Three PAYG price increase July 2022

dosh37

Just received an SMS from Three re. new PAYG tariffs in July:-

UK calls: 35p/min

text: 15p

data: 10p/MB

The new prices do not yet appear on the MSE Best PAYG Sim Deals page:-

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

Time to switch to Asda PAYG methinks.

sarahTT

Have seen that as well. I am with 3 since 2014 or so when they promised "321 for life" (3p/min, 2p/text, 1p/MB). They increased those prices last year (I think), so "life" meant just a few years, but at least I got a £25 credit off them after complaining in a lengthy chat. That was fair enough.

This, however, is ridiculous. The text I received from 3 says that there "may" be a way to get a full refund of the outstanding credit. I will certainly (try to) do that and then leave them for good. (This is helped by the fact that 3 reception has never been v good here. I should look into a Vodafone-based provider as they have really good coverage here.)

Allanr

dosh37 said:

Just received an SMS from Three re. new PAYG tariffs in July:-

UK calls: 35p/min

text: 15p

data: 10p/MB

The new prices do not yet appear on the MSE Best PAYG Sim Deals page:-

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

Time to switch to Asda PAYG methinks.

I was just going to post the same details other than possibly a move to Asda PAYG.

I think Three are having a laugh?

Neil_Jones

The problem is PAYG customers don't make the companies much if any money, especially if they only make a call once in a blue moon.  The real money is with contract customers.

The trend for PAYG has been to bundle minutes, texts, data, the kitchen sink into something for like £5 a month. Which is all very well but pointless if you spend less than that already.

PAYG used to be more expensive in terms of call charges, then it fell through the floor (the likes of Three's 321 and o2's classic PAYG tariff) to a point where it was significantly cheaper than most landline providers.  And now its looks like its gone back the other way again.  It may only be a matter of time before the other provider follow suit.

Geoff_W

With ASDA PAYG it looks like, in order to keep the account active, you have to top-up or purchase a bundle every 180 days. Is this true? That will increase to cost a lot.

Geoff_W

Geoff_W said:

With ASDA PAYG it looks like, in order to keep the account active, you have to top-up or purchase a bundle every 180 days. Is this true? That will increase to cost a lot.

This is what it says in their FAQ's...

"For your account credit to remain active you must top-up or purchase a bundle within 180 days of activating your account (i.e. when you first made a call, sent a text or used data) or your last top-up or bundle purchase.

After 180 days without topping-up or purchasing a bundle your account will become restricted and you won't be able to make calls, send texts or use data, however you will still be able to receive inbound calls and texts."

My current provider (Three) only expects me to make a chargeable call/text every 6 months, although I usually do this every 3 months in case they change the rules.

flaneurs_lobster

The minimum amount available to top-up online or by voucher is £5. I've topped-up my ASDA mobile account by £1 using their text service (by registering a payment card). This may be all that is needed to keep the account active. 

muffinhead

Has anyone tried getting a refund of their credit?

I was given the options of either disconnecting the service and receive a refund or use up the remaining credit and port out.

I would have preferred to have my credit refunded then port out once I have sorted out an alternative service.

Neil_Jones

muffinhead said:

Has anyone tried getting a refund of their credit?

I was given the options of either disconnecting the service and receive a refund or use up the remaining credit and port out.

I would have preferred to have my credit refunded then port out once I have sorted out an alternative service.

You have no right to a refund on PAYG tariffs.  You either use it (or donate it) or you lose it.

Providers can refund if they choose to, but there is no obligation to do so.

muffinhead

Neil_Jones said:

muffinhead said:

Has anyone tried getting a refund of their credit?

I was given the options of either disconnecting the service and receive a refund or use up the remaining credit and port out.

I would have preferred to have my credit refunded then port out once I have sorted out an alternative service.

You have no right to a refund on PAYG tariffs.  You either use it (or donate it) or you lose it.

Providers can refund if they choose to, but there is no obligation to do so.

Three are offering refunds to eligible customers up until 17th July. See here under Important Information:

https://www.three.co.uk/payg-pricing3-2022

dosh37

Geoff_W said:

Geoff_W said:

With ASDA PAYG it looks like, in order to keep the account active, you have to top-up or purchase a bundle every 180 days. Is this true? That will increase to cost a lot.

This is what it says in their FAQ's...

"For your account credit to remain active you must top-up or purchase a bundle within 180 days of activating your account (i.e. when you first made a call, sent a text or used data) or your last top-up or bundle purchase.

After 180 days without topping-up or purchasing a bundle your account will become restricted and you won't be able to make calls, send texts or use data, however you will still be able to receive inbound calls and texts."

My current provider (Three) only expects me to make a chargeable call/text every 6 months, although I usually do this every 3 months in case they change the rules.

Hmmm - I wasn't aware of that.

It looks like there are now no network providers offering the traditional PAYG option apart from Three and possibly Lebara?

1pMobile: £30/yr min top up.

ID Mobile: £60/yr min top up.

Asda: £10/yr min top up (possibly £2/yr if top up by text works as described above by flaneurs_lobster).

Three: No top up but expensive calls, texts & data.

Lebara: Not certain about min top up requirements, but expensive calls, texts & data.

The cheapest alternative SIM only contracts with limited data and unlimited calls & text work out around £50/yr or more.

If you don't use your mobile for outgoing calls & texts much and keep your call time below a couple of hours per year then Three PAYG might still be cheaper.