MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Bit of a whim, but having just been through the brokenphone-now-I-have-a-shiny-new-one phone issue, I decide to find the cheapest SIM only deal for an old handset.
So a company called Freedompop does a free SIM, with 200 mins, 200 text and 200MB data. It uses the 3Three Network & 30 day contract. Reviews seems to be "good for free if you police your usage appropriately".
The websites a bit shit, and you have to turn of the "by default" money making additions, but if you want to stick an old phone in your back pocket for nothing but riding emergencies and don't go over the allowances it should be free with the exception of the £8 signup.
That sounds too good to be true. £8 up front and then that's it, no other money ever? And they don't cut you off if you don't use it for six months?
Apparently not. Its a big deal in the US, they've been here since 2012 but who knew! I guess their model relies on people exceeding the limit and upgrade to the £5/£9/£15 SIM options.
You can also sign up to free apps, watch sponsored vids and so on to "top up" your data.
Btw the way of you want one, email me and I'll recommended you, I think we both get a data top up - Not that I'll be using data. I just want the spare phone in a rugged case to slip in my pocket on the way out to a ride.
Haven't receive my SIM yet so can't comment on how good the calls/coverage/email spam may be.
Oh and you get a login / phone app to monitor your usage.
The thing to be aware of is the standard offering has no standard voice/SMS functionality it uses VOIP to route calls via data. This means:
To have coverage you need 4g signal (it might work on 3G too but voice over 3G is certainly not always great).
You need an android or iPhone - you can't just use the old robust, battery lasts 2 weeks on standby phone you have in a drawer.
To have coverage you need 4g signal (it might work on 3G too but voice over 3G is certainly not always great).
Theres a £1.99 a month option for "premium voice" perhaps thats the non voip calls? Even at £24 a year it'd be good.
Edit: Preimuim voice is default to 2g for voice calls.