May 30, 2013, 7:52 pm
Last edit by: Silver Fox
This is a stub Wiki for this thread - the idea is that any member can edit it to keep it up to date as a distillation of the best info from the thread.
3 - 200MB Free data SIM
3 - 15 pounds for 300 minutes, 3000 texts, and unlimited 3G data for a month (http://store.three.co.uk/view/searchSimOnly?tariff=112) The deal might not be dead but to buy the addon you need to switch WiFi off (!!) and open http://three.co.uk/my3 on your device as this unlinked support page says. Three customer service and store both says this doesn't work with tablets -- however customer service are idiots and doesn't know what is a tablet only knows phones and iPads (both phone and chat -- this is apparently company level). Tread carefully. Anyways, this method still worked on January 13, 2015.
Note the GBP15 all you can eat deal has now been pulled(Note 8/3/16: All in one with All you can eat data is now GBP25): http://www.threemicrosites.co.uk/AIO20B
If you don't want to buy a bundle or a plan, Three's flat rate for calls is now 3p per minute. The expiry time of one month or three months for topups has now been removed. So you pay only 3p per call minute for what you use.
Three's data is only 1p per MB, and you can buy packages (eg 500MB for 5 pounds). The packages ("add-ons") may not save money directly, but those data packages are eligible for use in "Feel at Home" countries (Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Indonesia, Macau, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Sweden, USA) at no extra charge. See http://support.three.co.uk/SRVS/CGI-...se=EXT(EM11925)
EE: http://shop.ee.co.uk/price-plans/free-sim
Vodafone: https://freesim.vodafone.co.uk
O2: https://www.o2.co.uk/freesim/
giffgaff: www.giffgaff.com/orders/affiliate/nfh (Ł5 free credit) or www.giffgaff.com/orders/free-sim (no free credit)
Three: https://www.three.co.uk/Support/Free_SIM/Order
How do I top up with an overseas card, or can I use PayPal?
Strangely, some firms insist that you must use a UK issued credit card to topup. Some do take PayPal:
Giffgaff
Vodafone
But it is not as prevalent as it should bein this day and age admittedly. There is a firm that some people have reported success with and they are:
https://www.mobiletopup.co.uk/
What frequencies are used in the UK?
There are a total of 5 different frequencies used in the UK used by the mobile networks to deliver their 2G, 3G and 4G mobile services.
800MHz (Band 20)
900MHz (Band 8)
1800MHz (Band 3)
2100MHz (Band 1)
2600MHz (Band 7)
Here's a chart for iPhones and which bands each model can use. http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
If you're not sure which model you have, look on the back of your iPhone or go into Settings-->General-->About-->Legal-->Regulatory
iphone 5 users note that: iPhone 5 cannot get 4G/LTE on the 800MHz or 2600MHz frequencies but it can on the 1800 frequency.
For other users there are a number of resources to check the frequency your phone supports including:
Global Certification Forum
As an example this is the data for a Samsung J1 Ace SM-J111F
GSMARENA
What frequencies do the different operators use?
Each operator in the UK utilises different frequencies to deliver their mobile networks with the core networks being EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Then there are also operators, called mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), who utilise the backend of the core networks to offer their own services.
The frequencies used by the major UK networks are:
EE (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 1800MHz & 2600MHz
O2 (2G) 900MHz & 1800MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
Vodafone (2G) 900MHz & 1800MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz & 2600MHz
Three (2G) N/A (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz & 1800MHZ
The frequencies used by UK’s MVNO’s are listed below:
Asda Mobile (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) N/A
BT Mobile (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz, 1800MHz & 2100MHz
iD Mobile (2G) N/A (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 1800MHz
Freedom Pop (2G) N/A (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz & 1800MHz
GiffGaff (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
Lebara Mobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) N/A
LycaMobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
TalkMobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) N/A
TalkTalk (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
Tesco Mobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
The People’s Operator (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz, 1800MHz & 2100MHz
Virgin Mobile (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz, 1800MHz, & 2600MHz
Please add and edit!
3 - 200MB Free data SIM
3 - 15 pounds for 300 minutes, 3000 texts, and unlimited 3G data for a month (http://store.three.co.uk/view/searchSimOnly?tariff=112) The deal might not be dead but to buy the addon you need to switch WiFi off (!!) and open http://three.co.uk/my3 on your device as this unlinked support page says. Three customer service and store both says this doesn't work with tablets -- however customer service are idiots and doesn't know what is a tablet only knows phones and iPads (both phone and chat -- this is apparently company level). Tread carefully. Anyways, this method still worked on January 13, 2015.
Note the GBP15 all you can eat deal has now been pulled(Note 8/3/16: All in one with All you can eat data is now GBP25): http://www.threemicrosites.co.uk/AIO20B
If you don't want to buy a bundle or a plan, Three's flat rate for calls is now 3p per minute. The expiry time of one month or three months for topups has now been removed. So you pay only 3p per call minute for what you use.
Three's data is only 1p per MB, and you can buy packages (eg 500MB for 5 pounds). The packages ("add-ons") may not save money directly, but those data packages are eligible for use in "Feel at Home" countries (Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Indonesia, Macau, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Sweden, USA) at no extra charge. See http://support.three.co.uk/SRVS/CGI-...se=EXT(EM11925)
EE: http://shop.ee.co.uk/price-plans/free-sim
Vodafone: https://freesim.vodafone.co.uk
O2: https://www.o2.co.uk/freesim/
giffgaff: www.giffgaff.com/orders/affiliate/nfh (Ł5 free credit) or www.giffgaff.com/orders/free-sim (no free credit)
Three: https://www.three.co.uk/Support/Free_SIM/Order
How do I top up with an overseas card, or can I use PayPal?
Strangely, some firms insist that you must use a UK issued credit card to topup. Some do take PayPal:
Giffgaff
Vodafone
But it is not as prevalent as it should bein this day and age admittedly. There is a firm that some people have reported success with and they are:
https://www.mobiletopup.co.uk/
What frequencies are used in the UK?
There are a total of 5 different frequencies used in the UK used by the mobile networks to deliver their 2G, 3G and 4G mobile services.
800MHz (Band 20)
900MHz (Band 8)
1800MHz (Band 3)
2100MHz (Band 1)
2600MHz (Band 7)
Here's a chart for iPhones and which bands each model can use. http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
If you're not sure which model you have, look on the back of your iPhone or go into Settings-->General-->About-->Legal-->Regulatory
iphone 5 users note that: iPhone 5 cannot get 4G/LTE on the 800MHz or 2600MHz frequencies but it can on the 1800 frequency.
For other users there are a number of resources to check the frequency your phone supports including:
Global Certification Forum
As an example this is the data for a Samsung J1 Ace SM-J111F
GSMARENA
What frequencies do the different operators use?
Each operator in the UK utilises different frequencies to deliver their mobile networks with the core networks being EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Then there are also operators, called mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), who utilise the backend of the core networks to offer their own services.
The frequencies used by the major UK networks are:
EE (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 1800MHz & 2600MHz
O2 (2G) 900MHz & 1800MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
Vodafone (2G) 900MHz & 1800MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz & 2600MHz
Three (2G) N/A (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz & 1800MHZ
The frequencies used by UK’s MVNO’s are listed below:
Asda Mobile (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) N/A
BT Mobile (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz, 1800MHz & 2100MHz
iD Mobile (2G) N/A (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 1800MHz
Freedom Pop (2G) N/A (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz & 1800MHz
GiffGaff (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
Lebara Mobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) N/A
LycaMobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
TalkMobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) N/A
TalkTalk (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
Tesco Mobile (2G) 900MHz (3G) 900MHz & 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz
The People’s Operator (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz, 1800MHz & 2100MHz
Virgin Mobile (2G) 1800MHz (3G) 2100MHz (4G LTE) 800MHz, 1800MHz, & 2600MHz
Please add and edit!
Prepaid SIM - UK/Great Britain/England/Scotland/Wales
Apr 26, 2013, 7:01 am
#32
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: BNE
Programs: QF, KLM, BA
Posts: 446
I'm looking at going to UK for a month in July. I was just wondering if there's much variation in network coverage, particularly in Scotland.
Advertising I've seen has EE saying they have the biggest 3G network in UK, but considering that they've just merged 2 networks, that could either mean that they cover the largest geographical area, or they could have twice as many base stations in a small area
Advertising I've seen has EE saying they have the biggest 3G network in UK, but considering that they've just merged 2 networks, that could either mean that they cover the largest geographical area, or they could have twice as many base stations in a small area
Apr 27, 2013, 12:28 am
#33
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,147
From what I hear, it's best to avoid the SIM card machines at Heathrow and just walk into a mobile store somewhere in London. Not sure if it's true, but I've heard the vending machines charge you several pounds just for the SIM card, which you would get for free if you got it in a store.
WH Smith shops at the airport also sell some SIM cards as well as recharge vouchers for many providers.
May 15, 2013, 3:41 pm
#34
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
Is there a way to get the SIM mailed to the USA? I need something for an upcoming trip to the UK for a family member and would rather set it up in advance.
May 15, 2013, 3:43 pm
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,225
It's hassle free to do it in the airport, though. I went to the Boots pharmacy to top up.
May 15, 2013, 4:15 pm
#36
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
is calling back to the states really only 3p a minute? Sounds like a pretty nice deal, 15pounds for unlimited data, 300 UK minutes, 3000 texts, and 3p calling to the usa? I'd buy that for 25$ if I could somehow get the card in advance. Might try ebay.
May 15, 2013, 4:26 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,225
I'm not sure where you get the 3p/min for calls to the USA. I don't think that's the case.
May 15, 2013, 5:00 pm
#38
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
May 17, 2013, 8:40 am
#39
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
I've had the confused moments before where it was cheaper to buy mobile minutes to call the US from from foreign mobiles than domestic ones. In Hong Kong, I once purchased 1000 minutes to call the US for about US$6.50.
May 22, 2013, 7:46 pm
#40
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 239
I switched to Ovivo 6 months back who provide advertisement supported free monthly allowance of 150min, 200 texts and 500MB Internet. Ł15 for the sim which is then credited to your account for PAYG.
http://ovivomobile.com/
I took a shot with them given it feels too much like a good deal knowing worst case was losing Ł15 but it has worked perfectly.
http://ovivomobile.com/
I took a shot with them given it feels too much like a good deal knowing worst case was losing Ł15 but it has worked perfectly.
May 26, 2013, 3:25 pm
#41
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 154
Not Very Tech Saavy, Need Help
I live in the US and will be visiting London for about two weeks. I need a SIM for local calls, calls back to the US and internet access via my smartphone. I'm thinking of using 3 UK, O2 or Lebara.
In terms of phones, I have two options. I have an unlocked Samsung Note SGH-1717 and an old iPhone 3GS.
My concern is which phone will be the easiest to set up when it comes to internet settings. If I am reading correctly, settings will have to be put in manually on the Note.
Any advice on which phone might be easier to use and which carrier more compatible would be appreciated.
I'm not very tech savvy so would appreciate any help.
Thanks!
In terms of phones, I have two options. I have an unlocked Samsung Note SGH-1717 and an old iPhone 3GS.
My concern is which phone will be the easiest to set up when it comes to internet settings. If I am reading correctly, settings will have to be put in manually on the Note.
Any advice on which phone might be easier to use and which carrier more compatible would be appreciated.
I'm not very tech savvy so would appreciate any help.
Thanks!
May 27, 2013, 1:04 pm
#42
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Springfield,MO,USA
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,604
There is an Android app called tweakker that should work on your Note as it works on my Samsung Infuse and Note 2
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...tweakker&hl=en
If you get your Three or O2 SIM from a Carphone Warehouse store, they will set up the phone for you.
They are all over:
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/store-locator/SW1
I have always had good experiences there despite reservations regarding their corporate parent owning Best Buy.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...tweakker&hl=en
If you get your Three or O2 SIM from a Carphone Warehouse store, they will set up the phone for you.
They are all over:
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/store-locator/SW1
I have always had good experiences there despite reservations regarding their corporate parent owning Best Buy.
May 28, 2013, 5:59 am
#43
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 154
Thank you for this. The app will work on my phone and if all else fails, I have a Carphone Warehouse just up the street from me. They are always very helpful.
@u600213, I just downloaded the app. Right now it only recognizes US carriers. Can I assume that this will adjust when I put a UK sim in?
@u600213, I just downloaded the app. Right now it only recognizes US carriers. Can I assume that this will adjust when I put a UK sim in?
Last edited by flyer0409; May 28, 2013 at 9:18 am Reason: Added a question
May 31, 2013, 11:21 am
#44
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
May 31, 2013, 10:24 pm
#45
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Springfield,MO,USA
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,604
It has worked for me with non-US SIM's.
I unlocked my AT&T Note2 using the instructions here using the built in Samsung debug menu as shown here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2037017
I unlocked my AT&T Note2 using the instructions here using the built in Samsung debug menu as shown here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2037017
Thank you for this. The app will work on my phone and if all else fails, I have a Carphone Warehouse just up the street from me. They are always very helpful.
@u600213, I just downloaded the app. Right now it only recognizes US carriers. Can I assume that this will adjust when I put a UK sim in?
@u600213, I just downloaded the app. Right now it only recognizes US carriers. Can I assume that this will adjust when I put a UK sim in?
Last edited by u600213; May 31, 2013 at 10:30 pm
