Wacky idea

[v-600]

I was just reading another thread that mentioned texting charges if you don't have unlimited and I had a wacky idea. In the UK you don't pay to receive calls or texts on any network. I'm on 3 who offer a feel at home service which allows you all your inclusive data/texts/calls abroad (its an amazing idea and I wonder why other UK providers don't do it).

Anyway, it got me thinking, if you don't send many texts or call much (or if you route those over VoIP or other messaging services) could you match a US cell plan.

I don't know the US mobile system at all so just plumped for AT&T as a big name provider. On their home page they say PAYG SIM only deals start at $60 a month (about £40 give or take) and that contracts start at $100 (about £65).

3Mobile will give you unlimited data for £15 (about $25) a month (inclusive of all taxes), though they've recently got a bit tighter on excessive tethering. If you use that sim abroad you get all your inclusive data (upto 4G if its available) and free to receive calls and texts. You'd also get your inclusive free mins/texts to call the UK (not so useful in the US I grant you) so would pay 5p (about 8 cents) a text and 25c per min to call US numbers. If you use something like internet calling and an IP texting service, you're all in.

People often complain about the lack of choice and shoddy service with US communication networks.

I wonder how many people it would take doing something like this to get them to take notice?

 

[Red Storm]

Wouldn't you need a UK address to do this?

 

[v-600]

Probably. I don't think it would really work in practice as 3 will be paying AT&T (or similar) charges to use their network. I personally haven't changed contract for the last 6 years (I pay £5 a month SIM only for more texts, mins and data than I ever use), and would have to give that up to get a new contract so am out of the UK loop for that. I would guess for a contract you do.

Before that I had a PAYG SIM, and can't remember anything coming to my address. I always topped up in cash in the store as a poor teenager. You'd probably need a UK registered credit card to top up online though, but don't quote me on that.

It was more a wacky idea than serious suggestion, but as I got researching it did start to make me think if it was possible.

 

[v-600]

Its not just the US though with high prices. In the UK we are stung on home electricals rather than phones. There was a report a few months back showing costs that it was cheaper to fly from London to New York, buy a macbook pro in dollars and fly back, than to buy one from Apple in London in pounds.

I didn't do that one either.

 

[corkyg]

I have had service with Sprint, ATT, and now VZW. No real complaints except lack of access when travelling with Sprint and ATT. I was able to negotiate a new phone and a package that eliminated texting (I don't text, period!) but has a 1.5GB/Mo hotspot. I only use that when travelling. Anyway, I got the new phone and what I wanted from VZW for $10 a month less than what I was paying. Bottom line, . . . no complaints here.

Just curious - I recently installed a new Epson V600 photo scanner. The "V-600" [piqued my curiosity.

 

[v-600]

I guess its the most upset who are typically the most vocal you hear about.

The v is for vera. My motorbike was named after Jaynes gun in Firefly, and was 600cc.