Switching mobile provider

Veloflyer

I am a complete numpty when it comes to mobiles. I only have one primarily as an emergency measure - vehicle breakdowns, or contact when on holiday - so I rarely use the thing. 3 times a month if that. Currently I am with Vodafone who charge me £16/month.

Firstly - is this charge reasonable?

If not, how painless is it to switch? I hear Tesco mobile is OK. Do they do all the switching? - SIM card? No real idea here. Note my phone is an antique HTC….

Thoughts most welcome

grandadgolfer

£16 a month for a few calls is shocking have a look at Lebara they use the Vodafone network prices from £5 month, which will more than suit your needs great reviews as well. ID / Tesco / Lebara / Luca / Giffgaff / Smarty etc etc all piggyback off the four main networks O2 Three EE Vodafone but at way cheaper

Easy to switch whilst keeping your existing number

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939335#Comment_81939335

MSE deal here

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheap-mobile-finder/sim-only/

How old is your phone? Model number?

ScratchyCat

Complete rip off for a very low user. Ditch and switch. Honestly. You can do alot better.

I was with them on payg years ago.

Theres a few recent threads about payg. Have a browse through. O2 classic 321 sim off ebay. Top up £10 last for ages. 1p mobile, top up 10 every 120 days, so £30 for the year.

If you want low mobile monthly there are a few that offer for around £5 a month.

You might need to start think about a new phone if yours is old. You can get something reasonable off amazon.

oldernonethewiser

You shouldn't be paying any more than a £5 a month.

Plenty of options out there.

If you are happy with the coverage, Lebara use the Vodafone network and currently have a deal for less than £2 for the first three months - many other deals available.

JSmithy45AD

I'd second Lebara presuming you get a decent signal on Vodafone.

molerat

Very simple to change provider.

Choose new provider and order SIM

On your current SIM text PAC to 65075

Note the 9 digit code in the reply, PAC is valid for 30 days. You will also be informed if there is any contractual leaving payment.

Put new SIM in phone

Give the 9 digit code to the new provider by whatever means they have specified.

Your old number will then be transferred to the new provider / SIM and your old contract will be ended

Don't attempt moving the number at the end of the week as they only transfer M-F and doing it early on means any problems can be sorted during the working week.

Veloflyer

Many thanks folks - signal from Vodafone is OK. Lebara looks good.

Frozen_up_north

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81940370#Comment_81940370

Beware of contracts for 12/24 months. You are stuck with paying off the rest of the minimum term if you don’t find them to your liking and want to move elsewhere.

There are plenty of low cost “30 day” rolling deals where you can leave anytime without wasting tens of pounds.

Veloflyer

Right - duly ordered SIM from Lebara. Seems a good price for my very limited usage.

Once the SIM card arrives, Do I then do as Molerat suggests above? Do I have to do anything further with Vodafone to stop payments - i.e. cancel the DD in my current account?

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81941027#Comment_81941027

Don't cancel the DD at Vodafone, actioning the PAC you give to Lebara will cancel your contract with Vodafone (I assume you are out of any minimum term agreement). It will take one or two monthly billing cycles to close your mobile account down and you might be due a refund/owe a part month and both these actions require the DD to still be in place.