iPhones, micro SIMs and normal SIMs

Crocswearer

Hi

I'm looking at getting an iPhone 4 outright (either from 3 for £400 or unlocked from Apple for £429).

I know with a Blackberry you need to have a "Blackberry" contract or add-on. Is it the same with iPhones? Or can I buy any SIM only deal, cut the SIM down to micro size, and use that? Micro SIM deals aren't so good value for money, so I would like to be able to use a normal SIM if I can without compromising the usability of the iPhone.

For example with 3, I would need the £25 per month micro-SIM to get more than 300 minutes, or I could get a standard sized SIM-600 12 month contract for £15 per month, or £17 per month if I want to keep the contract length down.

I would be grateful for any advice.

DevCoder

The iPhone just uses normal data services (unlike blackberry.net) so a normal sim is fine.

A bit strange that a microsim is more expensive, over here the normal size sim contains a microsim which you just "push out" if you need a microsim.

NFH

For £7.50+VAT per month with Orange, you'd get 325 minutes, 150 texts, 750MB data and unlimited Orange or landline calls. Orange will issue a micro-SIM on this tariff if you ask.

grumbler

Crocswearer wrote: »

...Or can I buy any SIM only deal, cut the SIM down to micro size, and use that?...

In one word, yes, you can.

For a longer discussion see this thread: How the hell can Orange do this?

Crocswearer

NFH wrote: »

For £7.50+VAT per month with Orange, you'd get 325 minutes, 150 texts, 750MB data and unlimited Orange or landline calls. Orange will issue a micro-SIM on this tariff if you ask.

Is there any difference in being on a "business" deal to a personal deal?

NFH

Crocswearer wrote: »

Is there any difference in being on a "business" deal to a personal deal?

Yes, you always get a UK call centre and much better customer service. Roaming is a little cheaper.

moneycheck

Very sensible approach.

Tesco mobile offer a 12 month contract at £12.50pm that gives 500m, 5000texts and 1gb data.

Crocswearer

Thanks moneycheck. Good deal.

Or 3 (again) SIM 600 12 month, offering 600 minutes, 3000 texts, 1000MB data, for £12 per month.

moneycheck

You may find coverage a little scatty with 3.

Tesco (o2) is a solid old timer.

cgk1

I have a lumia that takes a micro-sim - with tescos, if I take their "iphone sim" contract does it actually matter that it's not an iphone?

moneycheck

cgk1 - tesco does not differentiate re phone.