To port or not to port - T-Mobile vs 3Uk PAYG

Happy_Shrimper

Hi,
I'm out of contract with T-Mobile on Flext 25 + WNW and considerng my options.
I use a lot of data and about 100 mins on calls & upto 50 txts a month.
So that limits me to TM and 3.
I don't need a new phone as I've got a TYTN2 unlocked.
Over the last 3 weeks I've been trying out 3 PAYG and am impressed. Here are my pros and cons:

Renew with TM:
Pros:

• Will get at least £10 of per month taking me down to £15 with 25% for life discount
• per second billing rather than new customers pay 1st minute then per second.
• Voice mail out of allowance rather than additional charge
• I get HSPDA speeds on my WNW which is not the case for new customers
• More than enough mins/txts that I can use per month
• Great customer service - and in the UK.

Cons:
18 month contract
More expensive calls from abroad to UK
voice mail is not free
HSPDA coverage low at the moment (until the end of this year when 3 & TM complete their base unit sharing)

Three:
Pros:

• No contract
• cheap internet as a 5 PM add on which I can buy when I need it, or 50p per day
• Internet allows me to pick up mails from my ISP (didn't think it would as CSt told me I needed to buy another email add-on) and do all other stuff I can do on TM (RunGPS, Trackme, Real player streaming, Media player streaming etc).
• Some sites are blocked apparently, but not the ones I use and you can get round it by using Opera so I understand ;-)
• Free Skype calls but this would need me to get skye working on my phone which I haven't tried yet.
• Loads of free videos and content on Planet3
• Free voice mail
• Much cheaper calls from abroad to uk and texts, data etc
• HSPDA coverage at home, work and nearly everywhere I've been so far. Can only get better with TM agreement. Lightening quick data!
• 2g by Orange which gives better coverage when out of 3s 3g areas.
• Cheap TV packages - not Sky but 49p for 24hrs or £2 per month
• Cheapest payg rates at 12p per min voice and text out of the box. Can by stretch packages that make it as low as 3p.

Cons

• T-Moblile probably works out cheaper per month on my typical spend by a few pounds
• Customer services have a poor reputation as far as I can tell. already told me wrong on e-mail usage! Indian call centre too which puts me off - mind you there are plenty of user forums which make up for where 3 lack.
• Coverage concerns outside of my normal areas might be a bit patchy
• No data on 2g roaming partner (Orange) although by end of year 3 and TM will have the largest 3g coverage of anyone so should become less of an issue.
• Minimum charge of one minute so calls that click onto voice mail at the other end cost 12p not just a few pennies.

Not really looking for specific answers, but any advice/opinions would be appricated. Hopefully, my experiences might help someone else may a decision too.
Thoughts?
HS

elljay20

long post!!! what do you want from you're deal? in terms of call centres they are equally crap, but three are more innovative and offer cheaper internet. plus they do a 12 montyh contract now

carrieparkinson

t mobile have fantastic customer service and in the uk



yes they do *hides work id badge* :j

stay with tmobile and keep me in a job :j:j:j:j:j:j:j the customer service dept is mainly based here in yorkshire, but all other call centres are definately in the uk :T:T

allthatmularky

Why not try the Skypephone from 3? You can get it on a six month contract with 300 mins or text for £15 a month - go through Quidco and get £20.

You say you don't need a new phone - why not do this and sell the phone - a cheap way to try out 3.

Forgot to say 3 will give you a tenner for porting your number across.

Happy_Shrimper

I must admit, UK based customer services is a massive plus for me, morally and for sheer service levels, but 3 are innovative and competitive.
A recent statement from 3 states that they love their PAYG customers and the PAYG deals are as good as the contracts as far as I can tell.
I've now got Skype working via 3s network on my own phone, so thats another brownie point for 3. Also Mobile TV works fine on 3 but can't get it to work on TM.
PAYG keeps me free too, not shackled in an 18 month contract, but the 6 month skype deal sounds interesting - I'll check it out - thanks