Contract virgin wants best deal

webtalk

Well, not quite a virgin, but I haven't had a contract for about eight years and the contract world is a very different place these days.

I wonder if you could advise me as to how best to go about getting the best all round deal for my money. I think my needs are pretty simple, but have become thoroughly confused by what's out there.

My needs are:

• Vodafone or O2 because of signal quality
• I want to pay as little as possible and get as much talk time as possible
• Only about 30-50 SMSes a month
• Wouldn't mind a mid-range phone (though I don't know much about them)
• Would love an in-car kit
• Ideally I'd like to be able to carry unused minutes over to the next month (a feature my last contract had which I LOVED)
• not too keen on cashback as I've heard too many bad things

Could you advise?

I've seen the discussions about getting the best deal when one already has a contract, but I'm wondering if it is different.

Thanks guys.

BWT, I'm new to this forum though I've been lurking for some time now. This is an awsome place.:T

Sid_Harper

Have you used T-mobile, Orange or 3 recently? I think 3 and T-mobile have the best tariffs on offer, and from experience I've not been disappointed with coverage.

So I was just wondering when you'd last experienced them - they have improved very significantly over the last few years (of course, you may have tried PAYG with them in the meanwhile, so I'm not presuming, just asking!)

webtalk

Tried Orange about a year ago - disastrous. It was also bad in lots of patches in the surrounding area, and I travel around quite a bit so need signal.

You've given me an idea though. I'll ask a couple of local friends what they use.

Thanks.

richardjames73

Unfortunately Vodafone nor o2 offer rollover minutes. On the vodafone website they are doing a free Nokia 6300 with free bluetooth car kit. Tarrifs for talkers are not good though. You can get 750 anytime minutes, 250 texts and unlimited landline calls for £40.00 a month on an 18 month contract.

webtalk

Sounds like I'll definitely have to find out if other providers work decently round here!

£40.00 per month is a bit steep. I'm trying to justify moving from PAYGO. I hardly spend anything at the moment, but would like to be able to chat to friends when killing time between appointments.

dc

Some of the best deals are sim only, if your old payg phone is unlocked or will take the sim.

Ironically Virgin can be £10/month with 300mins and texts, current offer if you are already on cable. They use Tmobile for signals.
T mobile sim only seem good value too.

alictait

In my area I get a great signal from Virgin, T mobile, vodafone and orane. with practically no signal from O2 or three.

I am seriously considering getting a samsung u600 from phones4u today. The contract is £40 for 12 months with a free phone and 11mths free available by cashback redemption.

Just looking into the problems with phones4u before biting the bullet.

Ali

faza20

You can see the latest deals on the Vodafone Website. Roll over minutes are not something that's currently offered on any tariff.

webtalk

I have a pre-historic phone that is a hand-me-down from my nephew - who was disgusted at the age of my previous phone. So I'm also rather keen to be more up-to-date with technology.

Pity about the rollover months.

I don't want to do cashback as I'm not sufficiently disciplined. :rolleyes: