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goodValue

Thinking back, a problem I had a couple of times was not being able to tether to a website whilst talking to their customer services at the same time. I was told this was because PlusNet did not have 4G LTE (I don't understand the details).
Will other providers have the same problem?

I also now have a couple of websites using the phone to login. I don't want to risk losing the ability to login at a critical time. As far as I understand, the switchover process is:

  ask for PAC
  order new SIM
  try out new SIM
  contact new provider to switch the SIM to your old phone number

Is there any risk at any point of not being able to keep your old phone number?

flaneurs_lobster

goodValue said:

Thinking back, a problem I had a couple of times was not being able to tether to a website whilst talking to their customer services at the same time. I was told this was because PlusNet did not have 4G LTE (I don't understand the details).
Will other providers have the same problem?

You need to check for this when looking at other suppliers, it is usually referred to as Voice over LTE or VoLTE or 4G Calling. As you say it allows calling and data use simultaneously (and usually better voice quality).

goodValue said:

 As far as I understand, the switchover process is:

  ask for PAC
  order new SIM
  try out new SIM
  contact new provider to switch the SIM to your old phone number

Is there any risk at any point of not being able to keep your old phone number?

No need to ask for the PAC before ordering trial SIMs. The number will remain with Plusnet until the new network receives the PAC.

savergrant

I would do it your way. I'd imagine plusnet are going to get a lot of pac requests over the next month so I would be prepared, especially if you know the new provider you want. Only wait for a pac if you might not move within the next 30 days (not that it's that much effort to get another pac if it looks like you won't use the first one.)

goodValue

I looked at the RWG website, and they too offered free SIM's - maybe it's to allow people to test the signal.
At first, I thought that, as a light user, any other provider would do - the only real issue was to make sure I retained the phone number for login purposes.
Later on, I realized that I would like roaming/tethering/4G calling (and maybe more?) so I will have to look in more detail at the websites.

I'm assuming that PlusNet will give at least 30 days notice, such that I don't have to take any immediate actions?

savergrant

Their website suggests they would normally give 30 days notice before ending a service. so I would imagine they will give at least that.

You can check whether you can receive calls and texts before you pay, other things you will need to topup or buy a bundle to test.

goodValue

I've now had a look at the different providers using the EE network, and RWG looks like it will be the best for me.
1pMobile looked ok but for the complex payment schedule which could easily go awry.
So, as suggested, I'll ask for a free sim and check that I can received texts with it.
After that, do you give them the PAC and then add the monthly account, or do you have to do it the other way round?

savergrant

goodValue said:

I've now had a look at the different providers using the EE network, and RWG looks like it will be the best for me.
1pMobile looked ok but for the complex payment schedule which could easily go awry.
So, as suggested, I'll ask for a free sim and check that I can received texts with it.
After that, do you give them the PAC and then add the monthly account, or do you have to do it the other way round?

Hi. It doesn't really matter (although it is best not to do both at the same time). I would imagine it makes sense to port first and carry on using your old sim until the port begins then switch sim and add your monthly bundle once the port has completed. That way you are buying the bundle for a permanent number so there is no risk of confusion when you port or want to change bundle, and you are avoiding an overlap where you are paying for two services. In theory the bundle is attached to the sim not the number but it is the number they ask for.

goodValue

I've just heard that EE no longer allow EU Roaming.
Will the providers using the EE network have to follow suit, or do they have complete freedom in their pricing/facilities provided?

Murmansk

I'd encourage you to look into 1pMobile - their pricing is not as complex as it might look and once you have set up the desired number of text/minutes and data you want you can set it to auto renew and auto topup. 

Take a look at the review of 1pMobile on the SIM Sherpa website
 https://www.simsherpa.com/networks/1p-mobile/review-and-guide

goodValue

I had a further look at 1pmobile and found that site useful.
I might be able to use it as PAYG without falling foul of the complexities of their pricing, but would need to tether for less than a GB each month.
I've found it difficult to find details from them and Now and RWG, on how to make payments.
For example, do you need to make payment with a credit/debit card, or can you use your bank details for a DD or SO.