Looking for cheap SIM only for 82 year old Dad

FluffyKatzen

I’m in Cornwall too and Three are fine where I am. As you want roaming for your dad and cheaper deals, what about using Smarty as they use the Three network. But it depends on what provider has the best signal in the area, use a coverage checker website and type in the postcode of your father and see what provider comes up best. 

andy_foster

Update (and rant)-

As I had been perfectly happy with iD Mobile for my phone (albeit that I've only been with them a short while), and they do a monthly rolling contract with unlimited minutes and texts and 5GB data for £5, I decided to get that for my Dad. 

Took an old handset to leave with him while the number ported (initially at least, just as well) - no connection with the new SIM in his old handset (Pixel 3) quick google tells me that iD Mobile don't support that (didn't check before hand, not least because I couldn't remember what handset he had). Worked fine in my spare handset (Pixel 6), so that's Dad's new phone, put the new SIM in that and number due to be ported on 25/03. Number ported on 24/03 and working fine in new (to him) Pixel 6.

Get a call from Dad on 26/03 - Pixel 6 not working - no network. Made the mistake of assuming that the issue is with the phone - talked Dad through removing and replacing the SIM tray (far easier after he removed the case...), no joy, factory reset - much pain, no joy. Did a status check on the off-chance that it wasn't the phone - ongoing issue, working on it, updates will be posted there. Checked Three's status checker and discover that iD Mobile's status checker is just a wrapper on Three's - so there is an issue with Three.  2 1/2 days later still the same message and same problem.

For sh*ts and giggles, try texting Dad - receives text on old handset with now defunct Talk Home SIM. Call number - rings on my phone, but neither of his handsets ring.

Try to contact iD Mobile for support and to find out whether their ongoing issue is related to the problem we're having - "support" (beyond a forum of users saying that if you have no connection for a few days, so what, that's your problem), consists of a number of FAQs. The complaints system has what appeared to be an online chat - which is simply an online forum that users can apparently expect not to get a response from in under 4 days - or there is a phone number which is sometimes given out on the forums which seemingly gets you through to someone who will fill out the online form for you.

The fact that the SMS was received by the defunct SIM card, suggests to me that the porting process has somehow partially reverted (unless there is some redundancy built into the protocol), so the next plan is to get a SIM from a provider we can trust, and not port the number.

So, I suppose that my original question should have been if anyone could recommend a provider that mostly just works *and* is responsive when there is a problem.

 

lr1277

Do you (or your dad) want to stay with 3 or are you happy to move to another provider.

In my limited experience, the main providers are usually OK. But you do pay more for them than the MVNO's.

If you do choose to move, we get back to asking your dad's neighbours in Cornwall as to what network they are on.

I was with the MVNO Virgin Mobile who provided good customer service when they were on EE. Then they moved to O2 with the customer support provided by O2. I have had no such problems with O2 that required contacting O2 customer services.

If you or your dad can find a network that you think works for him, perhaps post back here and people might be able to suggest the best company to deal with.

I am not suggesting your dad get O2 based on what I said, but O2 do have 2 shops in Cornwall.

Alternatively could you or your dad get to one of the Three stores in Cornwall?

As I said in my earlier post between O2 and EE, they worked well in different parts of the country. You need to find out which signal is best in the parts of Cornwall that your dad wishes to use his phone.

Emmia

OP have you or your father acted on my first suggestion of asking the neighbours and local friends what network they're on?

Yorkie1

You can also look at the Ofcom coverage checker, which gives inside and outside coverage for each of the four main network providers (voice and data) for an input postcode.
Broadband and mobile coverage checker - Ofcom
Mobile Phone Coverage Checker - MoneySavingExpert

Then you can check which other providers piggyback on the network with the best signals.

ps2mint

If you want a reliable connection and EU roaming, I think Spusu is a great option. Support is excellent - if you phone them the phone gets picked up straight away and they do their best to deal with your issue.
They use the EE network which from experience is strong.