Mobile phone deals

[Randonneur]

We will shortly be coming back to the UK and although we have a UK T-Mobile Pay as you go Sim we will be looking for a contract mobile, therefore, does anyone know of a good deal on at the moment.

[Mel B]

Hi Sylvia - I hope everything is okay! 8-) I never thought you'd ever be returning to the UK. :-S

 

The problem is that they can change at a moments notice - can give an idea in terms of how much/many of the following is needed:

 

- minutes to mobiles you need

- minutes to landlines

- texts

- internet (data)

- length of contract

 

Also do you need voice mail?

 

For example, we have T-mobile contracts with a free booster which we can change between:

 

- unlimited texts

- unlimited landlines

- unlimited T-mobile calls

- 18 mins approx of calls back to the UK per month

 

We don't use the 'answer phone/voice mail' as you have to pay (use your call credit) to get your messages, but if we get a missed call we at least get notification, but with other networks this can be free.

[BGD]

I assume there may also be some other things you need for a UK mobile phone contract...like a UK bank account and proof of UK address............or maybe not?

[Mel B]

BGD - 2013-07-19 6:22 PM

 

I assume there may also be some other things you need for a UK mobile phone contract...like a UK bank account and proof of UK address............or maybe not?

 

Yes Bruce, otherwise you can't set up to pay the bill monthly via your account and they obviously need an address to ensure you 'exist' and other reasons no doubt! However, I assume as Sylvia is moving back to the UK she'll have this?

[Guest Had Enough]

There's no need to pay for voice mail. If you have an iPhone or Android phone download HulloMail.

 

http://www.hullomail.com/indexdesktop.html

 

It's a superb voice mail application that diverts your call to its own servers, flags it up on your phone and even emails you to let you know you've a message.

 

It's free or there's an enhanced lifetime ad-free version for about $5.

 

Downside, it's an Internet app so uses a small amount of data when it transmits the call and when you retrieve it, but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month and it will also work on wi-fi of course.

 

As for the original question my answer is - wrong forum. We all have deals but they'll be subjective. Does he already have a good phone and just want a sim card deal? Does he want to invest in a new smartphone?

 

Just Google mobile phone deals and he'll learn more than any of us can tell him.

 

 

 

[Mel B]

Had Enough - 2013-07-19 7:46 PM

 

There's no need to pay for voice mail. If you have an iPhone or Android phone download HulloMail.

 

http://www.hullomail.com/indexdesktop.html

 

It's a superb voice mail application that diverts your call to its own servers, flags it up on your phone and even emails you to let you know you've a message.

 

It's free or there's an enhanced lifetime ad-free version for about $5.

 

Downside, it's an Internet app so uses a small amount of data when it transmits the call and when you retrieve it, but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month and it will also work on wi-fi of course.

We actually used to use Hullomail but found it a pain in the bum so soon got shot of it, I can't remember the exact reason at the mo but I recall it was more trouble than it was worth.

 

As for the original question my answer is - wrong forum. We all have deals but they'll be subjective. Does he already have a good phone and just want a sim card deal? Does he want to invest in a new smartphone?

 

Just Google mobile phone deals and he'll learn more than any of us can tell him.

Perhaps instead of 'suggesting' the OP goes elsewhere you ought to read what other people say more closely as it is Sylvia who posts on the forum, not her hubby, hence why I called her Sylvia! :D

 

Going on other forums and 'googling' doesn't necessarily help, can actually cause more confusion, and can take a lot of time, whereas someone on here might just have done the same exercise and therefore been able to recommend something, so their input shouldn't therefore be dismissed.

 

If we followed your suggestion then most of the stuff that is spoken of on this forum would be superfluous as we should be looking at manufacturer/seller specific websites and not asking our buddies! *-)

 

Oh, and speaking about someone rather than to them is extremely rude and comes across as being condescending especially when they could be 'in the room' at the time!

[Guest Had Enough]

Mel B - 2013-07-19 9:37 PM

 

Had Enough - 2013-07-19 7:46 PM

 

There's no need to pay for voice mail. If you have an iPhone or Android phone download HulloMail.

 

http://www.hullomail.com/indexdesktop.html

 

It's a superb voice mail application that diverts your call to its own servers, flags it up on your phone and even emails you to let you know you've a message.

 

It's free or there's an enhanced lifetime ad-free version for about $5.

 

Downside, it's an Internet app so uses a small amount of data when it transmits the call and when you retrieve it, but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month and it will also work on wi-fi of course.

We actually used to use Hullomail but found it a pain in the bum so soon got shot of it, I can't remember the exact reason at the mo but I recall it was more trouble than it was worth.

 

As for the original question my answer is - wrong forum. We all have deals but they'll be subjective. Does he already have a good phone and just want a sim card deal? Does he want to invest in a new smartphone?

 

Just Google mobile phone deals and he'll learn more than any of us can tell him.

Perhaps instead of 'suggesting' the OP goes elsewhere you ought to read what other people say more closely as it is Sylvia who posts on the forum, not her hubby, hence why I called her Sylvia! :D

 

Going on other forums and 'googling' doesn't necessarily help, can actually cause more confusion, and can take a lot of time, whereas someone on here might just have done the same exercise and therefore been able to recommend something, so their input shouldn't therefore be dismissed.

 

If we followed your suggestion then most of the stuff that is spoken of on this forum would be superfluous as we should be looking at manufacturer/seller specific websites and not asking our buddies! *-)

 

Oh, and speaking about someone rather than to them is extremely rude and comes across as being condescending especially when they could be 'in the room' at the time!

 

First of all, don't speak to me like some bossy school teacher. It ought to have been obvious to you that I wasn't speaking directly to the OP, but answering your point about the cost of voice mail. That's why I referred to him or her in the third person. It saved me responding twice, once to him or her and once to you.

 

You warned of the cost of voice mail but gave no alternative. I did suggest an alternative which I thought would be helpful.

 

You claim to know all about HulloMail but can't even remember why you don't use it. I've had it on three Android phones and found it to be a superb and reliable application, even to the point that I mentioned of emailing me when I have a voice message.

 

And I stand by my point that this is the wrong forum for questions on mobile phones and my point is proven by the simple fact that not one person has yet to come up with a suggested deal!

 

Generally speaking most people do not have any experience of a vast range of mobile phone deals so any answers will necessarily be subjective.

 

Would you recommend going to a mobile phone website to ask for advice on the best kind of motorhome to buy?

 

At best you get the "I use Tesco's mobile phone deal and it's superb." But you'll then get three other people telling you how happy they are with other providers.

 

Anyone wanting advice on mobile phone deals will be best served by a simple search on the web and comparing the dozens of deals from the dozens of suppliers and of course there are a number of comparison sites that will also be of great help.

 

My advice was given in good faith and from lots of experience and I stand by it.

 

 

 

 

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

You must be party to all the UK carriers and data use by phone users and the tarrifas they are on, as you state

 

"but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month"

 

As far as I'm aware all of the mobile phone networks have a range of tariffs with different data limits. Typically you’ll get 500MB or 1GB each month but it really depends on the tariff that you choose. Some tariffs offer all-you-can-eat data with no download limits whereas other tariffs offer download allowances as low as 100MB per month.

 

 

I'd suggest our friend looks at the 3 network, they have some amazing price plans, and Sim only deals and in the case of Hadenoughs statement you couldn't use all your data allowance in one month with them because they state "all you can eat " data allowance, but how that works in practice I don't know.

 

 

;-)

[Guest Had Enough]

1footinthegrave - 2013-07-20 1:24 AM

 

You must be party to all the UK carriers and data use by phone users and the tarrifas they are on, as you state

 

"but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month"

 

As far as I'm aware all of the mobile phone networks have a range of tariffs with different data limits. Typically you’ll get 500MB or 1GB each month but it really depends on the tariff that you choose. Some tariffs offer all-you-can-eat data with no download limits whereas other tariffs offer download allowances as low as 100MB per month.

 

 

I'd suggest our friend looks at the 3 network, they have some amazing price plans, and Sim only deals and in the case of Hadenoughs statement you couldn't use all your data allowance in one month with them because they state "all you can eat " data allowance, but how that works in practice I don't know.

 

 

;-)

 

There are times when I worry about you. You're the man on another thread who, in responding to a question about a 12v charger for a laptop, told us all that you prefer to use the 240v lead and an inverter. You then went on to say that you couldn't understand how a 12v laptop charging lead could produce an output of 19v. The clue is in the word 'inverter'!

 

Now on to your latest silly comments. Why do I need to know every mobile phone company's data allowances when I suggest that most people don't use up their monthly allowance? That makes no sense whatsoever.

 

So, here goes. Most people don't use up their mobile data allowance every month, whether it's 100MB, 250MB, 500MB or 1 or more GBs.

 

The reason for this ought to be obvious to you. If your data allowance runs out with a few days to go you are either:

 

a. Banned from from further access to the Internet to avoid you running up enormous bills.

 

b. If your company doesn't impose a cut-off you will run up enormous bills for the extra out-of-allowance data charges.

 

So, sensible people choose a data allowance which gives them plenty of leeway and avoids then running out before the end of their month's usage.

 

And how do I know all this? Well, common sense and personal experience initially but backed up by three years' active membership of the world's largest Android forum, where this subject crops up regularly. I've had three Android phones and rooted them all! (Look it up.)

 

But you again prove my point. You recommend 3 but Giff Gaff also has 'amazing' sim-only deals as does Tesco. Do you really think that someone should take your advice and go straight to 3, just because you, who seems to know bugger all about the subject, says so?

 

And all this from a man who can't work out what 'All you can eat' data is!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mel B]

Had Enough - 2013-07-19 10:11 PM

 

Mel B - 2013-07-19 9:37 PM

 

Had Enough - 2013-07-19 7:46 PM

 

There's no need to pay for voice mail. If you have an iPhone or Android phone download HulloMail.

 

http://www.hullomail.com/indexdesktop.html

 

It's a superb voice mail application that diverts your call to its own servers, flags it up on your phone and even emails you to let you know you've a message.

 

It's free or there's an enhanced lifetime ad-free version for about $5.

 

Downside, it's an Internet app so uses a small amount of data when it transmits the call and when you retrieve it, but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month and it will also work on wi-fi of course.

We actually used to use Hullomail but found it a pain in the bum so soon got shot of it, I can't remember the exact reason at the mo but I recall it was more trouble than it was worth.

 

As for the original question my answer is - wrong forum. We all have deals but they'll be subjective. Does he already have a good phone and just want a sim card deal? Does he want to invest in a new smartphone?

 

Just Google mobile phone deals and he'll learn more than any of us can tell him.

Perhaps instead of 'suggesting' the OP goes elsewhere you ought to read what other people say more closely as it is Sylvia who posts on the forum, not her hubby, hence why I called her Sylvia! :D

 

Going on other forums and 'googling' doesn't necessarily help, can actually cause more confusion, and can take a lot of time, whereas someone on here might just have done the same exercise and therefore been able to recommend something, so their input shouldn't therefore be dismissed.

 

If we followed your suggestion then most of the stuff that is spoken of on this forum would be superfluous as we should be looking at manufacturer/seller specific websites and not asking our buddies! *-)

 

Oh, and speaking about someone rather than to them is extremely rude and comes across as being condescending especially when they could be 'in the room' at the time!

 

First of all, don't speak to me like some bossy school teacher. It ought to have been obvious to you that I wasn't speaking directly to the OP, but answering your point about the cost of voice mail. That's why I referred to him or her in the third person. It saved me responding twice, once to him or her and once to you.

 

You warned of the cost of voice mail but gave no alternative. I did suggest an alternative which I thought would be helpful.

 

You claim to know all about HulloMail but can't even remember why you don't use it. I've had it on three Android phones and found it to be a superb and reliable application, even to the point that I mentioned of emailing me when I have a voice message.

 

And I stand by my point that this is the wrong forum for questions on mobile phones and my point is proven by the simple fact that not one person has yet to come up with a suggested deal!

 

Generally speaking most people do not have any experience of a vast range of mobile phone deals so any answers will necessarily be subjective.

 

Would you recommend going to a mobile phone website to ask for advice on the best kind of motorhome to buy?

 

At best you get the "I use Tesco's mobile phone deal and it's superb." But you'll then get three other people telling you how happy they are with other providers.

 

Anyone wanting advice on mobile phone deals will be best served by a simple search on the web and comparing the dozens of deals from the dozens of suppliers and of course there are a number of comparison sites that will also be of great help.

 

My advice was given in good faith and from lots of experience and I stand by it.

Now hold on there Musky! :-D You are saying asking the question on here is, in effect, a waste of time but you then go and offer advice from YOUR EXPERIENCE about data usage and voicemail ... hmmmm, a bit of a contradiction there!

 

As for Hullomail, I didn't say I knew all about it, but that we HAD used it and didn't get on with it, as it was quite a while ago I really can't remember what it was but I know it wasn't what we wanted and, for us at least, it was a pain in the bum and THAT is what I remember and why we stopped using it! I was just speaking of my EXPERIENCE of it and I didn't say that I knew EVERYTHING about it ... I'll leave it to the more 'full of their own important' forum members to claim that! *-)

 

You dismiss other people's 'views' but are more than willing to offer your own ... I am willing to do some 'research' for Sylvia to try to help her out by looking at the deals on offer from various providers hence the request for more info from her ... but it would appear that you would rather she just 'got on with it herself' ... well, I prefer to help if I can. :D

 

As for me speaking to you like some bossy school teacher ... coming from such an egotist as you who speaks like Lord Loadsabull ... I've never heard such a good joke on here for ages ... got any more? (lol)

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

Had Enough - 2013-07-20 8:38 AM

 

1footinthegrave - 2013-07-20 1:24 AM

 

You must be party to all the UK carriers and data use by phone users and the tarrifas they are on, as you state

 

"but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month"

 

As far as I'm aware all of the mobile phone networks have a range of tariffs with different data limits. Typically you’ll get 500MB or 1GB each month but it really depends on the tariff that you choose. Some tariffs offer all-you-can-eat data with no download limits whereas other tariffs offer download allowances as low as 100MB per month.

 

 

I'd suggest our friend looks at the 3 network, they have some amazing price plans, and Sim only deals and in the case of Hadenoughs statement you couldn't use all your data allowance in one month with them because they state "all you can eat " data allowance, but how that works in practice I don't know.

 

 

;-)

 

There are times when I worry about you. You're the man on another thread who, in responding to a question about a 12v charger for a laptop, told us all that you prefer to use the 240v lead and an inverter. You then went on to say that you couldn't understand how a 12v laptop charging lead could produce an output of 19v. The clue is in the word 'inverter'!

 

Now on to your latest silly comments. Why do I need to know every mobile phone company's data allowances when I suggest that most people don't use up their monthly allowance? That makes no sense whatsoever.

 

So, here goes. Most people don't use up their mobile data allowance every month, whether it's 100MB, 250MB, 500MB or 1 or more GBs.

 

The reason for this ought to be obvious to you. If your data allowance runs out with a few days to go you are either:

 

a. Banned from from further access to the Internet to avoid you running up enormous bills.

 

b. If your company doesn't impose a cut-off you will run up enormous bills for the extra out-of-allowance data charges.

 

So, sensible people choose a data allowance which gives them plenty of leeway and avoids then running out before the end of their month's usage.

 

And how do I know all this? Well, common sense and personal experience initially but backed up by three years' active membership of the world's largest Android forum, where this subject crops up regularly. I've had three Android phones and rooted them all! (Look it up.)

 

But you again prove my point. You recommend 3 but Giff Gaff also has 'amazing' sim-only deals as does Tesco. Do you really think that someone should take your advice and go straight to 3, just because you, who seems to know bugger all about the subject, says so?

 

And all this from a man who can't work out what 'All you can eat' data is!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is it about your life that has you lashing out at everyone who has the audacity to offer someone else advice, I recommended 3 just as someone might recommend M&S for a good shirt, and all your pontificating about peoples usage, what absolute round objects, it's obviously escaped you that some people run up enormous bills, for Gods sake man give your typing finger a rest, get out and do some stuff that turns you sour demeanor into something a little more endearing. Or set up your own website, the world according to Hadenough, who knows you could stop a lot of suicides, when they read your never ending diatribes they could well make them think life ain't so bad after all compared to your outlook and downright nastiness, and yes I have my moments, but compared to you I'm day one in kindergarten, your in the sixth form pal.

 

Finally, you should offer your services to the mobile phone companies, your knowledge of the 60 million users in the UK and their data usage could be invaluable to them, drop them a line why don't you, but don't fall into the trap as you usually do by telling them all they are talking b*****ks, and you as ever know better.

[Guest Had Enough]

1footinthegrave - 2013-07-20 9:22 PM

 

Had Enough - 2013-07-20 8:38 AM

 

1footinthegrave - 2013-07-20 1:24 AM

 

You must be party to all the UK carriers and data use by phone users and the tarrifas they are on, as you state

 

"but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month"

 

As far as I'm aware all of the mobile phone networks have a range of tariffs with different data limits. Typically you’ll get 500MB or 1GB each month but it really depends on the tariff that you choose. Some tariffs offer all-you-can-eat data with no download limits whereas other tariffs offer download allowances as low as 100MB per month.

 

 

I'd suggest our friend looks at the 3 network, they have some amazing price plans, and Sim only deals and in the case of Hadenoughs statement you couldn't use all your data allowance in one month with them because they state "all you can eat " data allowance, but how that works in practice I don't know.

 

 

;-)

 

There are times when I worry about you. You're the man on another thread who, in responding to a question about a 12v charger for a laptop, told us all that you prefer to use the 240v lead and an inverter. You then went on to say that you couldn't understand how a 12v laptop charging lead could produce an output of 19v. The clue is in the word 'inverter'!

 

Now on to your latest silly comments. Why do I need to know every mobile phone company's data allowances when I suggest that most people don't use up their monthly allowance? That makes no sense whatsoever.

 

So, here goes. Most people don't use up their mobile data allowance every month, whether it's 100MB, 250MB, 500MB or 1 or more GBs.

 

The reason for this ought to be obvious to you. If your data allowance runs out with a few days to go you are either:

 

a. Banned from from further access to the Internet to avoid you running up enormous bills.

 

b. If your company doesn't impose a cut-off you will run up enormous bills for the extra out-of-allowance data charges.

 

So, sensible people choose a data allowance which gives them plenty of leeway and avoids then running out before the end of their month's usage.

 

And how do I know all this? Well, common sense and personal experience initially but backed up by three years' active membership of the world's largest Android forum, where this subject crops up regularly. I've had three Android phones and rooted them all! (Look it up.)

 

But you again prove my point. You recommend 3 but Giff Gaff also has 'amazing' sim-only deals as does Tesco. Do you really think that someone should take your advice and go straight to 3, just because you, who seems to know bugger all about the subject, says so?

 

And all this from a man who can't work out what 'All you can eat' data is!

 

 

What is it about your life that has you lashing out at everyone who has the audacity to offer someone else advice, I recommended 3 just as someone might recommend M&S for a good shirt, and all your pontificating about peoples usage, what absolute round objects, it's obviously escaped you that some people run up enormous bills, for Gods sake man give your typing finger a rest, get out and do some stuff that turns you sour demeanor into something a little more endearing. Or set up your own website, the world according to Hadenough, who knows you could stop a lot of suicides, when they read your never ending diatribes they could well make them think life ain't so bad after all compared to your outlook and downright nastiness, and yes I have my moments, but compared to you I'm day one in kindergarten, your in the sixth form pal.

 

Finally, you should offer your services to the mobile phone companies, your knowledge of the 60 million users in the UK and their data usage could be invaluable to them, drop them a line why don't you, but don't fall into the trap as you usually do by telling them all they are talking b*****ks, and you as ever know better.

 

You really don't know what you are talking about! And you didn't offer advice to me, you began this with your nasty little dig which said:

 

'You must be party to all the UK carriers and data use by phone users and the tarrifas they are on, as you state

 

"but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month"

 

As far as I'm aware all of the mobile phone networks have a range of tariffs with different data limits. Typically you’ll get 500MB or 1GB each month but it really depends on the tariff that you choose. Some tariffs offer all-you-can-eat data with no download limits whereas other tariffs offer download allowances as low as 100MB per month. '

 

Do you think I don't know that mobile phone companies have different tariffs with different data allowances? But you just don't get it do you!

 

Very few people run up massive data bills, mainly because they are capped if they go over their allowance.

 

The horror stories that you read are usually about people using their phones abroad and not realising the cost of roaming charges.

 

I repeat, what to most people is commons sense. Mobile phone users choose data allowances that last them a month. No one wants to run out of data after three weeks!

 

Whether you like it or not you appear to know bugger all about smart phones, data usage and mobile phone company procedures.

 

I may not be as clued up on motorhomes and the technicalities of them but one thing I am clued up on is mobile phones and the Android operating system in particular.

 

Did you know for instance that EE (Orange T-Moble) do not let you exceed your data allowance? Once you've reached whatever your limit is you can no longer download data for the rest of the month.

 

That is why people choose a data package that will last them a month, and the size is irrelevant. I now only have a 250MB package as virtually all my browsing is done at home or work using wi-fi. And I never exceed my limit and have lots to spare. But if I did find myself exceeding it I'd upgrade to 500MB.

 

 

 

[Guest Had Enough]

Mel B - 2013-07-20 9:07 PM

 

Now hold on there Musky! :-D You are saying asking the question on here is, in effect, a waste of time but you then go and offer advice from YOUR EXPERIENCE about data usage and voicemail ... hmmmm, a bit of a contradiction there!

 

As for Hullomail, I didn't say I knew all about it, but that we HAD used it and didn't get on with it, as it was quite a while ago I really can't remember what it was but I know it wasn't what we wanted and, for us at least, it was a pain in the bum and THAT is what I remember and why we stopped using it! I was just speaking of my EXPERIENCE of it and I didn't say that I knew EVERYTHING about it ... I'll leave it to the more 'full of their own important' forum members to claim that! *-)

 

You dismiss other people's 'views' but are more than willing to offer your own ... I am willing to do some 'research' for Sylvia to try to help her out by looking at the deals on offer from various providers hence the request for more info from her ... but it would appear that you would rather she just 'got on with it herself' ... well, I prefer to help if I can. :D

 

As for me speaking to you like some bossy school teacher ... coming from such an egotist as you who speaks like Lord Loadsabull ... I've never heard such a good joke on here for ages ... got any more? (lol)

 

Where did I give advice on data usage? I have never told anyone what package they should choose or how large it should be. All I suggested is that apps such as HulloMail are fine for most people because the vast majority of smartphone users can spare the modest amount of data it uses.

 

And I only mentioned HulloMail because you warned about the cost of using voice mail but gave no viable alternative! I have made no recommendation as to a service provider, or particular package and wouldn't.

 

I'm on EE but as I have no personal knowledge of other providers how can I offer impartial advice?

 

I repeat, people can ask on here about anything, but if they really want unbiased and extensive advice they should go to the correct source, which is a phone forum or comparison websites.

 

I appear to be the only one who has suggested this but to me it's just obvious. If I want a new car I'm not going to ask for advice from a phone forum or a knitting forum. I'll research cars on the web.

 

As I said, my advice was given in good faith and it's a pity that you feel the need to jump on it.

 

But let's look at all the good advice that's been given so far shall we - oops, there isn't any!

 

Finally, it's a pity that you lower yourself by going into fishwife mode in your final paragraph.

 

 

[colin]

Randonneur - 2013-07-19 12:03 PM

 

We will shortly be coming back to the UK and although we have a UK T-Mobile Pay as you go Sim we will be looking for a contract mobile, therefore, does anyone know of a good deal on at the moment.

 

There are several things to consider.

Firstly, does the network cover the area you want to use it, there are still some suprisingly large 'not spots' with some of the networks, so if you want it to work in a certain area such as at home check with nabours, do not rely on the networks availibility checker. But generaly EE (orange/t mobile) have the best UK coverage.

If you have a unlocked phone (or O2) that you want to continue using , then giffgaff (O2 network) is hard to beat.

If you want a new phone, then check out http://www.phoneslimited.co.uk/ some of the deals on here a very good, a point in case is Tesco who every now and again have good offers, I was very tempted by an offer they had on the Nokia 820, but it's sometimes there and another week it will not be.

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

Had Enough - 2013-07-21 12:05 AM

 

1footinthegrave - 2013-07-20 9:22 PM

 

Had Enough - 2013-07-20 8:38 AM

 

1footinthegrave - 2013-07-20 1:24 AM

 

You must be party to all the UK carriers and data use by phone users and the tarrifas they are on, as you state

 

"but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month"

 

As far as I'm aware all of the mobile phone networks have a range of tariffs with different data limits. Typically you’ll get 500MB or 1GB each month but it really depends on the tariff that you choose. Some tariffs offer all-you-can-eat data with no download limits whereas other tariffs offer download allowances as low as 100MB per month.

 

 

I'd suggest our friend looks at the 3 network, they have some amazing price plans, and Sim only deals and in the case of Hadenoughs statement you couldn't use all your data allowance in one month with them because they state "all you can eat " data allowance, but how that works in practice I don't know.

 

 

;-)

 

There are times when I worry about you. You're the man on another thread who, in responding to a question about a 12v charger for a laptop, told us all that you prefer to use the 240v lead and an inverter. You then went on to say that you couldn't understand how a 12v laptop charging lead could produce an output of 19v. The clue is in the word 'inverter'!

 

Now on to your latest silly comments. Why do I need to know every mobile phone company's data allowances when I suggest that most people don't use up their monthly allowance? That makes no sense whatsoever.

 

So, here goes. Most people don't use up their mobile data allowance every month, whether it's 100MB, 250MB, 500MB or 1 or more GBs.

 

The reason for this ought to be obvious to you. If your data allowance runs out with a few days to go you are either:

 

a. Banned from from further access to the Internet to avoid you running up enormous bills.

 

b. If your company doesn't impose a cut-off you will run up enormous bills for the extra out-of-allowance data charges.

 

So, sensible people choose a data allowance which gives them plenty of leeway and avoids then running out before the end of their month's usage.

 

And how do I know all this? Well, common sense and personal experience initially but backed up by three years' active membership of the world's largest Android forum, where this subject crops up regularly. I've had three Android phones and rooted them all! (Look it up.)

 

But you again prove my point. You recommend 3 but Giff Gaff also has 'amazing' sim-only deals as does Tesco. Do you really think that someone should take your advice and go straight to 3, just because you, who seems to know bugger all about the subject, says so?

 

And all this from a man who can't work out what 'All you can eat' data is!

 

 

What is it about your life that has you lashing out at everyone who has the audacity to offer someone else advice, I recommended 3 just as someone might recommend M&S for a good shirt, and all your pontificating about peoples usage, what absolute round objects, it's obviously escaped you that some people run up enormous bills, for Gods sake man give your typing finger a rest, get out and do some stuff that turns you sour demeanor into something a little more endearing. Or set up your own website, the world according to Hadenough, who knows you could stop a lot of suicides, when they read your never ending diatribes they could well make them think life ain't so bad after all compared to your outlook and downright nastiness, and yes I have my moments, but compared to you I'm day one in kindergarten, your in the sixth form pal.

 

Finally, you should offer your services to the mobile phone companies, your knowledge of the 60 million users in the UK and their data usage could be invaluable to them, drop them a line why don't you, but don't fall into the trap as you usually do by telling them all they are talking b*****ks, and you as ever know better.

 

You really don't know what you are talking about! And you didn't offer advice to me, you began this with your nasty little dig which said:

 

'You must be party to all the UK carriers and data use by phone users and the tarrifas they are on, as you state

 

"but most people never use up their entire data allowance each month"

 

As far as I'm aware all of the mobile phone networks have a range of tariffs with different data limits. Typically you’ll get 500MB or 1GB each month but it really depends on the tariff that you choose. Some tariffs offer all-you-can-eat data with no download limits whereas other tariffs offer download allowances as low as 100MB per month. '

 

Do you think I don't know that mobile phone companies have different tariffs with different data allowances? But you just don't get it do you!

 

Very few people run up massive data bills, mainly because they are capped if they go over their allowance.

 

The horror stories that you read are usually about people using their phones abroad and not realising the cost of roaming charges.

 

I repeat, what to most people is commons sense. Mobile phone users choose data allowances that last them a month. No one wants to run out of data after three weeks!

 

Whether you like it or not you appear to know bugger all about smart phones, data usage and mobile phone company procedures.

 

I may not be as clued up on motorhomes and the technicalities of them but one thing I am clued up on is mobile phones and the Android operating system in particular.

 

Did you know for instance that EE (Orange T-Moble) do not let you exceed your data allowance? Once you've reached whatever your limit is you can no longer download data for the rest of the month.

 

That is why people choose a data package that will last them a month, and the size is irrelevant. I now only have a 250MB package as virtually all my browsing is done at home or work using wi-fi. And I never exceed my limit and have lots to spare. But if I did find myself exceeding it I'd upgrade to 500MB.

 

 

TO HADENOUGH. still with the insults

 

Look Pal if you read my post the "advice" I was giving was aimed at the OP NOT you,I did not for one minute claim to be offering you advice God forbid, I've repeated it below, and my comment about 3 network "all you can eat data plan" saying "how it works in practice" you completely misunderstood, I meant that they probably, in fact almost certainly like most providers have that little caveat " subject to fair use policies" with respect you really should accept that some of us haven't just climbed out of the tree's.

 

so here are my exact words I posted for the OP, not for your consumption, just because a post may follow yours, does not necessarily mean it's intended for you, and quite frankly I doubt anyone could give you advice in any event, be that right or wrong advice so here is exactly what I posted.

 

I'd suggest our friend looks at the 3 network, they have some amazing price plans, and Sim only deals and in the case of Hadenoughs statement you couldn't use all your data allowance in one month with them because they state "all you can eat " data allowance, but how that works in practice I don't know.

 

;-)

 

Do you get it now,it was just my attempt to help the OP, nothing more nothing less, and for clarity if ever there is another occasion that my post is directed to you I'll make that a little clearer in future as above, but the clue was I used the term " I'd suggest our friend looks" blah blah blah not "you look at" blah blah blah... give me strength. :-S (!)

 

Edit, perhaps you should tell the Guardian readers not too worry about going over their data allowances with safeguards in place, or are they all misinformed idiots like me,and the bloke in Dubai who run up a totally unexpected bill of £14000 for watching two hours of grand prix, coincidently he is a lawyer so you'd think he had a bit of grey matter,anyway here's the Guardian story here hot of the press. ;-)

 

(!) (!) (!) Summer's finally here and millions of people are heading off to sunnier climes – but some of them will return to find a shockingly high mobile phone bill waiting for them on their return.

 

The latest incident to make the headlines is the case of 14-year-old Casey Snook who reportedly racked up a £3,800 mobile phone bill during a trip to New York. She was posting updates on Facebook and uploading photos, and – her family claim – was unaware she was running up a huge data roaming bill.

 

Her network, Orange, said it sent a text to Casey warning her she had gone over her internet data limit and barred her from sending any more texts and making calls. But it did not block her data roaming and claimed Casey clicked a "yes" button when asked if she wanted to keep the facility switched on. (!) (!) (!)

[Guest Had Enough]

I now realise that your problem is that you simply don't understand what's being discussed! I mentioned that most people don't use up all of their data allowances as this would leave them unable to access the Internet for the last few days of the month. Consequently they choose a data package that suits their usage and ensures that they don't run out!

 

Data packages as discussed are for UK use only and nowadays UK providers either stop you going over it, as mine does, or immediately warn you that you've extended your limit.

 

I posted this:

 

'Very few people run up massive data bills, mainly because they are capped if they go over their allowance.

 

The horror stories that you read are usually about people using their phones abroad and not realising the cost of roaming charges. '

 

So what do you do to challenge me? You post a list of horror stories, all of which are about people using their phones abroad and incurring huge roaming charges.

 

So despite what appears to be your extensive Googling to find cases of people exceeding their limit, you've found none relating to UK data limits.

 

Do you actually understand the difference between a supplier's data limit, which is only for domestic use, and roaming charges when you go abroad? And, as you say yourself, the girl who went to NY was warned the minute she went over her limit but at the same time she agreed to keeping her roaming facility.

 

Perhaps what you haven't realised is that the text to tell her that she'd gone over the limit wasn't when she was in NY? That happened in the UK as data allowances aren't used when you're abroad. If you leave home with 200 MB left, when you get back you'll still have 200 MB left!

 

The girl, or her parents were particularly stupid, as were the others you mention. The terms and conditions of every mobile contract clearly spell out roaming charges and anyone who doesn't understand that costs from abroad are much larger than in the UK is either very silly and must never read a newspaper (or the terms of their deal).

 

I had to phone a friend in France (from the UK) just three days ago and I had to use my mobile. I knew that it was going to cost me almost a pound a minute, so I kept it as short as possible!

 

So please, in future try to read the thread and the post more carefully. In the 'Another Parasite' thread you have decided that I'm on the opposite side of the debate to what I am! Again, simply because you don't read properly and understand. You then jump to the wrong conclusion. Something that you specialise in in Motorhome matters as well.

 

 

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

An inconvenient truth for you is that many of these folk are UK users and simply do not understand the implications of data roaming, hence the large bills, and there have been many UK users similarly caught out with data charges here at home, but what the hell I have better things to do than argue the toss with you, and as you obviously have insider information, or access to the mobile phone companies data charges imposed over and above someones limit so you know more than me, which is a completely ridiculous claim on your part unless somehow you've been able to access millions of users bills, , but I'll leave you to pick a fight with someone else, you've plenty to go at as you so ably demonstrate time after time pal.

[Guest Had Enough]

1footinthegrave - 2013-07-21 2:37 PM

 

An inconvenient truth for you is that many of these folk are UK users and simply do not understand the implications of data roaming, hence the large bills, and there have been many UK users similarly caught out with data charges here at home, but what the hell I have better things to do than argue the toss with you, and as you obviously have insider information, or access to the mobile phone companies data charges imposed over and above someones limit so you know more than me, which is a completely ridiculous claim on your part unless somehow you've been able to access millions of users bills, , but I'll leave you to pick a fight with someone else, you've plenty to go at as you so ably demonstrate time after time pal.

 

And still you continue to embarrass yourself! Why is it an inconvenient truth for me? I have never denied that there are people who are very silly, even stupid, who don't read their contracts and must never read newspapers, or they'd know about roaming charges.

 

Before I told you, you clearly didn't even understand the difference between UK data packages and use abroad! Why else in a debate about people's use of their UK data bundle did you give us a list of people who'd fallen foul of international roaming charges? This was nothing whatsoever to do with the subject of this debate, which was people's use of their UK data bundle.

 

This is a subject (again) of which you are totally ignorant. You've made the claim that loads of people have been caught out with data charges here at home. Let's have examples from you!

 

And I don't need insider information or to look at millions of bills! You can look it up. Companies now routinely block your Internet access if you hit your data limit and they immediately text you to warn you.

 

But even if someone did exceed their limit one month they'd never do it again and would, as I'm trying to drum into that thick head of yours, increase their data package if they find that they need more.

 

The point that I made originally is this, that virtually all mobile phone users are fine using apps such as HulloMail, as the data used is minuscule and again, mobile phone users choose a data package that they can live within. Why would they choose a package that runs out halfway through the month!

 

It's like putting enough petrol in your car to go a hundred miles when you've a two hundred mile journey.

 

This is another subject about which you are totally out of your depth, and all your insulting comments to me won't change that! Before this began you clearly knew nothing about the difference between UK data bundles and use abroad and yet you continue to bluster and try to justify your silly theories.

 

 

 

 

 

[Mel B]

Had Enough - 2013-07-21 12:17 AM

 

Where did I give advice on data usage? I have never told anyone what package they should choose or how large it should be. All I suggested is that apps such as HulloMail are fine for most people because the vast majority of smartphone users can spare the modest amount of data it uses.

 

And I only mentioned HulloMail because you warned about the cost of using voice mail but gave no viable alternative! I have made no recommendation as to a service provider, or particular package and wouldn't.

 

I'm on EE but as I have no personal knowledge of other providers how can I offer impartial advice?

 

I repeat, people can ask on here about anything, but if they really want unbiased and extensive advice they should go to the correct source, which is a phone forum or comparison websites.

 

I appear to be the only one who has suggested this but to me it's just obvious. If I want a new car I'm not going to ask for advice from a phone forum or a knitting forum. I'll research cars on the web.

 

As I said, my advice was given in good faith and it's a pity that you feel the need to jump on it.

 

But let's look at all the good advice that's been given so far shall we - oops, there isn't any!

In YOUR opinion ... which doesn't mean much to most forumites!

 

Finally, it's a pity that you lower yourself by going into fishwife mode in your final paragraph.

Well round here that would be a compliment, Hull (where I was born), used to be a thriving fish port and the fishwives were extremely hard workers and had a lot of respect in their communities ... so thanks for the compliment, despite it being yet another sexist one! :-> Better than being a pompous old trout constantly opening and closing its mouth with nothing of value coming out, feel free to keep flapping your fins and gills around though! :D

[Guest Had Enough]

Mel B - 2013-07-21 5:07 PM

 

Had Enough - 2013-07-21 12:17 AM

 

Where did I give advice on data usage? I have never told anyone what package they should choose or how large it should be. All I suggested is that apps such as HulloMail are fine for most people because the vast majority of smartphone users can spare the modest amount of data it uses.

 

And I only mentioned HulloMail because you warned about the cost of using voice mail but gave no viable alternative! I have made no recommendation as to a service provider, or particular package and wouldn't.

 

I'm on EE but as I have no personal knowledge of other providers how can I offer impartial advice?

 

I repeat, people can ask on here about anything, but if they really want unbiased and extensive advice they should go to the correct source, which is a phone forum or comparison websites.

 

I appear to be the only one who has suggested this but to me it's just obvious. If I want a new car I'm not going to ask for advice from a phone forum or a knitting forum. I'll research cars on the web.

 

As I said, my advice was given in good faith and it's a pity that you feel the need to jump on it.

 

But let's look at all the good advice that's been given so far shall we - oops, there isn't any!

In YOUR opinion ... which doesn't mean much to most forumites!

 

Finally, it's a pity that you lower yourself by going into fishwife mode in your final paragraph.

Well round here that would be a compliment, Hull (where I was born), used to be a thriving fish port and the fishwives were extremely hard workers and had a lot of respect in their communities ... so thanks for the compliment, despite it being yet another sexist one! :-> Better than being a pompous old trout constantly opening and closing its mouth with nothing of value coming out, feel free to keep flapping your fins and gills around though! :D

 

I'm sorry that you didn't counter my points with any sensible argument and just resorted, yet again, to puerile insults. I'm not going to lower myself to your level but will just say this:

 

The OP asked for advice on the best deals on mobile phones. The basis of my response was that she would be wasting her time asking for such advice on a section of a camping forum (Chatterbox) that has about a dozen regular posters and that she should delve deeper on the web for more specialist advice.

 

For some reason this seems to almost enrage you and you have derided my advice which was given in good faith. And I would act that I am one person who does know quite a bit about mobile phones as it's a bit of a hobby with me. For three years I've been an active member of a large Android forum. I'm also reasonably knowledgeable about the system to the extent that I've rooted every phone I've had, if you know what that means. But even with my modest knowledge of the market I wouldn't give her subjective personal advice. Deals change weekly and there are so many variables that something a forum member adopted two months ago may have been superseded many times.

 

What must now be rankling you is that my advice appears to be right. This thread has received input from five people, only one of whom has actually given good advice on various deals but his main advice was to check out other more specialist sites! Well I never!

 

And I'd give the same advice again. If I wanted a new fridge or a new TV I'd research it on the web. I wouldn't ask Chatterbox members what they think is the best fridge or TV!

 

I'm sorry if for some reason you find this objectionable. It wasn't an attack on forum members, simply saying that there are far better places tom obtain specialist advice. And I stick by that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

You take it all far too seriously pal, virtually every post / question on here could be directed elsewhere. lighten up, it will lower your blood pressure. ;-)

 

I used to root for Birmingham city, so I know what rooting means. :D sorry but do you think we all live in a vacuum. :-S

 

Now I must get back to the laptop I'm fixing for someone an Acer Aspire 5920, replacing the inverter, and fitting a bluetooth module, I hope everyone i suitably impressed. ;-)

[Randonneur]

Sorry everybody, didn't mean to cause problems. Yes Mel we are moving back to the UK permanently. We have sold our house here and are in the process of buying a house in the UK. Unfortunately Martin has been in Intensive Care here for 3 weeks having been in hospital for a total of 6 weeks. Therefore, we will have to wait now until he is back on his feet. For the past 3 weeks he has been sedated and on a ventilator as he cannot breathe on his own due to an infection but the treatment he has had has been exceptional and we are hoping that he will wakeup shortly and if he says he is tired he will get a slap.

The area that we are moving to has excellent coverage on all networks so it is just a case of getting the best deal. We don't need a lot of data usage as we will be on WiFi most of the time but will, hopefully need to be able to use roaming in France and Portugal but only on WiFi. It will be mainly phone calls and texts in the UK.

 

Sylvia

[Guest Had Enough]

Randonneur - 2013-07-21 9:11 PM

 

Sorry everybody, didn't mean to cause problems. Yes Mel we are moving back to the UK permanently. We have sold our house here and are in the process of buying a house in the UK. Unfortunately Martin has been in Intensive Care here for 3 weeks having been in hospital for a total of 6 weeks. Therefore, we will have to wait now until he is back on his feet. For the past 3 weeks he has been sedated and on a ventilator as he cannot breathe on his own due to an infection but the treatment he has had has been exceptional and we are hoping that he will wakeup shortly and if he says he is tired he will get a slap.

The area that we are moving to has excellent coverage on all networks so it is just a case of getting the best deal. We don't need a lot of data usage as we will be on WiFi most of the time but will, hopefully need to be able to use roaming in France and Portugal but only on WiFi. It will be mainly phone calls and texts in the UK.

 

Sylvia

 

Apologies, you didn't cause any problems, it was us!

 

I reiterate my advice though. Do some web searching and there are loads of sites and help available.

 

Here's an example: http://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/compare/contract_phones_ff/?gclid=CPit5cu7wbgCFfQetAodXRoAQQ

 

 

[ineedflower]

Randonneur - 2013-07-18 5:03 PM

 

We will shortly be coming back to the UK and although we have a UK T-Mobile Pay as you go Sim we will be looking for a contract mobile, therefore, does anyone know of a good deal on at the moment.

 

 

 

For choosing your cell phone plan,Go to a phone shop in town, tell them what you want, they can advise.Before getting your cell phone service provider,Make sure your phone is unlocked and accept that carrier,If it's restricted by other network carrier means,You will need to unlock your phone.For unlocking you can approach your current network provider or else try to buy an unlocking service from any one of the online unlocking service provider like http://www.unlocking4free.com/unlock-your-phone I hope it will be very useful to you.

[enodreven]

Hi, Really sorry to hear about Martin and really do hope he makes a full recovery.

 

As for the phone, I personally never enter into a contract I always use PAYG and buy a Sim Free/Unlocked phone mainly so I'm not locked into any one supplier and I can change the SIM cards as it suits e.g. follow the deals which seem to change hourly ?LoL

 

I setup a CC with what ever mobile operator (s) I have chosen which makes topping very easy and if I'm going away for extended periods I usually increase the amount so I have a larger reserve, albeit I have never had problems using my assigned CC to top up when I have been in Europe,

 

Also as all my phones are purchased outright and unlocked/Sim free I can use them to take advantage of any deals that are on offer in what ever country I'm in at the time, best of all worlds?

 

And remember NO Phone is free on a contract the price of the phone is always included within the monthly payment,

 

I'm not trying to tell you what to do I'm just telling you what I do which may hopefully help you make your choice.

 

All the best to you and yours and welcome back to the UK

Brian

 

Randonneur - 2013-07-21 9:11 PM

 

Sorry everybody, didn't mean to cause problems. Yes Mel we are moving back to the UK permanently. We have sold our house here and are in the process of buying a house in the UK. Unfortunately Martin has been in Intensive Care here for 3 weeks having been in hospital for a total of 6 weeks. Therefore, we will have to wait now until he is back on his feet. For the past 3 weeks he has been sedated and on a ventilator as he cannot breathe on his own due to an infection but the treatment he has had has been exceptional and we are hoping that he will wakeup shortly and if he says he is tired he will get a slap.

The area that we are moving to has excellent coverage on all networks so it is just a case of getting the best deal. We don't need a lot of data usage as we will be on WiFi most of the time but will, hopefully need to be able to use roaming in France and Portugal but only on WiFi. It will be mainly phone calls and texts in the UK.

 

Sylvia