Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Some of you know that I will be going to the UK for university. (yay)
Now, my mother wants me to stay in touch whenever and wherever possible (booo).

So, I was fishing around for mobile phone deals, the phones that struck me were the Blackberry 9000, iPhone and the HTC Hero.

I found this:

http://www.buymobilephones.net/mobile-phones/BlackBerry/BlackBerry-Bold-9000/Orange/Orange-Dolphin-15-%2824mths%29-Free-Unlimited-BlackBerry/290680

The only reason it attracts me is the Unlimited Data allowance (for internet I presume?)

But I don't understand the 100 across network minutes:

1. Does this mean I get 100 minutes of free calls across networks, and then get charged?
2. I get 100 minutes of calls across networks (charged), and then I won't be able to call across networks?

This contract system in the UK is baffling, I am currently a PAYG user... soo... it's a weird change.

Can you guys advise me on this?

Thanks.

[=98=]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

It means you get 100 minutes to call any network, mobile or landline and if you exceed that then you get charged the networks basic per minute rate. Those 100 minutes are within the UK, foreign calls will cost a lot more.

Secondly, that's a pretty shocking deal. I pay £23/month on 3 Mobile and got a Nokia N95 8gb, 300 any network minutes, 300 3 to 3 minutes and 300 texts. Also, free MSN Messenger, Ebay, Yahoo and other Internet services.

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

So, is the one I have shown a good deal?

Because the Blackberry has it's own messenger system (plus e-buddy messenger over an internet line is always there).

I don't talk too much, more of a irc/text guy, so the unlimited texts and internet is attractive.

But I wanted to know if the deal is good/excellent overall. I mean, with a few other contracts the phone becomes free, but the costs are like 29.99/mth.

[=98=]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Well, if you don't talk much, then yes. However, I see no unlimited data plan, point that out for me would you? Also note, it's a 24 month contract (2 years is a looooooooooong time) and the handset will cost you £120.

Total cost: 119.99 + (19.57 x 24) = £589.67/$943.09 for 2 years (incl. handset)

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Well, in the primary search:

http://www.buymobilephones.net/mobile-phones/BlackBerry/BlackBerry-Bold-9000/62,5335,All,tt2,ct1?#noAjTariffList

It's the first contract, and under Data it says unlimited :S

[=98=]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Guess that's right then. Still don't think it's that good a deal and I would definitely not get a 2 year contract

I have an 18 month and that's too long. Prices change, deals come about, so next time i'm getting 12 month.

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

The 12 month contracts are sooo expensive for Blackberry though. Minimum is like 29.99/mnth

[=98=]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

You'll pay the same overall in a 2 year contract, they just spread it making costs look less.

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Hahaha. You are right. This one:

http://www.buymobilephones.net/mobile-phones/BlackBerry/BlackBerry-Bold-9000/Orange/Orange-Dolphin-30-%2812mths%29-Free-Unlimited-BlackBerry/273851

Is nearly 100 pounds cheaper? For 12 months. Seems a good deal, only the messages has gone down, but 500 a month is very good tbh.

[=98=]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

500 messages/month is still just over 16/day. Even an avid texter would struggle :p

Seems like a better deal to me.

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Awesome. I might just go for this.

HTC Hero and iPhone deals start at a minimum of 34.99..

So, can I just confirm?

The 500 messages I get per month, are all free? Once (if I ever) exceed it, I will be charged the carriers' rate?

This applies to the calls as well?

Thanks

[=98=]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Yup, if you exceed you get charged normal rates. You can usually track your usage online. Remember, those inclusive calls are UK only (I raise this as you mention your parents like to call and to my knowledge, you live outside the UK). Also, if they call your mobile, you will be charged as it is an outside the UK call.

Network providers are due to drop rates inside the EU soon though which is great, so phoning anywhere in the EU will cost the same as at home!

[Dan2k3k4]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Wouldn't getting your Parents to jump on Skype and then loading Skype onto your phone work? You'd just have to pay the internet usage (which if you're getting unlimited data plan would be "free" / included in your monthly costs)

Since Skype-to-Skype is free, but not sure if it's different for Skype on mobiles?

[Cmac[XI]]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Dan is right if you have unlimited Internet Usage and your phone supports skype then your skype to skype calls would be free and a lite version of skype is avaliable for Blackberry Smartphones which also allows you to send messages to your skype contacts so you can IM your family aswell through it however im struggling to see where you are getting the £100 cheaper for 12 months?

From what I can see your 24 month contract if split into 12 months comes out at £354.83 whereas the Bold 9000 with Orange is £35 a month for 12 months which comes out at £420 and then £69.99 for the phone which takes it to £489.99 or am I just confused about which one your talking about?

[Mo0by]

Re: Help with Mobile Phone Contracts (UK)

Cant you just use the unis internet for comms? Skype headset and webcam = family fun tiems?