Best tariff for a non-user?

TooMuchSloeGin

I'm not sure my question makes even sense but here goes. I've so far not used a mobile phone and, left to my own devices, I wouldn't use one.

However, a number of banks and similar institutions I have to deal with either already have or will soon introduce a system whereby they send me an SMS with a transaction code if I initiate a transaction with them.

As far as I can see I'll need a mobile phone to receive these SMS (my lame landline provider doesn't accept SMS via the landline).

Given that I won't use the mobile phone for anything else (no calls, no sending of SMS etc) than receiving the occasional SMS from a bank etc, what would be the cheapest route to go down?

Thanks for any hints

TMSG

HappyMJ

I have a contract SIM with TalkMobile. It costs £1 per month and for that I get 25 minutes and 50 texts. Granted you won't use that much so a PAYG SIM would be the cheapest but you must make a chargeable call every 90 days or so to keep the SIM active and prevent your credit being lost. That will cost at least £10 the first time you top-up and the credit could last for years.

You would also need to purchase and keep charged a cheap mobile phone. They can be purchased for as little as £1 with the requirement to add credit onto a SIM costing another £10.

Or I'd bank with someone else if my bank insisted on text communication. Generally, you can use telephone banking rather than online banking and will have no requirement to use the text based confirmation codes.

reclusive46

TooMuchSloeGin wrote: »

I'm not sure my question makes even sense but here goes. I've so far not used a mobile phone and, left to my own devices, I wouldn't use one.

However, a number of banks and similar institutions I have to deal with either already have or will soon introduce a system whereby they send me an SMS with a transaction code if I initiate a transaction with them.

As far as I can see I'll need a mobile phone to receive these SMS (my lame landline provider doesn't accept SMS via the landline).

Given that I won't use the mobile phone for anything else (no calls, no sending of SMS etc) than receiving the occasional SMS from a bank etc, what would be the cheapest route to go down?

Thanks for any hints

TMSG

Well any PAYG sim will do but you will probably have to top up atleast once every 6 months because they cut you off otherwise.

grumbler

reclusive46 wrote: »

Well any PAYG sim will do but you will probably have to top up atleast once every 6 months because they cut you off otherwise.

It's an urban myth that it is necessarily has to be a top up.
In fact you have to make a chargeable call or send a text that is much easier and cheaper.
At Orange it is sufficient to receive a call or a text.

TooMuchSloeGin

Thanks for the answers so far.

(I've to admit upfront that, though I'm not a technophobe, I have no real plan as far as mobile phone tariffs are concerned. I know the basics but life's too short for more.)

I was under the impression that most PAYG phones require a hefty top-up every 30 days or even every 14 days. So perhaps I should check the available options more carefully.

OTOH, I wouldn't mind paying a quid per month with a contract if this is an "install-and-forget" option and enables me to receive SMS at all times. I will look at the TalkMobile option as well.

As to changing banks: alas, it is more than one bank. And changing banks can be a positive nightmare... don't get me started on that;-).

Again thanks

TMSG

grumbler

TooMuchSloeGin wrote: »

...I was under the impression that most PAYG phones require a hefty top-up every 30 days or even every 14 days.

This is incorrect. The credit lasts forever if you make a chargeable call or send a text once every 6 months. See above about Orange.

I will look at the TalkMobile option as well.

I don't think that you'll find this contract at talkmobile now, but Vectone Mobile do £1 30 day rolling contract too.

Buzby

I'd suggest you avoid a contract. You don't need one, and in means another DD to someoneone you shouldn't trust. PAYG ticks all the boxes, look at ASDA, Tewsco & GiffGaff for cheap deals.

TooMuchSloeGin

grumbler wrote: »

This is incorrect. The credit lasts forever if you make a chargeable call or send a text once every 6 months. See above about Orange.

Thanks for this clarification. I just assumed, never having owned a mobile, that the 30-day validity of some of those top-up offers means that I have to top-up every 30 days or else I would lose connection.

grumbler wrote: »

I don't think that you'll find this contract at talkmobile now, but Vectone Mobile do £1 30 day rolling contract too.

Yeah, I've searched for that and couldn't find it. But I agree with Buzby that PAYG is the best way forward.

THX for all answers and I will now check some PAYG offers.

TMSG

gregpot2000

This did used to be the case, I remember when I got my first phone in 1999. if you bought a £15 top up on Vodafone, you only got £5 of that as calling credit, the other £10 bought you 30 days connected to the network, if you didnt top up before the 30 days were up you would be disconnected, lose all your credit. and not even be able to receive calls or texts!

This was a long time ago, and things have changed a lot now, I can't see anyone putting up with that now a days!

Bongedone

If you use the cinema then I would get an Orange SIM. You can then use Orange Wednesdays for 2 for 1 entry at cinema.