Best PAYG for elderly, emergency phone?

HotPotato

I've finally had enough of an elderly cousin, and need to buy her a PAYG phone.

Its going to be a non smart phone, something simple and cheap like

http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/phones/samsung-e1200/ppay?colourCode=BLACK

I'm just unsure what network or plan to get it on. She is extremely unlikely to use it often at all, and most times will either sit in the bottom of the draw or the bottom of her handbag. I noticed from the other thread that most will need a chargeable event every 180 days, which (hopefully) shouldn't be a problem. Ideally I would prefer something with a larger screen, but the larger the screen, the more complicated the phone, and the shorter the battery life.

Given all of that, is there much of a difference between the networks?

pepdavies

I think all of the main networks will send a free SIM. Try them all to check coverage. You won't need to put any credit on to check the signal. 3 is best for value but no use if you can't get a signal in your area

grumbler

For an elderly person check Doro phones,
e.g.

However, it's not 3g-capable and won't work on the cheapest 'Three' network (neither will the Samsung you suggested).

Mojisola

If she needs something very basic, there's this -
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/products/mobility-and-independence-at-home/mobile-phones/

grumbler

'Basic'?! Costs £40-£60 and the cheapest monthly plan is £7.50 for 50 minutes.

I call this extortion or daylight robbery.
With '3' 50 minutes cost £1.50 on PAYG.
Vectone offer 50 minutes on £1 monthly contract.

Mojisola

grumbler wrote: »

'Basic'?! Costs £40-£60 and the cheapest monthly plan is £7.50 for 50 minutes.

I call this extortion or daylight robbery.

It's the phone that's basic - not the cost.

tyllwyd

I agree that Doro phones are great for elderly users


BUT if she never uses it, and it gets left in the bottom of a drawer or a handbag, if she needs it in an emergency either the battery will be flat, or she will have forgotten how to use it, or she will have forgotten where she put it, or the SIM will be disconnected. If you want it to be useful to her, you will have to make a habit of calling her on it at regular intervals.