Pensioner question

cathelee

I'm writing on behalf of my mother. She is 83 and currently has a pay as you go phone with Vodafone.
She recently got a new phone, still without internet features. Her pay as you package has recently changed to Vodafone one plan, but feels her account balance has gone down too quickly, because although she's only sent a couple of texts and rung 3 numbers, her balance has gone down by £5 in a week.
She doesn't pay anything by direct debit, likes to buy a top up voucher from the post office and doesn't use any data.
What would be her best mobile phone plan ?

Neil49

This is a link to the MSE section on payg deals

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/best-pay-as-you-go-sim-cards/#occasional

Two different options to consider are either 1p mobile which is 1p per minute for calls and 1p per text, but you must top up £10 every 4 months or you lose your number. They use the EE network.

Second option is Lebara mobile where £5 per month gives you unlimited calls and texts. They use the Vodafone network. 

I'll leave you to calculate the best option based on how long she talks for. I don't know about top up vouchers for either of these but it may be worth you paying online on her behalf to get the best deal. 

mnbvcxz

My first instinct would be the basic tesco lite payg. 8p a call 4p a text rather average but its probably less hassle, better service and you can always go into a store and say help. Asda do one as well but they possibly may be recalling all their sims this year to switch to vodafone ones, we will see. 

Vodafone payg is about 20p a minute I think? The big brands discourage payg with high prices, they want you to pay monthly really.  I worry slightly that Vodafone One tariff might mean something. If her mobile plan is entwined with a telephone and internet package then things might get complicated.

As Neil mentioned it really depends on her usage. If you spend more than £30 a year one mobile may become better. If you spend more than £70 you may be better with a package with unlimited minutes.  Have a look at the below chart and you can see what is out there.
https://payg.pythonanywhere.com/

Oh and which provider gives a good signal at her house is obviously a consideration too.

Best of luck

oldagetraveller1

Is mobile data toggled off in the new phone?