Tesco Mobile pay-as-you-go customer? Be prepared: it may push you to buy a bundle

MSE_Ruby

Tesco Mobile is pushing its pay-as-you-go (PAYG) users to move to its new bundles. Failure to do so means paying for Tesco Mobile's standard PAYG rates, which it's hiked by up to 213%. If you're one of the 1.4 million users affected, it's worth looking at switching to a cheap monthly Sim instead – unless you just keep your phone for emergencies or only use it occasionally.

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Tesco Mobile pay-as-you-go customer? Be prepared: it may push you to buy a bundle

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swingaloo

I had the same with 02. My debit card expired and when I called to update as it couldn't be done online I was told my package no longer existed and the new package was much more expensive. 

karensdallys

I have elderly parents on Tesco Mobile PAYG. Only very occasionally use their mobile but credit seems to be getting used quite quickly. They don't do texts or Internet on phone. Any advice as to what plan would be best for them please 

PHK

karensdallys said:

I have elderly parents on Tesco Mobile PAYG. Only very occasionally use their mobile but credit seems to be getting used quite quickly. They don't do texts or Internet on phone. Any advice as to what plan would be best for them please 

Plenty of providers do unlimited calls and texts for under £5 a month. Eg Asda Mobile at £4 month, 1pMobile at £48 per year

If you don't mind changing providers every six months or so then you can't get £0.99 a month. See the MSE mobile phone deal finder.

tescolite

I'm with Tesco on their lite tariff. Anyone know if there is another provider who offers a really low tariff for someone who rarely uses a mobile to speak. I do a few texts and that's about it. Everything else is on what's app.

alanjones60

02 classic pay as you go.
3p min 2p text 1p mb
Credit never expires,and you need to make a chargable call every 6 months to keep sim connected.
02 dont offer this tarrif anymore, but plenty on e bay. 20p each and free postage

Coveredinbees!!!!

If you want just PAYG switch to RWG mobile, the credit doesn't expire either. 

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

FYI, You don't have live in Wales.

RL11

Is there any information direct from Tesco Mobile that says this is happening? I can't find anything outside of the MSE story on it and it only says they "may" push you to buy a bundle. I've been on Lite for 13 years and have no wish to change.

Detail_Merchant

RL11 said:

Is there any information direct from Tesco Mobile that says this is happening? I can't find anything outside of the MSE story on it and it only says they "may" push you to buy a bundle. I've been on Lite for 13 years and have no wish to change.

This page - https://www.tescomobile.com/help/device-help/network-and-troubleshooting/network-support/3g#tabs-762de037e8-item-0b512236c8-tab - says "4G Calling is now available for Pay as you go Essentials customers using 4G and 5G compatible phones.  We’re migrating active Pay as you go customers onto Pay as you go Essentials over the coming months."

PHK

RL11 said:

Is there any information direct from Tesco Mobile that says this is happening? I can't find anything outside of the MSE story on it and it only says they "may" push you to buy a bundle. I've been on Lite for 13 years and have no wish to change.

Here is the official statement and guide to the changes. 

https://www.tescomobile.com/help/managing-your-account/change-your-tariff/payasyougochanges

You won't have to buy a bundle but the costs of out of bundle charges are going up and you'll need to use the phone more regularly. 

RL11

No automatic top-up on the new service - that's rubbish!
Looking like Sky is my best option @£1 per month, though not clear if/when price might change