Best PAYG contracts

Telegraph_Sam

I thought there was a MSE guide to the best PAYG mobile "service" offers but I must be mistaken.
The best I believe used to be the O2 Classic but it was so good that it was discontinued for new subscribers. I am now looking for an alternative for my new unlocked mobile (no SIM card) which I can use for occasional use only, which means no strings attached and no monthly contract fees.  I was once with Three but left them because of poor reception problems.  Is there a source of such info?
I confess to not being clear as to the difference between PAYG and "SIM only".  Are they one and the same?  I would appreciate being brought up to date! Tks.

Browntoa

SIM only is a contract but with an option of only being tied in for 30 days .

12 months sim only contracts also exist offering much better data and call  allowance 

Telegraph_Sam

Technically SIM is probably better value overall but not if I just want occasional backup use.  I have now found a MSE guide to PAYG's. Three would be the best option but then I read some of the reviews and quickly changed my mind.  Sounded horrific.  I'm tempted instead by 1p Mobile.

Telegraph_Sam

I have received an email alert to a reply from cakey456 but the link to this page doesn't seem to work.

flashg67

Telegraph_Sam said:

Technically SIM is probably better value overall but not if I just want occasional backup use.  I have now found a MSE guide to PAYG's. Three would be the best option but then I read some of the reviews and quickly changed my mind.  Sounded horrific.  I'm tempted instead by 1p Mobile.

I guess there are horror stories for all providers. My OH is a very low spender and has had PAYG with Three for years with no issues. I'm with Plusnet on a 30 day contract and get good signal & allowance, but some reviews for them are terrible, but not found that myself.
Do a signal check for each provider for your are before you commit?

Browntoa

Telegraph_Sam said:

I have received an email alert to a reply from cakey456 but the link to this page doesn't seem to work.

Spam reply with referral code for deleted

Telegraph_Sam

The spam that came through on my email seemed to be quite interesting (till it got truncated) and was talking about 1p Mobile which I am thinking of following MSE's advice on and joining.  It would be rather interesting to know what the second half of the message said !

cakey456

Hi, not sure why my post was considered spam. I was just suggesting 1p mobile as this is what I have just got for my mum. The costs are 1p a min, 1p a text and 1p a mb. 

Murmansk

https://payg.pythonanywhere.com/

Farway

cakey456 said:

Hi, not sure why my post was considered spam. I was just suggesting 1p mobile as this is what I have just got for my mum. The costs are 1p a min, 1p a text and 1p a mb. 

May not suit OP as occasional user, I think there is a requirement to top up minimum £10 every 4 months [120 days] so that's £30 annually, use it or not

mac.d

Telegraph_Sam said:

Technically SIM is probably better value overall but not if I just want occasional backup use.  I have now found a MSE guide to PAYG's. Three would be the best option but then I read some of the reviews and quickly changed my mind.  Sounded horrific.  I'm tempted instead by 1p Mobile.

Agree with Farway, if it's just for occasional back-up use, then there are cheaper options than 1p Mobile due to the minimum top-up requirements. Perhaps the Asda mobile (which also uses EE) may be a better option if your usage is going to be minimal?

Have a look at the Kens Tech Tips website, there's a lot of info on there with the best options for light use, and general PAYG info:

https://kenstechtips.com/index.php/pay-as-you-go-deals