Sending first shortcode message

goodValue

I want to send a text to 85075 (PlusNet) on my Motorola  G7 Power

I created a new Contact with phone number 85075.
Then after selecting this Contact, I picked   Text   and typed INFO.

After a short while I got the following:

    Messages would like to send a message to 85075

    This will cause charges on your mobile account.

I hit Send, and after a short while I get the same message.

I stopped after getting 3 of these messages.

Should I be doing something different?

TadleyBaggie

I haven't been with Plusnet for a couple of years but when I was they didn't support short codes.

Just Googled, still don't support short codes it seems. Plusnet mobile is going away in the near future, might be best to port your number to another provider if short codes are important to you.

goodValue

I was reading earlier today further about PlusNet closing, and it appears that they do allow some short codes which could be used for planning to move to another provider.

TadleyBaggie

Yes probably the PAC ones, but generally short codes are not useable.

savergrant

If you text pac to 65075 you should get the same info, so never seen the point of 85075. Plus since plusnet are pulling the service you shouldn't lose out by leaving them (just check if you havea credit balance whether they will refund it)

goodValue

I was doing this in preparation for PlusNet closing down.
I've had my phone for about 3 years, but have never changed providers or learnt much about mobile technology.
So I wanted to find as much as possible before PlusNet finally pull the plug.
The shortcode I tried was mentioned on the MSE page about PlusNet.
I didn't want to text to 65075 as I haven't yet looked into what provider to move to.

savergrant

Texting pac doesn't commit you, if you don't give the pac to another network it simply expires after 30 days. Personally I don't understand what texting Info achieves that texting pac doesn't.
There are two big factors to consider;
How much do you use your phone (and is your usage consistent each month?)
Which networks give you good coverage? (Presumably ee works well)

The most like-for-like service comes from nowmobile (or their subcontractor rwg) who use the same ee signal (with added 5g) as plusnet at similar prices. Both offer 30 day packages, however rwg also offer upfront one and two year deals at significant discounts.

https://nowmobile.co.uk/sim-only-deals/monthly

https://www.rwgmobile.wales/rates-plans-eng-per/

In the interests of balance 1pmobile is also available on ee.
If you get a vodafone signal lebara is well worth consideration, with good introductory offers.

To put it bluntly there is no reason for you to be worse off.

goodValue

I texted PAC as you suggested, and that worked with an immediate response from PllusNet.

I'm a light user, but every so often I get caught out by waiting over half an hour to connect to various customer services.

So with PlusNet a got a monthly deal with unlimited minutes.

I've never changed provider, so I only have experience with EE. There have been a few problems with internet connections, but this has not been a very great problem. So looking for another EE provider seems sensible.

I've had a brief look at the nowMoblile link you gave. There was a lot to take in, so I think I'll need to look over it a couple of times.
There was one link on the site that had me confused:
    No thanks, I just want a free SIM card.

What good is the SIM card if you don't have any minutes/texts/data ?

flaneurs_lobster

goodValue said:

There was one link on the site that had me confused:
    No thanks, I just want a free SIM card.

What good is the SIM card if you don't have any minutes/texts/data ?

Just a guess.

You might not have a bank card or choose not to use one online, instead using shop-bought vouchers to add credit.

savergrant

flaneurs_lobster said:

goodValue said:

There was one link on the site that had me confused:
    No thanks, I just want a free SIM card.

What good is the SIM card if you don't have any minutes/texts/data ?

Just a guess.

You might not have a bank card or choose not to use one online, instead using shop-bought vouchers to add credit.

To be honest I would rather order a sim. wait for it to arrive, put it in the phone and check signal (ideally try receiving a couple of calls/texts) THEN hand over my money. It reduces the risk of lost in post or signal issues. Some networks will happily send you a sim you can use for incoming calls and texts without paying for the facility to make outgoing connections.

It's not just about the money. A while ago lyca and lebara were competing with 5p deals. At the time lyca sent their sim using tracked post and when you received it you had to enter a pin to activate it. Lebara sent theirs out in normal post and it was ready to use as soon as you opened the envelope. That for me is a security risk I would like to avoid where possible.

savergrant

To be honest nowmobile aren't offering anything striking at the moment so the rwg deals look better. Rwg overbrand nowmobile sims and have their own customer service and some radio masts in wales but otherwise you get the same service. For £5 pm rwg offer 5gb, nowmobile 4gb. The 1 and 2 year pay upfront deals offer a significant saving if you can manage on 250 mins per month.

https://www.rwgmobile.wales/webshop/offers/