My EE contract is up for renewal - where to go to?

dllive

Hi,

Ive been in an 18 month contract with EE. I pay £6.82pm for 2GB data and Unlimited minutes/messages

My contract expires next month.

I dont really use txt messages, and probably only make the odd phone call every now and then. (I usually use wifi calling, or whatsapp). And I only use about 1GB of data per month.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Thanks

Neil49

There are plenty of cheaper contracts but, first of all, do you need to stay on the EE network for reception reasons or are any of the other 3 network providers an option. 

You mention that you use WiFi calling so if that is essential then that limits the choice somewhat. What phone do you have as that can be an important factor. 

Once we know this then I'm sure you will get plenty of suggestions.

HaroldWhistler

dllive said:

Hi,

Ive been in an 18 month contract with EE. I pay £6.82pm for 2GB data and Unlimited minutes/messages

My contract expires next month.

I dont really use txt messages, and probably only make the odd phone call every now and then. (I usually use wifi calling, or whatsapp). And I only use about 1GB of data per month.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Thanks

You need to check which of the "main" mobile networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone) have a strong signal where you use the phone/SIM. 

Then at that point you can check which providers who use the underlying network have the best offers. 

Smarty (Three), Tesco Mobile (O2), Lebara (Vodafone) all seem to have cheaper offers judging by a quick Google search at the moment. 

dllive

Thanks for your replies.

How can I check which networks have a strong signal where I live? TBH - because I live in the countryside - I dont think any provider has good service out here. This is why I rely on wifi calling. (oddly I get very good internet speeds!)

I have a Samsung Galaxy 9+. I think its unlocked.

eDicky

I see that there's currently a Smarty SIM-only monthly plan 4GB for £4. If you ask EE for your PAC then tell them you intend to move to this when they ask, I think you'll find that they will offer you a discounted deal to match it (although it may be a 12-month contract).

dllive

Lovely - thanks @eDicky

dllive

Ive just been having a live chat with EE. They say the best they can offer is 2gb data at £8 for a 12 month contract.

If I move to Smarty (or similar) what happens? I obviously want minimal fuss/downtime. Do I send them my PAC and they send me a sim card? If so, is it easy to transfer data over to the new sim? Before I commit, I just want to see what the process is.

Thanks

eDicky

If EE are offering you what you already have, increased to £8 with a new contract, it would be better to let your current contact roll on at £6.82 monthly.

But did you request and obtain your PAC? They need to see that you are seriously intending to leave for Retentions to offer you something better when they ask where you're going. You don't have to use the PAC, which is valid for thirty days.

To move your number to Smarty or wherever, first you obtain their SIM with its new number then replace that with your current number by submitting the PAC. But my advice is to await possible offer of a discounted deal from EE when they see your intention to leave them, before actually signing up with Smarty etc.

dllive

Thanks @eDicky .

It does seem odd that its cheaper for me to stay paying £6.82 after my contract ends than signing up to a new contract. Id assume it would be cheaper if I went into a new contract! (?)

Yes, I asked them for my PAC. They said if I wanted to move I can txt PAC to 65075 . (the person was a bit snotty with me on Live Chat! Perhaps that was just my perception). So they can see my clear intention is to move, yet £8pm seemed the best they would offer.

Like you say, perhaps next week they will come back with a better discount.

McKneff

Ring sky. I pay £6 but on offer I believe  for 5 at the moment. 
0800 096 3624

flashg67

The only way to truly test your signal is to try a sim - order a free one or try a friend's who has a different network. The online coverage checkers aren't 100% in my experience, especially in rural areas.
Once you have your new sim in hand, send them your PAC and the number should go through the working next day (so avoid doing it on a Friday). A couple of phone reboots normally sorts it.
Have a look at the current deals here - www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheap-mobile-finder/sim-only/ 

FWIW, I find  Talk Mobile good value(vodafone network), and wifi calling works on my Xiamoi Mi10T. Also find Lebara good value value