Best PAYG SIM card for a mobile phone that won't really be used

tallac

I have a cheap Nokia 106 phone (it's a dumb phone) and doesn't support 3G. I want to use it for incoming calls only so I figure a simple PAYG SIM card would be best. It only supports 2G so I'll need a SIM card that isn't Three (or one that uses Three's network). Given I'll be rarely using credit, I'm keen on a SIM card that can remain active by me sending a text message or making a call. I can then periodically send a message to keep the SIM card alive. The cost of making or sending texts is not concerning although cheaper would be better.

Can anyone suggest the best PAYG SIM for me please?

Farway

Assuming yours is unlocked, quick & easy would be Asda [EE] or Tesco [O2].

The Asda would be less initial top up, think you can do it for a fiver via coupon over the couner in corner shop, the Tesco is £10 initial top up

Some others that may initially seem appealing watch out for the catch, like compulsory tops ups used or not

mac.d

Asda Mobile or Giffgaff?
See Ken's Tech Tips: PAYG inactivity via the sites PAYG section 
https://kenstechtips.com/index.php/pay-as-you-go-deals

Neil49

Check reception in your area to ensure that you get a decent signal. There are some checkers on the Internet that may help but ideally ask your neighbours if you aren't sure (but do so at a distance)! 

abc

mac.d said:

Asda Mobile or Giffgaff?
See Ken's Tech Tips: PAYG inactivity via the sites PAYG section 
https://kenstechtips.com/index.php/pay-as-you-go-deals

I was looking for something similar, a 2g sim to put into a phone watch which would only be used in an emergency. I came to a similar conclusion that asda and giffgaff were probably the best two options.

mnbvcxz

https://payg.pythonanywhere.com/

I used white mobile once and it was ok. I see cheaper on the list. If you spend £30 a year penny mobile is the obvious choice. 

Giffgaff strikes me as expensive for PAYG. They really only want people who buy bundles.

Asda and Tesco's are probably safe bets. Not the cheapest but ok.

abc

mnbvcxz said:

https://payg.pythonanywhere.com/

I used white mobile once and it was ok. I see cheaper on the list. If you spend £30 a year penny mobile is the obvious choice. 

Giffgaff strikes me as expensive for PAYG. They really only want people who buy bundles.

Asda and Tesco's are probably safe bets. Not the cheapest but ok.

I agree giffgaff is not cheap for pure pay as you go, but the original poster was looking for something that could be kept active for incoming calls by occasional sending of a text or making a call.  The cost of making occasional calls wasn't of too much concern.

1p mobile is good if you are regularly making calls etc, but as you have said you will need to top up at least £30 per year to keep it active (and need to make sure you don't leave it longer than 4 months between £10 top ups).

I agree Asda is probably one of the safe bets so long as EE reception is ok in the areas they will be using.

That is a very useful link to PAYG Tarriffs table you have provided.  Thank you for posting this.

Terrysdelight

ASDA PAYG

I need a sim only PAYGO - it will have minimal use, so I intend to go with ASDA.  However, on their website, I can only see bundles which recur every 30 days.   I have ordered a sim only - but how do I put credit on the sim?   There isn't an ASDA near me - will I be able to do it online with a bank or credit card?

Many thanks

oldagetraveller1

https://mobile.asda.com/help/topping-up/how-to-top-up

The above was quite easy to find! Did you look?