PAYG/Monthly Data hungry, alternative to big suppliers

Atasas

2018 February re'start is on page 15

(keep on updating)
Hi Guys,
I've got my "PAC-Porting Authority Code" from "3.co.uk" (to transfer number) and will not be going back to them again, due to the fact of them cooperating, with scammers, that I have been billed for by them as my behalf.(long story)
Also, I am staunch supporter of "underdog", so "big networks" are not of interest to me any-more. (or to have their plans discussed on this thread please!)
Same goes about contracts (for over a month)- just can not stand being chained up to none and hope it makes sense to the same way thinking MoneySavers

I'd like SIM (network), with a 10Gb+ data allowance and 100-200 min PM (pay Monthly or PAYG )plan, hoever stumbling with one's that would allow tethering to my SIM'lesss tablet....

Considering what "operators" are selling is air and contracts, but none are committed to real service for that money...Networks are long established, no real work for more or less money happens truly, its only trickery in "plans" as how to make more money of us.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/piggybacking

The "medium supplier", that fitted my bill, has been TallkMobile (uses Voda network),

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(had it- tested- not good at all)
I've ordered (haven't used as yet, due to known "quality" of CS)Vectone SIM for the half (or even less) of those advertised money a month, by big competitors and yes, I know, they had "down time" and generally awful service, but possibly worth a plunge?
http://www.vectonemobile.co.uk/

Vectone Pay as You Go £10
Unlimited Mins, "Unlimited Data" (5GB really), Unlimited Texts, Free Sim
This bundle only last for 30 days from date of purchase. So you would have to keep topping up £10 a month to continue it.

SnowTiger link to T&C's
http://www.vectonemobile.co.uk/google/vmukgglnationalbundleext.aspx?gclid=CjwKEAjw8qetBRCj6vKH8IC_kwoSJADGQ8dSYQOxFhqYL-G5FIpraIDnybrNdN_5bg6uh65Y9kZuXBoC1qTw_wcB

Terms and Conditions [-]
Post 5GB Data speed reduces from 3G to 2G
.....

Their Twitter- https://twitter.com/VectoneMobileUK

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(expired, sold to BT, offeres hardly going to be great in future)
(one more ) Actual EE network provider ("big" network)
http://shop.ee.co.uk/campaigns/summer-sim-from-ee

SnowTiger wrote: »

This might keep you going for a couple of months: http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/ee-summer-sim-payg-50-mins-50-texts-100gb-p-m-200gb-total-data-10-00-2247227.

100GBytes of data for two months. Apparently it's not the first time EE has ran this promotion.

Fuller review: https://www.cable.co.uk/guides/is-ee-mobile-any-good/
(Ordered SIM (despite them being "big network"), will use as main number for the period of the offer, for data. )
[update] it is going well! good reception, unsure, what I'll have to do, if offer ends and no similar promotion would be made. Decent coverage, however nothing to be jumping up and down over for.

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(tested and in my experience SLOOOWWWW and only truly allows 5GB)
Next on my list is GiffGaff (got SIM already, but not using it yet, not the best network for me, not tethering price is any sensible), which notably is degrading in its service (or lost "the edge of competitiveness), prices rising, CS is just manageable, but attractive option, but O2 3g-4g network has never been known for data transfer quality. Many users leaving GG, because of this aspect.
https://www.giffgaff.com/freesim-goodybag20?_ms=234&_msd=HotUKDeals&xid=47868

2,000 minutes+ (unlimited data)+ unlimited texts+Free calls & texts to other giffgaff numbers

Newtork (PiggyBack- O2) (3G, not 4G package)
Tethering- not allowed, threats over throttling and ban's, in practice there are posters saying, that some do "slip" but does not allow tethering

or this £15 plan

£15 goodybag rates

Calls, texts, call forwarding and video calls to giffgaff Free
Voice calls to other UK mobiles, landlines and call forwarding (per minute) 10p after the inclusive
minutes in goodybag
Texts to other UK mobiles and landlines Unlimited
Voicemail (per call) 8p after the inclusive
minutes in goodybag
Mobile Internet 5GB
2p/MB after the inclusive
internet in goodybag
Free phone numbers (starting 080 & 0500) Free
BlackBerry Internet Service Free
More info on pricing

What happens if I exceed 5GB?
If you've used up your 5GB allowance before your goodybag expires, you will be charged at 2p/MB for the remaining life of your goodybag, but once your goodybag expires, standard rates will apply.

Early repurchase
If you run out of data or minutes don!!!8217;t worry, you can start enjoying your next goodybag with an early repurchase.

Tethering
Tethering is permitted on the £15 goodybag and will work on all smartphones with an inbuilt tethering feature.

Unlimited texts
We are unlimited for personal mobile use - but not for commercial and automated use.

Free to giffgaff
You need to top up by top-up voucher, top up by credit /debit card or buy a goodybag with your credit or debit card at least every 3 months to receive free giffgaff to giffgaff calls. If you don't, other UK rates will apply as above. The free giffgaff to giffgaff calls last for 60 minutes per call, so you need to hang up and re-dial if you want to keep talking for free.

review
https://www.cable.co.uk/guides/is-giffgaff-mobile-any-good/
Their community (forum), no need to have active SIM to join
https://community.giffgaff.com/
Their twitter
https://twitter.com/giffgaff

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(changed supplier to "three", changed tariffs, not great at all)
Next (medium competitor) ThePeoplesOperator "TPO"
https://www.thepeoplesoperator.com/PAYM-Order-Review-Tariff/?//23/&awc=5675_1436803241_cef7b671243164df45d5a05c84883156&source=aw&utm_source=AW&utm_medium=AW&utm_campaign=SIM%20Deals%20AW&awc=5675_1436906461_ad155ad2610f536069c740b626783829

Grab The Invincible Deal - Unlimited mins, texts and 31GB of data for just £19.99 p/m on a 30-day rolling contract.

The best mobile service
We're on the UK's biggest 3G network, which means you're completely covered. Plus, whenever you need support, you can talk 7 days a week to our UK-based, in-house Help team.

Network- EE piggyBack
Tethering Not allowed, but peeps Do use it in practice... Not an 4G plan

Full'er review:
https://www.cable.co.uk/guides/is-the-peoples-operator-any-good/
Their twitter
https://twitter.com/TPOuk

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(tested, support and in general "grab money" attitude- awful network to deal with
Next iD Mobile
http://www.idmobile.co.uk/shop/plans/sim-only#tariff_data=([10000 TO *] OR "-1")
CarPhoneWarehouse Brand

£20.00 PCM 2000 Min, 5000 Tx'ts, Unlimited Internet per month
4G- yes;
Expired offer, currently is offering 10GB data only!
Network (three.co.uk piggyBack)
Tethering Not allowed, but used in practice by some posters, however, some received "Ban" notices"

Full'er review
https://www.cable.co.uk/guides/is-id-mobile-any-good/

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and here comes smaller suppliers, with least credibility for service (not many "fannboys"), however they represent better value for money, than "big one's":

GTMobile
http://www.gtmobile.co.uk/en/bundle

Smart 12 With 4G BEST SELLERS £ 12 30 days Get with this plan Call 1000 minutes Text Unlimited texts Data 2GB data Text Free GT to GT calls and texts* Free calls Free calls to 0800, 0808 & 0500 numbers

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(great offers via switch and similar currently)
LIFE Mobile
http://life-mobile.co.uk/

LIFE £5 SIM Only 250 500 250Mb £5 BUY
LIFE £8 SIM Only 750 Unlimited 500Mb £8 BUY
LIFE £12 SIM Only 1500 Unlimited 1Gb £12 BUY
LIFE £15 SIM Only Unlimited Unlimited 3Gb £15

BUT data (what matters to me) is dear, regardless, they Use EE 3G-4G network service
Does allow tethering!
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Really bashed about for the CS and other issues
LYCA Mobile
http://www.lycamobile.co.uk/en/bundles

£15 1000 Minutes +Unlimited SMS 3 GB
National Data

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New tariffs and offers changed again, worth keeping an eye over )
TalkMobile (Vodafone network PiggyBack)
http://talkmobile.co.uk/upgrades/sim-only

Small 30 day SIM Only 250 Minutes 5000 Texts 100MB Data 30 day £7.50 a month
Medium 30 day SIM Only 500 Minutes 5000 Texts 500MB Data 30 day £10.00 a month
Large 30 day SIM Only 750 Minutes 5000 Texts 1GB Data 30 day £12.50 a month
X-Large 30 day SIM Only 1000 Minutes 5000 Texts 2GB Data 30 day £15.00 a month

(not of interest or value or recommendation, but if one has Vodafone network reception only?)
Fuller review: https://www.cable.co.uk/guides/is-talkmobile-any-good/
also, read this! https://www.cable.co.uk/news/talkmobile-customers-hit-by-huge-data-bills-in-spite-of-usage-caps-700000391/

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(horrendous support, tested)
and last on this List Delight Mobile
http://www.delightmobile.co.uk/#

[STRIKE]£20[/STRIKE] £15 Bundle- Unlimited UK Minutes, Unlimited UK Texts, Unlimited Data (? ), Unlimited Delight to Delight

(OK, what I've learned- Delight is a "side-kick" of Vectone, CS- bad mannered, clueless- atrocious! and value ways its lesser of an offer to actual Vectone..
Experience so far... not great!

!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;.!!!8230;....!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;!!!8230;..........................
(tested, liked, but data allowance are too small for what I need)
One more to the list
Tello
(uses "Hutchinson"- 3.co.uk network, 3G-4G service)

Buy top-up registering, get a SIM and enjoy, no strings/contracts usage!
add-ons:
https://tello.co.uk/buy/data_bundles
£7.50 3GB PCM
or 500 MB £2/month

Best Pay As You Go SIM
UK & Mobile 3p /min
SMS 3p /SMS
Data 1p /MB
International Pay As You Go
Rates from UK to
Spain 2p /min
Italy 2.1p /min
Germany 2.2p /min...
etc etc

I've ordered sim for 500MB data (£2.00), afterwards using PayPal, top up add ons- balance, not bundles
and rest as top-ups as per required
https://tello.co.uk/buy/pay_as_you_go
(posted further on)

Bit about Tello
I don't have 4G device, my 3 SIM 3G phone have failed any (sensible) reception, unless I enable data via this network-SIM. It is issue in Multi-Sim devices, but 2g service as per 3.co.uk network is dire. Once set data connection via Tello (renamed it from 3 UK 01 to Tello, own-self, due to known feeling towards 3) everything is OK
On a positive note, support is decent and with all of the fiddling about, US (still,with some, not American, accent) based advisor called me back twice to see, as how do I get on. Seemed helpful, not rude and willing to help- Kudos!

Not bad service overall, good value and considering 3.co.uk reception seems "second best" in tests is good enough to say, that I am pleased, do recommend it, but not "over the moon".
Another... "Downside" I've ordered it, topped up etc by PayPal, it kinda wants CC... not keen yet, reading about "big rip-off" networks contracts and £1000's of pounds worth of horrors.

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cable.co.uk stalled reviewing and providing better deals

as for technical
https://www.cable.co.uk/reviews/page-2/
In depth- technical review of each (most sub're'providers), unfortunately, they can not keep up with actual deals or comparisons

One of Key factors is main network coverage
http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/phone/mobile-phones/4G/mobile-coverage-checker/ or
http://opensignal.com/coverage-maps/UK/
However, they are inaccurate and in my experience data (3G-4G) is important factor considering new supplier, in (poor 3-4G signal) areas 2G coverage is vital to be able to make phone calls.
My last word on Multi-Sim (multi-plan) user perspective- Get one, that is good for data and value for data, the other one from different network, with known good 2G coverage-service! ?

Atasas

OK,
Just had a call back from another "small provider"- AxisMobile,
Lady seemed pleasant enough, clearly from UK... price has gone from £12 PCM to £12+ VAT (= £14.40) and I have nearly taken that... only to turn out, that would be asked to join their 24 mth contract... shame, but best of luck and farewell!..

SnowTiger

I know it's not what you want to hear, but I'm wondering if Three's 321 tariff with their all-you-can-eat data add-on isn't the best option for you.

£15 a month for 300 minutes, 3,000 texts and unlimited data.

I don't know the details of your quarrel with Three. I'm guessing it was something to do with premium rate text messages. You may not have been treated differently by any of the other networks or pretend networks.

321 is PAYG. You top up £15 and apply the add on during the same call, leaving nothing for "scammers" to take.

Atasas

SnowTiger wrote: »

I don't know the details of your quarrel with Three. I'm guessing it was something to do with premium rate text messages. You may not have been treated differently by any of the other networks or pretend networks.

OK here's !"nail on the head" as to say and... bit of life story..

I have been with "3" for many many years, the deal that I had was really good value, but yes, they cooperated with scammers and it was absolute last straw. To annoy me even more, they are aware of the scam, but are using my money (and me) for ransom, despite my warnings against the law (where ANY payments should have two step verification process) as I am "suppose to be great-full for their "feature" to pay by phone "... seriously !!!!!!?
And that is after years, that I have been with them and suffering poor (or none) signal, slow data speeds at the best of times, hardly comprehensible CS staff in Asia somewhere... Adios to them! adios to the rest of the big one's, as it is well know failure of all big networks, when alternatives are plenty!
In this case, not just, that will get back value for money (Had a £20 plan and £5 discount= £15 PCM) and found £20 matching plans, then £15 plans and now (in my particular needs-case) deal for £10.

As to say, if reasoning is of no help, voting with valet should make a difference!

SnowTiger

Vectone bundles:
£10.00/month gets you: Unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data, plus unlimited Vectone to Vectone calls and texts. Also currently included is up to 60% off some international rates. This bundle is one of the best value in the UK at the moment, but prices and allowances may change without warning, so it pays to keep an eye on the Vectone website.

You mentioned that in your opening post.

You've forgotten that (see T&Cs) "Post 5GB Data speed reduces from 3G to 2G".

They don't specifically say what that is; however I suspect it's about the same as dial-up modem speed, which seemed painfully slow in its day. And will appear even worse now.

Atasas

SnowTiger wrote: »

You mentioned that in your opening post.

You've forgotten that (see T&Cs) "Post 5GB Data speed reduces from 3G to 2G".

They don't specifically say what that is; however I suspect it's about the same as dial-up modem speed, which seemed painfully slow in its day. And will appear even worse now.

(as for quote- I used it from MobileNetworksUK site, that HAD updated its summary, within the time of that one day, since I posted. Coincidence or efficiency, either way quick update! )


Thanks for pointing that out! (about 5GB)... hmhm... what's left is to get PostMan to hurry up and test it! surely I will use 5GB in less than a month and WILL report back as what is happening in real terms there from:cool:

Silk

My understanding is Vectone has a FUP of 3GB pm for data after which it's throttled to 64 kbit/s

Atasas

When I have been posting the deal- I copied terms and conditions of HUKD site, where some comments corresponding to the poster here, mentioning 5GB and possibly past that (as not really controlled)

Silk wrote: »

My understanding is Vectone has a FUP of Allowance Specific Terms

i. All bundle minutes/texts/internet exclude roaming use, calls to international destinations and calls/texts to number translation services, premium rate numbers, 0870 numbers and personal numbers.

ii. Unlimited mobile internet is subject to a fair use policy of a maximum 3 GB per month, Post 3GB data speed reduces from 3G to 2G.

http://www.vectonemobile.co.uk/faq/pay-monthly-terms-and-conditions.aspx
also
http://www.foneforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2894.20;wap2

To top all that...
... twitter (and other reviews) indicates them being unbearables...
and they own/launched DelightMobile...
could my enthusiasm be not worthy bandwidth?

Silk

Why have you made my quote look like that ???
:rotfl:


Where does it say in the Vectone T&C's it's 5GB ?

SnowTiger

Silk wrote: »

Why have you made my quote look like that ???
:rotfl:

Where does it say in the Vectone T&C's it's 5GB ?

Bad editing probably.

The 5GBytes limit is mentioned here.

Tap on Terms and Conditions to reveal this:

Unlimited usage is subject only to a variation of speed from 3G to 2G for usage beyond 5GB per month per SIM

Here the wording is slightly different:

Post 5GB Data speed reduces from 3G to 2G

Silk

SnowTiger wrote: »

Bad editing probably.

The 5GBytes limit is mentioned here.

When I tap on the T&C's it says ........

Unlimited usage is subject only to a variation of speed from 3G to 64 kbit/s for usage beyond 3GB per month per SIM.