Sim only?

molerat

Top-Up wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.

I don't seem to be able to quote. In answer to your questions-

My BB is with Sky.

The 5s was with an o2 contract and the person who gave me the phone has recently taken out a new contract with o2. I assume they could still get o2 to unlock this phone?

http://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-and-devices/unlocking-your-iphone-and-using-it-on-another-network

musafir05

Top-Up wrote: »

I've been given a 5s iphone that was on contract to 02 and told that I just need a SIM.
That's as much as I know about mobiles as I only have a old phone (not a smartphone).

Do I need to get this iphone unlocked?

Next question, what SIM to cover all the data the phone will need for updates? It will be used the odd time for surfing when I am out and can connect to my wi-fi when home. Looking to spend about £10ish a month.

Thanks.

ID network offer a sim only deal for £5

[Deleted User]

Hi,

contact your provider, they will send you a nano sim with your existing number on it.

ballyblack

you can get a Tesco Mobile sim and as they use the 02 network you wont need to get the phone unlocked.

Not always!


a 02 network lock is not Tesco Mobile although YES they use the same network


.

joeluken

Top-Up wrote: »

"Life Mobile (EE MVNO) have a deal currently though Uswitch for 1500 mins, Unlimited texts and 1GB of 3G data for £6 a month."

The mobile is 4G. Do I need to use 4G or is 3G ok? What do I lose if I use 3G?

If I sign up to the above offer (contract?) do they send me the SIM? Is that how it works?

Sorry for all the questions.

The iPhone 5S can use 4G or 3G and it's not usnual to switch between these because 4G coverage is less extensive than 3G.

What you lose with 3G depends on the network because some networks 3G is faster at downloading than some networks 4G !

In theory 4G technology is faster at downloading and uploading data than 3G but the difference in actual speed has many variables hence my comment above. In reality for the vast majority of applications decent 3G is more than fast enough. EE's 3G network tends to be decent as does Three's which is probably a bit better.

If you buy from Life Mobile it will provide a new sim appropriate to your phone i.e. the nano sim option. AFAIK it's a rolling 1 month contract via direct debit and with these you are usually free to leave at any point via a PAC but you are usually required to give 30 days notice to stop the direct debit and terminate the contract if you don't use a PAC.

First thing I'd do is get the phone unlocked by O2 whilst you still have an O2 sim active.

Top-Up

The person who gave me the iphone has said they will get 02 to unlock it.

I like the Life Mobile deal. I don't suppose there is a risk of going over my data allowance on that, especially if I set the mobile to update only from my wi-fi.

I assume once they mobile is unlocked then I applyfor the Life Mobile deal? Or do I do it now in case the deal is withdrawn?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help.

HappyMJ

Top-Up wrote: »

The person who gave me the iphone has said they will get 02 to unlock it.

I like the Life Mobile deal. I don't suppose there is a risk of going over my data allowance on that, especially if I set the mobile to update only from my wi-fi.

I assume once they mobile is unlocked then I applyfor the Life Mobile deal? Or do I do it now in case the deal is withdrawn?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help.

Wait until you've unlocked the phone. You may not be able to unlock it economically. My OH has a phone that has been permanently locked to the EE network and can never be unlocked. Many have tried and failed to unlock it. It's now sitting in the drawer unused.

joeluken

Top-Up wrote: »

The person who gave me the iphone has said they will get 02 to unlock it.

I like the Life Mobile deal. I don't suppose there is a risk of going over my data allowance on that, especially if I set the mobile to update only from my wi-fi.

I assume once they mobile is unlocked then I applyfor the Life Mobile deal? Or do I do it now in case the deal is withdrawn?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help.

With Life Mobile I think you can set an out of allowance cap to avoid bill shock. By default it appears to be £5 but sound like you can decrease it. Worth looking into to prevent accidental spend.

"Smart Cap Buffer - £5.00, you may increase or decrease this safety net at any time by calling customer services"

https://lifemobile.co.uk/Basket/SimChoice/89?awc=6535_1456242479_686c7f5f954187f5bf09ee8c3fddbe5a

spud17

ballyblack wrote: »

Not always!


a 02 network lock is not Tesco Mobile although YES they use the same network


.

That's a new one to me.
I have an old O2 exclusive Nokia, there are no unlocks available, despite what some websites may claim.
I put in a Tesco sim, it works fine.
My experience, similar to many, especially on HUKD, where this regularly come up, Tesco sim works in O2 phone, but O2 sim will not work in locked to Tesco phone.

pappa_golf

the life mobile is very good , UK call centres and helpful , when ordering (via uswitch) tick the nano sim , the sim will arrive in about 3 days and you then ring a 0800 numbreer to give them the number on the back of the sim , its then activated within the hour
after about 2 days your account will be accessable online and you can ring them with your account No to set the threshold to a minimum of £1 (handy if you need to ring 111)


you can have your ansaphone turned off as well if you want.


if you want to retain your old number from your old phone ask the supplier for a PAC and ring life , again just a 1 day wait.


been with them now for 4 mths and am happy


order via uswitch , not their website as its dearer.