Cheapest way to run a basic talk and text phone

Kernel_Sanders

When you put a new prepay SIM in a smart phone and install the network data settings, usually the data connection icon, 3G, H etc, appears on the status bar even before the SIM has been topped up, before the data connection can actually be used. But Delight requires a first top-up before the icon will appear.

I suspected this was to stop people using the free Delight to Delight calls and texts without ever topping up but on this page it states
Chat with your friends and family on Delight as much as you like for absolutely nothing. You don’t even have to top up to start talking and texting.
How could you do that if you have to top up to get a signal?

d123

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I suspected this was to stop people using the free Delight to Delight calls and texts without ever topping up but on this page it states
Chat with your friends and family on Delight as much as you like for absolutely nothing. You don’t even have to top up to start talking and texting.
How could you do that if you have to top up to get a signal?
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He is referring to a data signal, kernel, not the actual mobile signal.

eDicky

d123 wrote: »

He is referring to a data signal, kernel, not the actual mobile signal.

Correct sir. No data signal on a fresh Delight SIM until first top-up. All others I've tried show the data icon before first top-up. I just activated a Three SIM to try in the other slot of my phone (S4 Mini Duos) and the data icon H is already there without top-up.

Delight still working fine for me when I'm in UK, seems ideal for occasional or low use if 4G is not needed. It's advantage over Three, with the same 3-2-1 rates, would be the cheap direct-dial international calls and ability to work on 2G in remote areas with no 3G coverage (although this might also apply to Three in future if they buy O2). Three's advantage would (perhaps) be better data speeds and the 'Feel at Home' dirt-cheap roaming, I was going to top-up and try mine in Germany next week but now I see it doesn't work there.

Kernel_Sanders

d123 wrote: »

He is referring to a data signal, kernel, not the actual mobile signal.

eDicky wrote: »

Correct sir.

I always thought it was the same signal.
So, does that mean you could have free Delight to Delight calls and texts without ever topping up, or could you at least on one of the two SIMs?

eDicky

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

So does that mean you could have free Delight to Delight calls and texts without ever topping up, or could you at least on one of the two SIMs?

From my Delight SIM I can call or text for free to any other Delight user, yes. And it can be done without any initial top-up, the top-up is only for data and other calls/texts at the 3-2-1 rates. Pretty soon I will be accused of working for them...

Kernel_Sanders

eDicky wrote: »

From my Delight SIM I can call or text for free to any other Delight user, yes. And it can be done without any initial top-up, the top-up is only for data and other calls/texts at the 3-2-1 rates. Pretty soon I will be accused of working for them...

Hardly, as you've just divulged how to use their network without paying them a penny

eDicky wrote: »

Delight's advantage over Three, with the same 3-2-1 rates, would be the cheap direct-dial international calls and ability to work on 2G in remote areas with no 3G coverage (although this might also apply to Three in future if they buy O2).

There are at least three more : the one I quoted above , the initial topup of £5 as against 10 and the bundle, which in most cases would be even cheaper the more you spend over a pound in the month.

System

3 do offer cheapish international calls on PAYG and they do give 2G voice/text coverage in rural areas (using 2G EE) although don't advertise it.

eDicky wrote: »

Delight still working fine for me when I'm in UK, seems ideal for occasional or low use if 4G is not needed. It's advantage over Three, with the same 3-2-1 rates, would be the cheap direct-dial international calls and ability to work on 2G in remote areas with no 3G coverage (although this might also apply to Three in future if they buy O2).