texts/minutes etc for a flat fee. More than happy with 4p texts and 8p calls. When I get better though I am certainly shopping around.

grumbler

I can repeat that you can buy any handset from CPW and will not need to unlock it.

If you post here what you want you are likely to get an advice on the suitable handsets and the best place for buying.

fb1969

KxMx wrote: »

The reason I am hesitant is that although they have been about for ages, Tesco mobile are still not such a mainstream network as the others (can't top-up still in WH Smith for example). When unlocking a phone to all networks, does that include Tesco?

I didn't know about WHSmiths but we've been with Tesco Mobile for nearly 6 years and usually top up at Boots without any problems, and I am pretty sure you can at Wilkinsons as well.

KxMx

I'm really just after general advice at the moment, not in a position to buy a new handset just yet but want to be prepared when I am. I would like to stick to Nokia and won't have more than £50 to spend, my only must have feature is a camera.

I usually top-up at One Stop or the Post Office, did know about Wilkinsons but not Boots, thanks!

fb1969

I prefer Nokia phones (fairly basic ones) and Tesco are a bit light on choice with them at the moment.

As this is an MSE website I'll add that Boots double points vouchers work for top ups, but spend level vouchers (extra points for spending £25 etc) don't. One time the assistant said they didn't do TescoMobile but was happy to be proved wrong as she used the network herself!

grumbler

KxMx wrote: »

I would like to stick to Nokia and won't have more than £50 to spend, my only must have feature is a camera.

Nokia 2220 Slide
£29.95 Plus £10 top up
Don't forget about quidco/TCB

Nokia 2690 is £50+£10

Mrs_Ryan

Yep - Tesco Mobile will work fine in an unlocked handset, my Sony Ericsson Cedar is unlocked from 3 and my Tesco SIM only contract works fine in it.

grumbler

grumbler wrote: »

Nokia 2220 Slide
£29.95 Plus £10 top up
Don't forget about quidco/TCB

It's available for £29.98 in total: http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/nokia-2220-slide-graphite-29-98-with-10-call-credit-prepaymania/1006938

Minus quidco £5

KxMx

Thanks everyone for the help

I love the Nokia 2690, not enough money save yet though. Have emailed Dad who owes me some b.day money from March so here's hoping!