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Looking at possibly getting a dual SIM phone. Currently on a 3 SIM only unlimited data deal. Great most of the time but 3's coverage isn't always the best if I'm away from civilisation.
For a second PAYG SIM to cover when 3 doesn't, what's the best in STW's opinion? Would want decent coverage (so possibly EE?) and a reasonable data allowance for not too much money. Torn between something like a tenner a month deal with data rollover or one of the non-expiring 1p/Mb things. Will only really get used when I can't get a 3 signal while riding (or when I'm on holiday - the places we go never seem to be on 3's map, notably Keswick).
Why not just swap to one which has better coverage in the first place. Unless you are planning to have lots of affairs or something and this thread is to cover your tracks in case you ever get caught.
Of course considered that, but have struggled to find truly unlimited data SIM deals for the same price I have on 3. Might just have to bite the bullet and pay more or get less.
I'm considering the same thing. Best option I've seen is Asda mobile on EE, but the credit does expire of you don't use it. Since PAYG now offers auto topup and autorenew bundles deciding whether to go subscription or per MB isn't a big a deal.
The different networks have their own gaps, there is no "one which has better coverage in the first place".
I lleft 3 because of poor signal in my house as well as other places. Now with GiffGaff at £7.50 a month PAYG for 2Gb data and as much minutes and texts as I would ever use.
Im on a brilliant deal from Pusnet, except that I dont get coverage half the time at home. and other places. It says 2G most of the time. I believe plusnet are on O2, but other companies on O2 get priority over the signals
So I'm looking for a 2nd SIM too,with a good signal. Preferably very cheap, one month contract, where the minutes etc rollover to next month if you dont use them
O2 own Plusnet.
If you're comparing service providers for coverage reasons it's worth bearing in mind that in the UK there's only four actual carriers - O2, Three, EE and Vodafone. Anything else will be piggybacking off one of those.
Ofcom have a coverage checker, so you can find out who covers what in the areas where your existing provider is spotty. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/advice/ofcom-checker
Just found this, it might be useful to you. It tells you who uses what, and suggests some workarounds for spotty coverage:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/piggybacking/
Pick the network you want using Ofcom's link, then look up here for who does the best deal on that network.
Interesting on that Ofcom coverage map, that all 4 networks seem to be much of a muchness in theory. Not sure my totally unscientific sample of two (me and my wife) would agree with the map. The cottage we stay in in Keswick for example - according to the map me on 3 and her on EE should be getting similar data signals but in the real world I get nothing and she has pretty strong 4g.
Wonder how much is down to individual phone foibles/design?
Vodafone and O2 are sharing most of their masts and network, so should have pretty similar coverage.
Around here Vodafone/O2 are usually best coverage. EE not quite as good, though maybe faster data if you can get a signal. Would struggle to get anything with Three.
O2 own Plusnet
Eh? Thought Plusnet was owned by BT, who also own EE and they both(Bt and Plusnet) Piggyback on the EE network.
If it was me I'd go with true PAYG on a 2nd backup SIM ie 1p(EE) or 321(Three). That way it doesn't matter if you don't use it for weeks/months.
You still have to top up £10 every 120 days.
B.A.Nana has it. I found these two be the best two deals for none expiring PAYG credit.
I have a 321 SIM in my spare phone that is used for navigation. Still on the original £5 2 years on.
My main phone is on an EE monthly contract and the coverage is generally much better than Three.
Daughter is on a 1p mobile deal on the EE network. Cheaper in use than the 321 deal on Three and the only drawback with 1p is the need to top up £10 every 120 days. This credit will accumulate and not expire if you don't use it. I consider it a £2.50 (mimimun) per month contract.
And if you want a different provider with better coverage 321 PAYG isn't an option.