Mobile contract ending, how do I move forward

AyJaydee

My mobile contract with BT is about to end and they have written to me, offering a 10Gb SIM only deal at £10 per month for 2 years.
At first, I thought this was attractive, my contract is £31.88 a month.  Then I looked for SIM only deals on this website!
I have an I-phone by the way.

I am thinking of the 15Gb offer from Id Mobile, 12 month for £8 a month and their website does appear to offer a switching service, so that I can keep my mobile number.
I have never done this before and feel completely in the dark.
Can anyone advise me as to any pitfalls?  e.g. Service coverage?  Continuity of service over switchover? Can I keep my number?  Hidden costs? etc.
There are also other options that I need to look at; any recommendations please?

Thank you 

flaneurs_lobster

I'd suggest that your first consideration when thinking about switching is coverage. Is most of your mobile use in a few local areas or do you need more widespread coverage. Are you happy with BT (EE) 's service? 

Try to get some idea of coverage locally from other users on other networks. Do not rely on the coverage maps from the networks for anything other than where they DON'T have coverage.

mgfvvc

One potential pitfall (or advantage) is that a number of MVNOs don't allow you to use short codes. I believe Plusnet and Lebara don't. I don't know about the others.

grandadgolfer

First thing to check is how much data you actually use.....example

Phone shop salesman

"Your old deal was £10 for 10gb plus unlimited calls...I can now offer you 20gb plus unlimited calls for £15"

You think wow that's a great deal but when checking your data usage you've only been using 5gb a month

mgfvvc

AyJaydee said:

Can anyone advise me as to any pitfalls?  e.g. Service coverage?  Continuity of service over switchover? Can I keep my number?  Hidden costs?

Coverage is important. There are coverage maps online, but they aren't entirely trustworthy. If you are going to a new network then try to find a friend with a phone on that network who can check what coverage is like in your house.
Continuity over switchover is tricky. There shouldn't be a big gap in cover, but you could miss the changeover if you are not regularly checking your phone.
Keeping your number requires porting from the old SIM to the new SIM. There are guides online, e.g. this one by uswitch.

Hidden costs are not usually a thing with mobile contracts, but do ask yourself if you need roaming and what that could cost.

J_B

flaneurs_lobster said:

I'd suggest that your first consideration when thinking about switching is coverage. Is most of your mobile use in a few local areas or do you need more widespread coverage. Are you happy with BT (EE) 's service? 

Try to get some idea of coverage locally from other users on other networks. Do not rely on the coverage maps from the networks for anything other than where they DON'T have coverage.

I D Mobile runs on the Three network, for info.

merchcon55

I was on a pay monthly contract on Vodafone. I've just changed over to a subsidiary company of theirs called VOXI. Up until next week, they are doing a double data promotion. Normally £10 for 15GB, now 30GB. Using social media does not "eat into" your 30GB. This is a 30 days rolling contract - so no long tie in period. 5G and Wifi calling too.

I needed to contact them - and did so via Facebook messenger. They were pretty prompt in replying and sorted out my issue quite quickly, so was pleased with the customer service.

 I think there may be a referral deal with them. If this package suits you - send me a message and I will look up what the referral deal is - I'm quite happy to give whatever money I get to a charity of your choice.