PAYG provider using EE for incoming calls

kfsimpson

I need a new PAYG provider using the EE network. No coverage from any other network at home. I have been using Asda for many years, but it will switch to Vodafone in September, so need to move before then. The ‘phone is only used to receive incoming calls – no need for outgoing calls or texts. I have kept the SIM active by sending a text message every 180 days, and a £1 top up lasts for years. I have been researching other providers using EE and can’t find anything suitable. The Phone Coop looked good, but minimum top up is £10, which will last the rest of my life and more. 1pmobile requires a £10 top up every 120 days, although the call rates are less than on a fixed line, but I don't really want to use the mobile for personal calls. EE itself requires a minimum £5 top up to start, and it appears that I can then have a seven day ‘bundle’ for £1 and subsequently revert to standard PAYG with the need to send a text every 180 days, albeit at EE’s extortionate rates. All other providers who use EE seem to offer only monthly ‘bundles’.

Can anyone suggest a better solution to my needs? I hope I've missed something and someone will know better. I know I’ve been very lucky to be able to have a connection with Asda at such low cost, and I’m sure they haven’t made a profit on me. Thanks if you can help.

pbartlett

sorry maybe i am missing something but can you not use the ee method you outlined above? ee's extortionate texts cost 10p - not bad for 180 days of connection.

other providers that use ee but only allow bundles - check you cannot text 'stop bundle' to 150 (or their equivalent) to switch to payg rates.

kfsimpson

pbartlett said:

sorry maybe i am missing something but can you not use the ee method you outlined above? ee's extortionate texts cost 10p - not bad for 180 days of connection.

other providers that use ee but only allow bundles - check you cannot text 'stop bundle' to 150 (or their equivalent) to switch to payg rates.

That is indeed the best solution I have found so far, as you note, but I hoped that someone else might know of a better solution which I have missed. Even the £4 after the one week 'bundle' will still take many years to use up on texts at 15 pence each. My family also has previous with EE, and we would prefer to avoid doing any business with EE if possible.

Asda's generosity in allowing top ups of only £1 was rare!

merchcon55

As a suggestion when was the last time you investigated that EE was the only signal you could receive? I live in an area which up until 2 years ago was a total no go for O2. But since 2 years ago O2 happens to be one of the better signals now. Things do change and you can get free SIMs from other networks to test with incoming calls, which will not cost you. Best would be to try a Vodafone SIM (just order one from ASDA). You may be pleasingly surprised as when you port to the new ASDA SIM (if it works) your existing credit will also port.

Whether or not other networks offer a better solution (£5 for a lifetime of line rental in fact sounds a bargain !!) but just an idea to explore

merchcon55

Here's an idea: try www.cmlink.com/uk - they use EE network

The minimum top up is only £2. On quick look I did not see how often you need a payable charge, but for the time being let's assume once every 6 months (6p a text or 8p for 1 minute call)

If your family/friends (the people who are calling you) also get a CMLink SIM, then YOU can call them for FREE ! That could be a nice bonus for you. Instead of always having to be called, you could make some calls yourself.

tinker411

How about these: https://rwgmobile.wales/rates/

It's a bit of an odd operation, and you need to email them to get the free bundle activated when your SIM arrives, but once setup it's fine. Free voicemail as well.

kfsimpson

merchcon55 said:

As a suggestion when was the last time you investigated that EE was the only signal you could receive?

Checked all three other networks online yesterday, and sadly no change. Vodafone 2G 'limited coverage', no coverage for the others. This is very rural Devon! Good thought though, thanks.

JJ_Egan

Network sims are the best method of checking .

kfsimpson

Several good lines to pursue here, thanks for all the suggestions. This forum is brilliant, exactly what I hoped for, so many people with expert knowledge and ideas. I should have put in my original post that I give this number to companies with which I need to do business, and the incoming calls are all from them. Means I receive no marketing calls on the fixed line or personal mobile. I’ll follow up your suggestions and I’m sure will find one to suit. I agree in principle with merchcon55 that £5 for a connection is good value, but this is a Money Saving website, and I will continue to try to avoid handing over money to big business if I can!

 

getmore4less

The 3 data reward sim can be set up for nothing(does not require top up)
They don't seem to kick you off if you don't have any chargeable.

Supports wifi calling so if you have an internet connection won't matter about the lack of 3 reception.

Have one in a spare phone just for the free 200MB a month of data.

Farway

getmore4less said:

The 3 data reward sim can be set up for nothing(does not require top up)
They don't seem to kick you off if you don't have any chargeable.

Supports wifi calling so if you have an internet connection won't matter about the lack of 3 reception.

Have one in a spare phone just for the free 200MB a month of data.

My bold, I don't know much about wi fi calling but the new [replacement] Asda voda SIM supports wi fi calling, so maybe Op can stick with Asda and their pound last forever as before?

Anyone with more knowledge care to chip in? Would this work for OP?