Sheepy's 2018 Mobile Phone Tariff/Contract Guide
Sheepy's Mobile Phone Tariff/Contract Guide
Introduction
In the UK, there are many networks which may vary in signal strength in your area.
There are different ways you can take out a phone and an air-time contract or a SIM Only contract if you already have a phone.
If you don't really use air-time that much I'd recommend you look into PAYG deals.
What is the Network Coverage in my area like?
These tool will help you decide which Network is better in your area:
https://opensignal.com/networks
Simply type in your postcode and search which network coverage you'd like to see.
What's usually included in a tariff?
•
Calls to UK Mainland - This means you can call mobiles and landlines in the UK using your minutes. Any calls outside of the UK will usually charge you at a rate that you can find out from your network. Note: You may only call numbers starting with: 01, 02, 03, 07, 080 and 0808, any other numbers may/will be chargable.
•
Texts to UK Mainland - Texts to any number within the UK, again any texts to any number outside of the UK may fall chargeable in accordance to your network's price guide (which you can find either on their website, or by ringing them up)
•
Data - To surf the internet, and for apps such as Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter.
•
Bonuses - Sometimes your network provider will give a extra onto your Contract, such as 6 months of Apple Music free with EE. Do make sure to cancel the free extra on the last month if you do not wish to pay for additional months of the extra, otherwise they'll continue to take a payment of an amount listed on their price guide.
Can I use my Contract abroad?
As of the 15th of June 2017, you may now use your Calls (minutes), Texts and Data abroad!
However, before heading off into the sun I recommend calling up your network provider to see how much Calls, Texts and Data you can use abroad in accordance to their Fair use policy.What should I do after my contract ends after 12/24 months?
Usually your network will not tell you on the month that your contract ends, and they will continue taking payments until you ask them to stop. In order to stop the payments you will have to ring them up, and ask them to end the contract.
Usually when they say 12/24 month contract this is only a minimum term, as they probably outline on the T&C's that you agreed to.
Often when you've been a loyal customer to a network they'll usually discount your next purchase, so be sure to take up that opportunity!
I can't make my mind up on which phone I want...
You can always stick a thread in the Mobile phones forum, and I'd be more than happy to help you out!
I would also recommend looking at 's amazing thread
: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3392089 You can also check out reviews and tech specs of phones on this website: http://www.gsmarena.com/
My experiences with Networks
I've been with a range of Networks so far, for contract uses. I was previously with Three, and their customer service was exceptional! Although to cancel the contract was made very, very hard by customer sales reps (but all networks are like that).
I'm now with EE, they're kind of expensive but they do have the best signal, in my findings!
Networks I also used in the past networks were: Vodafone, O2 and EE.
Vodafone, were cheap and nasty. There are many poor reviews for them, and you can add this one to the list. Their customer service is also very shoddy IMO, they were of no help with my problems.
O2, unfortunately, I had to cancel during the first 14 day period due to signal troubles indoors. Although I've heard from others they're quite good.
How can I find the right network?
I'd recommend using sites such as the following, in order to compare prices:
https://www.carphonewarehouse.com (Their deals are decent)
https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/
https://www.mobiles.co.uk/
Or if you'd like to browse the network's sites directly, then here's a list some of their websites:
Three - http://www.three.co.uk/
EE - http://www.EE.co.uk/
Vodafone - http://www.Vodafone.co.uk/
Voxi - http://www.Voxi.co.uk (A Vodafone brand, for under 25 year olds)
O2 - http://www.O2.co.uk/
Tesco - http://www.TescoMobile.com/ (Uses O2's network)
Virgin Mobile - http://www.VirginMobile.co.uk/ (Uses EE's network)
Talkmobile - http://www.TalkMobile.co.uk/ (Uses Vodafone's network)
iD (Carphone Warehouse's network) - http://www.iDMobile.co.uk/ (Uses Three's network)
Sky Mobile - https://www.sky.com/shop/mobile/ (Uses O2's network)
BT Mobile - http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/mobile/ (Uses EE's network)
The People's Operator - https://www.thepeoplesoperator.com/ (Uses Three's network)
Giffgaff - http://www.giffgaff.com (Uses O2's network)
SMARTY - http://smarty.co.uk/ (A Three brand)
Feel free to leave any reviews or recommendations of any networks you have used, down below!
(edited 5 years ago)
Original post by RoyalSheepy
Sheepy's Mobile Phone Tariff/Contract Guide
Introduction
In the UK, there are many networks which may vary in signal strength in your area.
There are different ways you can take out a phone and an air time contract or a SIM Only contract if you already have a phone.
If you don't really use Airtime that much I'd recommend you look into PAYG deals.
What is the Network Coverage in my area like?
These tool will help you decide which Network is better in your area:
https://opensignal.com/networks
Simply type in your postcode and search which network coverage you'd like to see.
What's usually included in a tariff?
Can I use my Contract abroad?
As of the 15th of June 2017, you may now use your Calls (minutes), Texts and Data abroad! However, before heading off into the sun I recommend calling up your network provider to see how much Calls, Texts and Data you can use abroad in accordance to their Fair use policy.
What should I do after my contract ends after 12/24 months?
Usually your network will not tell you on the month that your contract ends, and they will continue taking payments until you ask them to stop. In order to stop the payments you will have to ring them up, and ask them to end the contract.
Usually when they say 12/24 month contract this is only a minimum term, as they probably outline on the T&C's that you agreed to.
Often when you've been a loyal customer to a network they'll usually discount your next purchase, so be sure to take up that opportunity!
I can't make my mind up on which phone I want...
You can always stick a thread in the Mobile phones forum, and I'd be more than happy to help you out!
I would also recommend looking at @Gofre's amazing thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3392089
You can also check out reviews and tech specs of phones on this website: http://www.gsmarena.com/
My experiences with Networks
I've been with a range of Networks so far, for contract uses. At the moment I am on a SIM Only plan with 3: 200 minutes, Unlimited Texts and Unlimited Data. Three at the moment seem very, very good; and their customer service is exceptional!
Networks I used in the past networks were: Vodafone, O2 and EE.
EE were expensive IMO, but were very satisfactory.
Vodafone, were cheap and nasty. There's many poor reviews for them, and you can add this one to the list. Their customer service is also very shoddy IMO, they were of no help with my problems.
O2, unfortunately I had to cancel during the first 14 day period due to signal troubles indoors. Although I've heard from others they're very good.
How can I find the right network?
I'd recommend using sites such as the following, in order to compare prices:
https://www.carphonewarehouse.com (Their deals are decent)
https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/
Or if you'd like to browse the network's sites directly, then here's a list some of their websites:
Three - http://www.three.co.uk/
EE - http://www.EE.co.uk/
Vodafone - http://www.Vodafone.co.uk/
O2 - http://www.O2.co.uk/
Tesco - http://www.TescoMobile.com/ (Uses O2's signal)
Virgin Mobile - http://www.VirginMobile.co.uk/ (Uses EE's signal)
Talkmobile - http://www.TalkMobile.co.uk/ (Uses Vodafone's signal)
iD (Carphone Warehouse's network) - http://www.iDMobile.co.uk/ (Uses Three's signal)
Sheepy's Mobile Phone Tariff/Contract Guide
Introduction
In the UK, there are many networks which may vary in signal strength in your area.
There are different ways you can take out a phone and an air time contract or a SIM Only contract if you already have a phone.
If you don't really use Airtime that much I'd recommend you look into PAYG deals.
What is the Network Coverage in my area like?
These tool will help you decide which Network is better in your area:
https://opensignal.com/networks
Simply type in your postcode and search which network coverage you'd like to see.
What's usually included in a tariff?
•
Calls to UK Mainland - This means you can call mobiles and landlines in the UK using your minutes. Any calls outside of the UK will usually charge you at a rate that you can find out from your network. Note: You may only call numbers starting with: 01, 02, 03, 080 and 0808, any other numbers may/will be chargable.
•
Texts to UK Mainland - Texts to any number within the UK, again any texts to any number outside of the UK may fall chargeable in accordance to your network's price guide (which you can find either on their website, or by ringing them up)
•
Data - To surf the internet, and for apps such as Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter.
•
Bonuses - Sometimes your network provider will give a extra onto your Contract, such as 6 months of Apple Music free with EE. Do make sure to cancel the free extra on the last month if you do not wish to pay for additional months of the extra, otherwise they'll continue to take a payment of an amount listed on their price guide.
Can I use my Contract abroad?
As of the 15th of June 2017, you may now use your Calls (minutes), Texts and Data abroad!
However, before heading off into the sun I recommend calling up your network provider to see how much Calls, Texts and Data you can use abroad in accordance to their Fair use policy. What should I do after my contract ends after 12/24 months?
Usually your network will not tell you on the month that your contract ends, and they will continue taking payments until you ask them to stop. In order to stop the payments you will have to ring them up, and ask them to end the contract.
Usually when they say 12/24 month contract this is only a minimum term, as they probably outline on the T&C's that you agreed to.
Often when you've been a loyal customer to a network they'll usually discount your next purchase, so be sure to take up that opportunity!
I can't make my mind up on which phone I want...
You can always stick a thread in the Mobile phones forum, and I'd be more than happy to help you out!
I would also recommend looking at @Gofre's amazing thread
: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3392089 You can also check out reviews and tech specs of phones on this website: http://www.gsmarena.com/
My experiences with Networks
I've been with a range of Networks so far, for contract uses. At the moment I am on a SIM Only plan with 3: 200 minutes, Unlimited Texts and Unlimited Data. Three at the moment seem very, very good; and their customer service is exceptional!
Networks I used in the past networks were: Vodafone, O2 and EE.
EE were expensive IMO, but were very satisfactory.
Vodafone, were cheap and nasty. There's many poor reviews for them, and you can add this one to the list. Their customer service is also very shoddy IMO, they were of no help with my problems.
O2, unfortunately I had to cancel during the first 14 day period due to signal troubles indoors. Although I've heard from others they're very good.
How can I find the right network?
I'd recommend using sites such as the following, in order to compare prices:
https://www.carphonewarehouse.com (Their deals are decent)
https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/
Or if you'd like to browse the network's sites directly, then here's a list some of their websites:
Three - http://www.three.co.uk/
EE - http://www.EE.co.uk/
Vodafone - http://www.Vodafone.co.uk/
O2 - http://www.O2.co.uk/
Tesco - http://www.TescoMobile.com/ (Uses O2's signal)
Virgin Mobile - http://www.VirginMobile.co.uk/ (Uses EE's signal)
Talkmobile - http://www.TalkMobile.co.uk/ (Uses Vodafone's signal)
iD (Carphone Warehouse's network) - http://www.iDMobile.co.uk/ (Uses Three's signal)
Nice guide
You can *ahem* buy, I mean add, Sky Mobile to your list of providers too
(also deals involved if you have other Sky packages)https://www.sky.com/shop/mobile
Original post by UWS
Nice guide
You can *ahem* buy, I mean add, Sky Mobile to your list of providers too (also deals involved if you have other Sky packages)
https://www.sky.com/shop/mobile
You can *ahem* buy, I mean add, Sky Mobile to your list of providers too
(also deals involved if you have other Sky packages)https://www.sky.com/shop/mobile
Why thank you UWS
I just bough... added Sky Mobile to the list
Just to chuck in my two cents, if I may:
I have used GiffGaff (a subsidary of o2) for as long as I can remember. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.
The ideal situation to be in, is to have an unlocked phone and then you can get unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data (slows down after 6GB, but still fast enough) for £20 per month. That's not a contract, its just rolling, so if you decided one month you didn't need as much data for whatever the reason, you can downgrade the plan.
Best by a country mile.
I have used GiffGaff (a subsidary of o2) for as long as I can remember. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.
The ideal situation to be in, is to have an unlocked phone and then you can get unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data (slows down after 6GB, but still fast enough) for £20 per month. That's not a contract, its just rolling, so if you decided one month you didn't need as much data for whatever the reason, you can downgrade the plan.
Best by a country mile.
@RoyalSheepy - mobiles.co.uk - who are owned by Carphone Warehouse can be a little cheaper than Carphone quite often
Original post by Afcwimbledon2
@RoyalSheepy - mobiles.co.uk - who are owned by Carphone Warehouse can be a little cheaper than Carphone quite often
Added!
Spoiler
Original post by RoyalSheepy
Added!
Spoiler
Tags don't always seem to be working for me either right now - it's strange
@RoyalSheepy this is a great thread!
Original post by utr
Just to chuck in my two cents, if I may:
I have used GiffGaff (a subsidary of o2) for as long as I can remember. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.
The ideal situation to be in, is to have an unlocked phone and then you can get unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data (slows down after 6GB, but still fast enough) for £20 per month. That's not a contract, its just rolling, so if you decided one month you didn't need as much data for whatever the reason, you can downgrade the plan.
Best by a country mile.
I have used GiffGaff (a subsidary of o2) for as long as I can remember. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.
The ideal situation to be in, is to have an unlocked phone and then you can get unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data (slows down after 6GB, but still fast enough) for £20 per month. That's not a contract, its just rolling, so if you decided one month you didn't need as much data for whatever the reason, you can downgrade the plan.
Best by a country mile.
I've been trying to look for one. EE is pissing me off. Thanks
Original post by Afcwimbledon2
Tags don't always seem to be working for me either right now - it's strange
It may be because I have like a million pages of TSR running at the same time
Original post by 04MR17
@RoyalSheepy this is a great thread!
Thank you!!
Spoiler
Original post by RoyalSheepy
It may be because I have like a million pages of TSR running at the same time
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Spoiler
I think my poor little Chromebook might have a seizure if I tried that one! This is genuinely an awesome thread
Original post by Afcwimbledon2
I think my poor little Chromebook might have a seizure if I tried that one! This is genuinely an awesome thread
Aw, thank you!
Original post by RoyalSheepy
Aw, thank you!
Awesome thread/comparison article! I'll throw my 2 cents into this, I used to be with Virgin Mobile (before they offered 4G) and they were terrible, offering me an "unlimited" package with a hidden cap at 3.5GB. They also had no 4G back then either, despite EE having 4G.
In March 2016 I switched to EE and never looked back. The only regret is that I didn't use EE sooner, their coverage is in general very good and their speeds on 3G/4G are also very good. Admittedly, their coverage isn't perfect, and O2/Vodafone are starting to considerably grow their 3G/4G coverage, but I've found EE to be the best so far.
And I'd also give a thumbs up to whoever mentioned Giffgaff (running on O2), they are completely flexible so you can change plans every month if required, or even switch from a 30 day deal down to PAYG. Please add Giffgaff to the OP, link http://www.giffgaff.com
You should add Voxi to the list - I've got unlimited everything for £10 a month at the moment (this is going to drop down to 2GB a month soon, however there's a massive benefit which is that social media doesn't count towards your allowance).
I really recommend SMARTY. I've been with them for a few months now and I'm very impressed. They're a SIM-only network owned by Three that pay you back for data you don't use in the form of a discount off next month's bill! Great for me as I never use up my data allowance. I'm on the £15 plan but so far I'm paying about £7–8 per month.
Their price for data is always the same – £1.25/GB. The plans are:
As there's no contract, you can leave or change plans whenever.
The data refund is calculated per MB, so you'll always get exactly what you are owed back as a discount on next month (so if you don't use any data, you only pay £5). You can even buy extra data at the same price if you run out.
Really good 3G/4G coverage and speed, and because they refund you for unused data it wouldn't make sense to try and slow you down!
You also get a free month when you join! Just get an existing customer to invite you, or click here!
Hope this helps!
Their price for data is always the same – £1.25/GB. The plans are:
•
Unlimited mins & texts + 2GB = £7.5
•
Unlimited mins & texts + 4GB = £10
•
Unlimited mins & texts + 8GB = £15
As there's no contract, you can leave or change plans whenever.
The data refund is calculated per MB, so you'll always get exactly what you are owed back as a discount on next month (so if you don't use any data, you only pay £5). You can even buy extra data at the same price if you run out.
Really good 3G/4G coverage and speed, and because they refund you for unused data it wouldn't make sense to try and slow you down!
You also get a free month when you join! Just get an existing customer to invite you, or click here!
Hope this helps!
(edited 6 years ago)
An updated thread will be coming soon. I am aware Brexit will be changing a couple of stuff to what was mentioned in this thread; for instance in regards to the Ofcom's Roam like at home rule which may be changing after the 31st of December, 2020.
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