Mobiles for the disabledI have a rather long winded problem which I hope you can help me with. I suf

brooke431

I wrote this to Argos. No reply after 2 efforts. Any help, please?

I have a rather long winded problem which I hope you can help me with.
I suffer from Parkinson's Disease and need a PAYG mobile for urgent calls to doctor etc.,
Unfortunately the one I have (an Alpha from you) cannot get a signal in this village (Brooke, NR15 1JY).

I also would like to know the following -
1, Can I transfer my current mobile number to a suitable mobile?
2. Can I transfer the current balance form old to new?
3. Would I have to buy credit monthly or will an occasional £10 do?

I do not want a contract,only a PAYG stsyem.

Please htrading.enquiries@argos.co.uk.

Alan !!!!.

N9eav

Getting a signal has much to do with the network not the handset. Moving the SIM card to a new handset won't change the signal although there are signal boosters, but I don't hold much stock in them.


Ask you neighbours what network they use and once you know the best network start from there.


Are you in a contract with the phone you have?


So first question is . What network are you using and is it PAYG or contract?


Most mobile numbers can be ported to a different network with a code from the original provider.


I guess Argos have not answered as the complaint is not about a faulty phone.

pmduk

Argos are not really in the business of giving sales advice I'm afraid.

mobilejunkie

Sounds like a PAYG. You would lose your current credit, to answer one of your questions. In fact,

1. Yes - if it's a different network, otherwise you have a two step process of going via a different provider and back again.

2. No. Can you use that up first?

3. On a pure PAYG yes (rather than a monthly rolling contract). Most PAYG sims need a chargebale event every 180 days (though that may be different depending on the procider).

cranford

Argos may have been a bit more helpful but they dont appear to sell a Alpha phone. Do you mean the Sim Free Alba Big Button Mobile Phone? If this is the one there is a note on it that it does not work on the Three network. But if it is the sim free one then as others have said ask around to see what network get good coverage were you live. Then because its sim free you just need a new pay and go sim card.
You can also google for network coverage for your post code such as "vodaphone coverage". Doing this for your post code for O2, EE and Vodaphone does show some low signal patches for O2.

brooke431

Thanks to all. I called in at Carphone Warehouse yesterday and they hive as gadget which tells you, from your postcode which prorvider would be a better bet.
They said O2 but as my phone is locked, it didn't help'
I said that in view of my health, I really did need a PAYG for emergencies but they tried different SIM Cards in my phone without success,
Surely Someone can provide the goods without me having to pay extortionate fees or start a contract..
Can't I just walk into a phone shop and buy a handset with SIM card for a reasonable sum AND get reception?

gt94sss2

Can you confirm exactly what mobile phone you currently have? Which network did Carphone Warehouse suggest it was locked too?

If O2 gives you good coverage, than you can get a free PAYG SIM from them at https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/sim-cards/pay-as-you-go

Their classic 321 tariff is very competitive and just requires the occasional top-up, not a regular monthly one

PHK

I don't want to be mean, but the email address you've used is incorrect. There is no h at the start of the address and the address is for companies who are interested in becoming a supplier to Argos.
First things first, what handset do you actually have and what network are you on?

[Deleted User]

brooke431 wrote: »

Can't I just walk into a phone shop and buy a handset with SIM card for a reasonable sum AND get reception?

Of course you can, using Carphone Warehouse as an example (you could use anybody of course as long as they sell a suitable handset)

https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/pay-as-you-go.html#!/sort/p_t_upfrontprice

Click on a phone and then on "View deals" to see which carrier you can get PAYG on it.

https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/pay-as-you-go-tariff.html#!/t_network/O2/sort/relevance/model/IMOQ2BLA

That's the cheapest one on there that has an O2 option at £35.99 plus £10 top up

Or you could buy one off GiffGaff which runs on the O2 network and has cheap goodybags for top ups.

https://www.giffgaff.com/mobile-phones?filter_offer=all&sort=price-asc

Tesco Mobile also runs on O2 so again you'll get the same signal.

https://www.tescomobile.com/shop/pay-as-you-go

Inner_Zone

OP considering you can get a phone and SIM from £0.00 and a £10.00 topup using the first link in post #9 there is no need to be stuck with you current phone or network. And we still don't know which phone you have or which network your current phone is on do we?


Looking at this checker, Vodafone and O2 are the only networks which may have coverage at the postcode:


https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/mobile-coverage


But really you need to ask friends, family or neighbours what network(s) signal(s) they get at your location.

brooke431

Thanks for the many, ujsefulreplies.

The phone I have is an Alba!
I will now use your help to dig as suggested and see if I can find a suitable phone.

Will let you know!
Alan.