first mobile

robin61

Hi, my Daughter is nearly 11 and I am thinking about getting her a mobile phone. She is sensible but I think I would feel more comfortable with a pay as you go deal. Or is there something better which has some sort of cap to avoid big bills being run up.
Probably something like a Samsung or some other reasonably priced smart phone. Definitely not an expensive i phone.
I must admit I am not up to speed with mobiles. They don't interest me but I guess I need to find out a bit more. Thanks in advance for any advice.

grumbler

robin61 wrote: »

Hi, my Daughter is nearly 11 and I am thinking about getting her a mobile phone. She is sensible but I think I would feel more comfortable with a pay as you go deal. Or is there something better which has some sort of cap to avoid big bills being run up.

The best pure PAYG tariff for smartphones is '3' 321.
For PAYG with bundles see the same '3' and Giffgaff.
Tesco Mobile have capped contracts. Reportedly, '3' can cap their contracts too if you ask.

Probably something like a Samsung or some other reasonably priced smart phone. Definitely not an expensive i phone.

Motorola Moto E and G are much better value for money than similarly priced Samsungs. Tesco Mobile have them on both PAYG and pay monthly, but it's not the only place where you can buy them.

robin61

Thanks grumbler. I will have a look at those.

Iris_255

T-Mobile did used to have the facility where you set a contract limit and when you hit it you had to either top up the amount or it would allow you to be able to call one emergency number (i.e. you), might be worth seeing if this is still in existence

Farway

PAYG is the way, you will find so many threads on here of parents who bought a contract phone, gave it to their child, and then came on here whinging about hundred pounds plus bills

As the supermarkets say, when it is gone it is gone, your daughter will soon learn the value of money once here PAYG allowance has vanished & she no longer can text / talk to her mates

PS, the capping does not always work, sometimes it is just text to the phone, child ignores, you get the bill

grumbler

Farway wrote: »

PS, the capping does not always work, sometimes it is just text to the phone, child ignores, you get the bill

Capping does always work- if it's capping and not some 'credit limit'.

What’s a Capped contract?

Complete control over your bill, with a little flexibility. Choose a tariff, set a safety buffer and enjoy the peace of mind you'll never go over your bill cap.

http://shop.tescomobile.com/capped/contracts

robin61

Yeah I think I am going to go with the Tesco option. £7.50 a month with a £2.50 cap should mean the bill doesn't go over £10 which is going to be her limit. Once it's gone she'll have to wait until next month. I agree with the teaching them the value of money comment. Plus she's going to get some jobs to earn it.

smiledotcom

Don't forget to just check that, whatever provider you decide to go with, they have coverage in your area...

robin61

Yes good point thanks

giraffe69

Capping does always work- if it's capping and not some 'credit limit'.

And if it is capping and calls/texts are made abroad and take a while for the bill to get to the domestic operator. Does it work then? PAYG gives protection from unexpected big bills.

grumbler

giraffe69 wrote: »

And if it is capping and calls/texts are made abroad and take a while for the bill to get to the domestic operator. Does it work then?

"Complete control over your bill", "peace of mind" and "you'll never go over your bill cap"sound pretty clear to me. I don't see any ambiguity here.

However, if you had any doubts you could have clicked What if I use data abroad? on the webpage that I posted the link to above.

If they can do this fo PAYG, why couldn't they for contracts?