Phone Numpty want's the cheapest/most basic option

Emuchops

Hello, I have never owned a mobile phone, but will be in a position soon where it will be advantageous.
I don't want any type of contract. I just want a basic phone and the ability to 'top it up' as required (without credit 'expiring'). I don't understand phones being 'locked' to certain networks, but they all seem to have patchy (at best) coverage in my area. I have read about a £1 Alcatel phone, but can't find it anywhere. I simply want a phone for making calls.
I have tried searching, but can't really find what I'm looking for.
Any help much appreciated.

HappyMJ

The Samsung E2121B is quite a reasonable easy to use phone. It can be purchased sim free and unlocked with no compulsory top up for about £7.95 (only a quick web search-it's probably cheaper). You should then purchase an Ovivo SIM online which will cost £15. For your one off £15 fee you will get some free calls and texts every month without having to pay anything else ever again...unless you exceed to quite reasonable free allowance.

So for about £23 you are all set. You could get it cheaper shopping around and getting cash back deals.

grumbler

Emuchops wrote: »

... I have read about a £1 Alcatel phone, but can't find it anywhere. ...

It surely was £1+£10(TopUp). Now you can get Nokia 100 for £4.95+£10.
It will be with Virgin PAYG sim, but not locked to Virgin, i.e. will work with any other sim if you want to switch after you use £10 credit.

You will need some current mobile number to order it online from CPW. It will be more expensive in store as it's online deal.

You can buy it in Tesco for £9, but it will be without credit and locked to Tesco Mobile.

ETA: it's "wants", not "want's".

Emuchops

Thanks both-HappyMJ The cheapest that I can find that Samsung phone sim free is about £21-can you point me in the right direction to find it cheaper please? The Ovivo sim deal sounds very good value.
Grumbler-Yes, you're right-the Alcatel phone was £11 in total as you had to purchase the credit of £10.

SailorSam

I've got a bog-standard Alcatel mobile that i hardly ever use from Tesco.

Emuchops

Okay Sailor Sam-I'll have a look on their website too.

macman

If you want a bog-standard PAYG basic phone for less than £21, then ask around your friends-many people have their old ones sitting in a drawer that they will give you for nothing.
Then just get a PAYG SIM of your choice and unlock as necessary-most market phone stalls can unlock the kind of phones you're looking at.
However you do need to check which networks are available at the required location-the cheapest phone in the world is of no use if you can get no reception on the SIM you've installed in it.

Emuchops

Great idea Macman-I think I'd feel a bit cheeky-might drop the odd hint though!

macman

Why cheeky? If they can't be bothered to recycle or sell them, then you're doing them a favour.
They probably think of you as a bit eccentric not having a mobile anyway, so they'll be delighted to help bring you up to date.

Emuchops

Good point macman. I shall have a go.

grumbler

HUKD: Sim Free Samsung E1200 £5.00 when bought with Virgin Media sim (99p) INSTORE @ Tesco

Sim-free = not locked