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Mobile by Sainsbury's feedback thread - £100 voucher to be won NOW CLOSED

85 replies

AngelieMumsnet · 14/08/2013 15:01

This thread is for the 30 MNers trying out the new Mobile by Sainsbury's service.

Below are the questions we'd like testers to answer but please feel free to add your own comments too.

  • How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?
  • How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?
  • Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?
  • How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?
  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?
  • Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?




Everyone who was part of the test and who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £100 Sainsbury's voucher as a thank you.

Thanks,

MNHQ
OP posts:
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Groovee · 14/08/2013 16:04

Marking my place and will come back later once, after school rush has calmed down.

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SisterMatic · 14/08/2013 16:10

Marking my place..be back tonight

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Souredstones · 14/08/2013 16:23

Marking my place but already having issues with the customer service, charges to call them and rude staff talking to me like I'm an idiot! (Been a while since I've had a PAYG mobile and topping up is a mystery to me) also getting annoyed by the 'helpful' texts that keep coming through.

Not tested the network. One of the dc's will be doing that when they come home at the weekend.

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daisychicken · 14/08/2013 16:27

Haven't been able to top-up phone yet - it's too quiet (I'm deaf) & I can't figure out how to turn the volume up..... but will get DH to sort it tonight.

We think that we will all try it out and then can give a few different opinions on network service etc..

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MummyBtothree · 14/08/2013 16:31

During my trial so far, I have had no real issues with the network coverage, it 'dipped' once or twice but no real problems.
I myself have tried the handset but mainly it was my older son who is soon starting secondary school so we thought it was a good start.
Overall they have been pleased with the service, although weren't able to comment on the web access as the handset we were sent wasn't internet enabled.
I think the nectar point deal is good but wouldn't necessarily make it more desirable to me than other providers.
I haven't had to deal with customer care as I found it all quite straight forward.
As we have not been able to access the internet with this network, I feel that I am unable to give a full review, therefore I don't think I am in a position to recommend it to anyone.
I think the network is reasonably good value for money.

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NotShortImFunSized · 14/08/2013 16:52
  • How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?

The signal coverage has been pretty good! We have driven all over the place and as yet have had no problems with signal at all.
  • How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?

Myself and my 11year old son have been using the phone between us. Neither of us have had any problems using it for texting or making calls. There is the problem of not being able to test the Internet service though as the handset we are using (Nokia 100) doesn't have this capability!
  • Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?

I think it would only make it more desirable if you already collect Nectar points. I wouldn't personally join The mobile by sainsburys network just because of that.
  • How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?

I had to ring customer services when I messed up the top up and the man I spoke to was very helpful, polite and efficient.
  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?

So far I would based on calling and texting BUT as I haven't been able to test the Internet out I'd be a bit wary. Most of my family and friends use mobile Internet everyday so it would need to be a very reliable service. It would be good to be able to test the whole package and not just part of it.
  • Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?

Yes I do think it is good value for money especially when compared to other deals out there on other networks.

Things to add... I think it's a bit unfair to be charged 25p to call customer service if you have a problem. Also the top ups need MUCH clearer instructions with regards to choosing the bundles. It's obviously a problem as the man I spoke to at customer service said he gets loads of calls about the top up/bundle error and refunded all my money without even questioning it!
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umabritmum · 14/08/2013 16:59

FOR HANDSET : NOKIA 100

  • How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?


The coverage in MK area was too good. Most of the time I have all 5 up. Highly reliable.

  • How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?


I and my DD both use this service. But most of the time my DD uses this service for texting and calling. Both texts and calls are working good till now.

  • Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?


Have not tested this yet

  • How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?


I did not get the question right. If you are talking about the topping up and other query related services, I have found that the instructions on the pack as well as mobile voice msg. worked fine for topping up and connecting my nectar card to my mobile number.

  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?


Sure enough. I am already talking about it. This network service is something I can't ignore.

  • Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?


The plan of unlimited texts with 200 min talk time and 250 MB data , all for £10 per month seems to be alluring and competitive than other networks. And as far the final verdict is concerned, I can't comment on the Internet bundle cum Wifi service which is utmost important criteria for choosing a network service for my mobile. So I leave this question to the other mumnetters who have had a first hand experience trying the same.
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Souredstones · 14/08/2013 17:04

Am I being thick? Did the top up not automatically buy a bundle??? What did it buy and what are the call costs??

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Groovee · 14/08/2013 17:19

Am I being thick? Did the top up not automatically buy a bundle??? What did it buy and what are the call costs??

You had to top up and then call back and buy a bundle. Not sure what the costs are. But the £10 bundle bought 200 mins/unlimited texts/250 internet.

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Souredstones · 14/08/2013 17:25

So two 25p calls to customer services?

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Groovee · 14/08/2013 17:29
  • How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?



Signal has been really good. We've been in some remote places and still had good signal coverage where tmobile may get lost. Only place I haven't been yet is primark which is poor.


- How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?

My 10 year old has the phone. He's amazed at how quick texts go through compared to his old phone and he says he likes the internet feature. He's been happy with it.

- Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?

Its made me shop in sainsbury's but I wouldn't deliberately move over to them just for that reason.

- How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?

Haven't had a cause to call them yet. But I do grudge 25p per call to them when other suppliers offer this as a free service.

- If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?
I have already been telling people who have been asking me about ds's new phone and they've been impressed.

- Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?

I think it's excellent value for money and other people I have spoken to think it's a great deal as well. The unlimited texts has been something dd has been interested in and she says she would like us to consider moving her to sainsburys.

But as some of the phones don't have internet access that you offer, I think you need to consider looking into people with the no frills phones get a better option on the bundle as they loose out on the internet part which may put people off.

Other feedback
It would be good to set up a direct debit for like a sim only rolling contract you get from other suppliers. But also a rolling bundle so that people like me numpty who always forgets to top up and readd the bundle don't have to stress about getting it all sorted out again.
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Groovee · 14/08/2013 17:29

No the 2 calls to top up and to add the bundle should be free. Its only 25p if you need to speak to a customer service advisor.

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WhoeverHeardOfAWormskinRug · 14/08/2013 17:30

Souredstones We managed to top up and then add the bundle on the same call, via the automated system... I can't remember how, but it was in the automated message after the topup. Pressed something to go back to the main menu and then added the bundle then. I don't think the call to top up the phone cost anything.

I shall add a full review later when I'm not baby wrangling! Just marking place Smile

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WhoeverHeardOfAWormskinRug · 14/08/2013 17:31

x-posted with Groovee!

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Souredstones · 14/08/2013 17:58

All sorted! Thanks!!

I'm so thick with PAYG I've had a contract since my second phone many moons ago!!

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Groovee · 14/08/2013 18:12

The only reason I knew I'd have to get a bundle is vodafone did the same when we were using up the credit from my gran's sim card.

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YoshysMum · 14/08/2013 18:16

How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?

The signal has been reliable so far and we have had no issues yet.


  • How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?


Myself, DH and DS have all used the phone and found it very useful to keep in contact, especially my son who can go to the local park safely now, knowing he can keep in touch.


  • Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?


I already have a nectar card so it is useful to me, but I am unsure that this would be enough to encourage people to use the service if they don't already have a card.


  • How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?


I have not had to contact customer care so can't really comment yet.


  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?


Yes I would, it seems reasonable enough compared to other phone companies.

  • Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?


It would be good value for money if you had a handset with access to the internet, but for a basic phone you would be better off just getting a bog standard pay as you go.
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Blatherskite · 14/08/2013 18:36

I've still not got a phone so I can't really leave any feedback.

Can't say I'm impressed so far though Sad

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fingersandthumbs · 14/08/2013 19:38

How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?

Signal coverage seems to be ok but we haven't really had the chance to test it too far away from home. I currently have a phone on the Orange network and signal is very patchy with dropped calls and delayed texts. we don't seem to have the text delays but we have had a couple of dropped calls. I have assumed that as the calls were made from the Sainsburys network to my Orange phone to an area where I have previously had issues, that it the orange signal strength that was the issue. We will test this out further in the next few days

How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?

My son has the phone, primarily as a way of being able to keep in contact with me. As a single parent who is at work during the school holidays I have peace of mind that he can easily contact me as required, although I'm not too sure that he has enjoyed me phoning him to wake him up before midday in the same way.
The phone is more up to date that his current brick which just used to text and talk so the internet feature has caught his eye and he has been able to access the social media sites that he would usually access via his ipod. He hasn't tried the internet signal outside of the home yet but we will do in the next few days.
The unlimited texts have certainly been useful and have allowed him to keep in contact with his friends and I haven't had to worry about the cost implications. Like lots of other, I'm on a tight budget so this feature of the bundle is a huge bonus to me.


Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?
Not sure, it's very nice to have but if I was looking at an incentive to change networks I don't think this would convince me to change unless I was spending huge amounts in Sainsburys. I shop there regularly but budgetary constraints means that the value of the double nectar card points wouldn't swing it for me. If you were part of a larger family or likely to spend more than I would in the store then yes the double points could be a really nice bonus.

How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?
I was one of those testers who didn't realise that validating the top up voucher didn't automatically allocate a bundle. in my mind a £10 top up equal a £10 bundle. I like to think that I am reasonably intelligent but as I am used to a contract phone it just didn't "click" with me that I needed to do anything else. My experience with the customer care team was excellent. There was no waiting in a queue, I didn't have to spend what felt like hours being directed through menu after menu and pressing loads of numbers before I got to speak to a human. The man I spoke to was polite, informative, helpful and professional and got the bundle sorted despite the fact that we had used some of the top up voucher.
Like some of the other testers I would prefer that the cost of the call was included within the bundle rather than costing up to 25p but the cost of the call was mentioned very early on.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?
lots of my family and friends already know that we are testing the network service so are doing their bit in helping us test by texting and calling. Would I recommend the network - yes over my current one

Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?
Unlimited texts - yes fabulous value for money when you have a teenager who HAS to keep in contact with his school friends.
Not too sure about the internet value yet as this is a new feature to him, we'll have to see how that goes, although whilst at home and connected via the home broadband router I have assumed that the phone bundle's internet allowance isn't affected.

No complaints as yet but I would consider it still very early days and not all features re the network service have been tried. It will be useful to see what the network service is like when he goes back to school as this is the area I need to ensure that he has good coverage for my peace of mind.

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Trigglesx · 14/08/2013 19:59

Signal coverage seems pretty good. I meant to go into our local Sainsburys, as for some reason, signal is always bad there on my regular mobile, but I got sidetracked. I'm sure I'll get there soon to do the grocery shop anyway. Grin

I am the one using the handset. The service seems fine, although I have noticed some delay or echoing on phone calls.

I think the Nectar offer of double point is good - definitely a plus IMO.

The customer care person I spoke to was very polite and helpful. But I am not happy with paying 25p to speak to them. Surely this should be free??? It is with most networks.

I don't think I'd have a problem recommending the network.

I think that you need more bundle options. Some people don't use internet much (or as our testers have found with phones that are unable to utilise it - CANNOT use internet much), and this should be reflected in some of the bundles - perhaps having more options available like more minutes on phone calls instead of the data allowance. As people were already mentioning it within a day of the tests starting, I think that's a significant issue. I personally didn't use internet with my blackberry phone as it was just soooo slow. So I would've have opted for a bundle with more minutes - and if one wasn't available, might consider going somewhere that DID offer something that suited my needs more.

Oh... and the whole 2 step process to get your bundle? ANNOYING! One step please - maybe choose 1 to simply top up or choose 2 to put money on a specific bundle. ONE STEP! I have a life - I don't have time to mess around with the fussing around. Sorry - I know that sounds silly, but it's a right pain when you're in a hurry. And I know that a fair few of us did it wrong initially, so it's obviously not that straight forward or clearly set out.

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poachedeggs · 14/08/2013 20:52

- How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?
Not brilliant but I am used to this as we seem to be in a signal Bermuda triangle here. I haven't managed to get internet running at all despite being sent the settings, four times, so perhaps it's just that the signal isn't good enough. But I have tried here, 15 miles away and 35 miles away! I would use it a lot as I pick up emails on my phone (personal and work-related) so that's going to be a big stumbling block if I can't get decent coverage - at least with O2 I get something, even if it is slow.

- How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?
I've been using it myself. It's useful, as mobile phones tend to be! I was foxed by the top up/buy a bundle steps but got it sorted thanks to a heads up here.

- Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?
I'm not currently a Sainsbury's shopper but I am seriously considering it. I'm also new to the Nectar card, so it's hard to say how much actual benefit it is to me, but it does seem attractive on the surface, yes. I was disappointed to miss out on any Nectar points because I hadn't realised I needed the Nectar card to be linked before topping up.


- How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?
Really, really lovely and helpful, both of the times I have spoken to operators they actually sounded like they gave a shit Grin

- If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?
I already have, my mum is considering joining the network.

- Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?
Yes, it is excellent value and competitive. I think it is refreshing to have a really streamlined simple selection of bundles - some networks make choosing a tariff so complicated. I also think the phones on offer are a good range which would appeal to most users.

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SweetSeraphim · 14/08/2013 20:54

I haven't had my phone yet because I just got back from my holiday and I have to arrange redelivery from the courier. But I'll be back asap!

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magentastardust · 14/08/2013 21:50
  • How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?


I have had no problems with coverage , been fine for texts and calls and always been showing 4 or 5 bars. Had a work trip and had to travel 120 miles away -signal for texting, internet service all good and although it was a bit patchier in the car (I wasn't driving) for internet access still managed to access emails and web pages.

  • How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?

I have been using the handset -It is a Samsung Galaxy Y and is a really nice little phone. I am however planning to pass it on to DS who is one of the last of his friends not to have a phone -He will be really pleased and it will be great for keeping in touch so I know where he is when he is out and about after school or at football practice.

  • Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?


Not overly as I don't normally food shop in Sainsbury's regularly as we have other big stores which are local , our nearest Sainsbury's is 13 miles away. I do pop in now and again for things though .

I did the same as everyone else sadly and topped up the phone and added the bundle then added my nectar card so I won't really benefit this time.

  • How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?

I haven't had to call the customer care line , I found the booklet that came with the phone straightforward to follow and the set up very easy so have been happy with it. The customer care texts were handy although I am not sure how long they go on for as they could become annoying.

  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?

Yes I think I would, coverage has been good and I think the bundles are good and Pay as you Go is an attractive option for my ds so I have control over his phone use. I liked emergency £1 call option thing too as I think that is reassuring to know my child has access that if need be.

  • Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?

I think that the bundles are good value , I would definitely use the £10 bundle for DS as I would imagine he would be using texts quite frequently and probably the £20 for myself to get more MB data if I planned to continue use of the phone. It seems a straightforward system and easy to understand so thumbs up from me!
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stephgr · 14/08/2013 22:43
  • How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?

So far I have had no problem with the signal coverage but I will be posting again if problems arise. The signal where I am - North London has been fine but I only got the phone 2 days ago so it's early days. However, as I have been having some problems with the EE coverage, I'm pleased so far.

  • How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service? It is mostly me who's been trying the service although I have had my husband call me and that's been ok.


  • Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?

The extra Nectar points does make the service a little more desirable to me but I don't think double points is very generous - triple points would be better!

  • How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care? So far I received various text messages about the service which weren't helpful. I don't think there should be a charge to call customer services. I had a long telephone conversation with Chris in customer care when I had to activate the phone. He was quite patient because I asked a lot of questions. He told me about the bundle I wanted to buy. He didn't tell me about other options such as what if I didn't want to buy a bundle until I asked him whether there were other options. When asked, I was told that it would be 20p per minute or 8p per minute which I didn't think was good value. I asked him what would happen if I used the phone for a month and then didn't use it for a few months and he told me I would have to use it at least once every 6 months otherwise I would lose the number. I asked him why I had to buy a voucher and then call to get it activated and he said that was the system. I said I thought it was daft that I couldn't just ring up with my credit card and buy a bundle and he said that was something Sainsburys were thinking about. I said to him there should be more bundle options because, for example, I don't send may texts and with the phone I was given (nokia 100) I can't access the internet.



  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?

I would recommend the network to friends who want a pay as you go and who are avid collectors of Nectar points. I think the £10 bundle is great for teenagers who love texting but don't want to spend hours chatting. I have been rather sceptical about supermarket mobile networks and suspected they wouldn't work as well as regular networks like EE or Vodafone but so far the network has been fine. Unfortunately I can't recommend the network to friends who want to access the internet on their phone because with the phone I was given I can't access the internet

  • Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not? For me it isn't good value because I have an EE contract which gives me an apple iphone 5 free with 1000 minutes per month for £30 per month which because I use my phone a lot is much better value. However, I do think the £20 bundle is good value and I would consider that for myself. I think the £10 bundle is great for teenagers who love texting but don't want to spend hours chatting
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misspopsicle · 15/08/2013 10:56
  • How do you find the signal coverage? Is it reliable? Have you had any issues with this?

We've had no issues with signal coverage as yet. We've only been in the local area but I know that some networks do have problem with signal strength locally.

  • How has your family been using the service? i.e. is it you or your DC/DP who has the handset? How useful have you/they found the Mobile by Sainsbury's service?

My 12 year old son has been using the phone and it's been very useful. this is his first phone and up until now, I've been unable to get hold of him when he's been out with his friends. He's also starting high school, which is 10 miles away from home next week so him being able to have a phone and a means to contact me if he needs to has been a weight off of both our minds!

  • Do you think that the Nectar offer of double points on all of your shopping for 30 days each time you purchase a bundle makes the service more desirable or not?

Yes, I think it has made the service a little more desirable. I do a bit of top up shop, or what we call a treat shop at Sainsbury's (it's too expensive for me to do a full shop there) and I already have a Nectar card so it's a definite bonus.

  • How have you found the Mobile by Sainsbury's customer care?

I haven't had to call customer care yet but I do think that this should be free.

  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend this network to your friends or not?

Yes, I'd recommend the network to a friend, it seems to be quite good value for money and very reliable, as well as easy to top up. I've had a contract phone for years and the last time I had a PAYG, I had to go to the shop to top up. Being able to do it over the phone is much more convenient (although I'm not sure if this is an option on all networks!).

  • Bearing in mind that the bundle of 200 minutes/unlimited texts/250 MB data costs £10, do you think that the service is good value for money or not?

Yes, very good value for money. Moreso if you have a handset which is internet enabled. Mine isn't, unfortunately, so I feel we're missing out a little in this respect. Perhaps there could be a bundle with slightly more minutes or something for those without internet??
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