(yet another) SIM-only network provider Q - who to avoid?

[DodgyGeezer]

We're in the process of looking for a new provider (currently piggybacking off daughter's Sky account, which has been rather good service-wise but a PiTA for other things). We were going to continue with Sky, but as our phones are currently with Sky, we can't open a new account and keep the same phone number (I'll be buggered if I start switching numbers everywhere), so we're looking for ideas.

Currently seeing a few suggestions on other threads, but really curious if there are any providers to avoid? I suspect that we'll both be more than well served with data of 30Gb apiece - the only issue as I see it is outside-the-EU usage (but at that point either an e-sim or hotel wifi should be adequate?)

[v8notbrave]

Smarty is great, can use in EU etc

[megaphone]

I use Lebara, runs on Vodafone network, no issues so far, includes EU roaming, cheap.

[croyde]

I've been using a Smarty Sim in my 4g router (SIM is 5g) for 5 years now for watching streaming services and WiFi around the house.

Uses The 3 Network apparently, and has been £16 a month since I got it, non of this increased every year rubbish. Unlimited data use.

I also have a Lebara eSim on my phone for £4.95 a month. Mainly used for the 100 inclusive calling abroad minutes.

Really must get my finger out and transfer my number from those robbing b'stards EE who I've been with since they were Hutchinson Telecom, when I had a pager in the 80s, then Orange for my first mobile in the early 90s

[RichFN2]

Another happy Smarty customer here, no price increase at all and great coverage in the UK and Europe.

My phone is a Chinese import with 5 or 6 4G & 5G bands missing from European models, and I still get great coverage.

[Russet Grange]

Yes I've got Smarty too, so has wife. We both pay £6/month each. No idea how much data we get for that, presumably a few Gb. Doesn't matter really, we never run out.

[WyrleyD]

Moved from EE to Lebara, the deal i got is about £6 a month with 30gb and roaming somewhat better than the £40 with EE. No complaints so far.

[slievenashaska]

Mozillion, which runs on EE, has worked fine for me so far.

They have an interesting business model where you can pay up front for up to two years service, and £126 (so an equivalent £5.25 a month) will get you 100GB a month and EU roaming.

https://www.mozillion.com/sim/pay-as-you-go-sim

Sure they might go 'pop' before the end of two years, although they have been around for a few years, but if you paid with credit card then s75 will cover it if it was more than £100.

[C69]

Obviously the virtual networks piggyback off the four main networks. So network coverage at home / work is going to be your first consideration. No point in switching to, say, Smarty if your Three signal is really awful.

[captain_cynic]

megaphone said:

I use Lebara, runs on Vodafone network, no issues so far, includes EU roaming, cheap.

Can't tell you who to avoid but I've been on Lebara since EE doubled prices for ex-PlusNet customers (which they did as soon as they were legally able) and haven't had an issue.

[ffc]

I use 1pmobile because they're on EE which IME has he best coverage (where I go).

[danb79]

If you need smart watch pairing you can only use Three/Vodafone, EE and O2

If you don't then the worlds your oyster (inc Giff Gaff etc)

[m3cs]

Avoid giffgaff - all was well until I needed their support and a bug with their support form meant I couldn’t contact them. And they go to some lengths to prevent you contacting them via any other means.

Avoid avoid avoid.

[DodgyGeezer]

m3cs said:

Avoid giffgaff - all was well until I needed their support and a bug with their support form meant I couldn t contact them. And they go to some lengths to prevent you contacting them via any other means.

Avoid avoid avoid.

TBH it's an issue I have with Sky. Trying to actually speak with some bugger is a complete PiTA but I guess that that is the way of the world now, virtual assistants or online chat/help

[BiggestVern]

I don't know who to avoid, but another vote for Lebara, I've been paying £4.50 per month for 5 years now. Absolute bargain.

[MrBen.911]

Lebara user here too. Look at MoneySavingExpert for links with better deals than going direct to Lebara's site.

[Dave Hedgehog]

saily app for cheap disposable esims in any country you visit

https://saily.com/

i am on talkmobile service has been excellent for years

£6 for 30mb

https://talkmobile.co.uk/checkout

[lllnorrislll]

Lebara - £2.87 for 35gb for 9 months or a 1 month rolling contract via Money Saving Expert

[sicarumba]

I moved from Smarty to Lebara recently, since I had no EE coverage at work. I noticed my battery started tanking after that. I did a bit of research which suggested that Lebara don't have access to all Vodafone masts and it's possible my phone was using more battery to retain a good signal. I'm talking about going from losing about 8% overnight on Smarty to more than 20% on Lebara. Switched on Wi-Fi calling and the problem went away, but when I contacted Lebara for some assistance (just to see if there were any network-related settings I could try changing) they were absolutely useless. Suggesting my phone was faulty or it must be an app draining my battery - I put my work EE SIM in the phone and it stopped happening so it was definitely something to do with the Lebara SIM but I gave up trying to get any help and I just stick to Wi-Fi calling at home now.

[DodgyGeezer]

MrBen.911 said:

Lebara user here too. Look at MoneySavingExpert for links with better deals than going direct to Lebara's site.

I've just plumped for Lebara on a monthly £3.18 per month for 3 months, then £7.95 for 50Gb. I'll see what it's like after 2 months, fairly risk-free IMO. I'll likely chuck Mrs DG on an O2 affiliate tomorrow...