Cheap Payg Dumb Phone Wanted.

[Atheist]

I'd like a new cheap phone for calls and texts only. Do I have to worry about 3G 4G etc? I had a ten quid MobiWire flip up, but one day the battery inflated a bit, enough to crack the outer case, so my daughter gave me an old Vodafone something or other with a slidy front to reveal the keyboard. I find it fiddly to use.

I am on an EE deal where I top-up when necessary (about 10£ a year. I'd like to find something I can use with my existing sim and EE package.

Is it possible?

[barry1010]

You do need to be aware that 3G and 2G will be switched off, 3G within a year or so.

There are plenty of cheap unlocked 4G phones available that will use your SIM.

This is an example, may be cheaper elsewhere 

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2911946?clickSR=slp:term:4g%20sim%20free%20mobile%20phone:9:306:1

[Atheist]

Thanks, Barry. Why does the G matter? If e.g. the mobile phone networks change up from 4G to 5G, does that mean that an old phone would no longer work?

Btw, I was hoping to spend a tenner! :-)

[Atheist]

Barry, your link shows a Sim free phone. What does that mean?

[Old_Geezer]

G dictates the generation of signalling used by the mobile to contact the network. If the networks opt to no longer support an older generation then your mobile can't work.

 

SIM free doesn't mean they send you a SIM card for free, it means it is sold free of any SIM card and you provide your own. You'll already have one in your existing phone, but SIMs do come in different sizes.

[Atheist]

Thanks, OG. It sounds as though I would put my old sim into a new phone, and then my EE package woud continue to work?

Are there many diferent sim sizes? I seem to remember there being a sim which could be inserted, but if the new insertion point was too small, then the old sim could have its centre popped out and the centre bit would then be able to fit in the slot of the new phone? Am I vaguely right?

[barry1010]

You are right about the different sizes. If you are determined to stay with EE and your SIM won't fit they will send you a new one.

You can transfer your number to any provider, it is easy to do.  You might find a better, cheaper deal elsewhere.

Phones are backwards compatible so a 5G phone can use 2, 3 and 4G but A 4G can't use 5G etc.

 

[Old_Geezer]

That's right. First cards were credit card size. They are so small these days that they are fiddly, easy to drop. Most you can just push out. If that isn't an option many mobile shops can cut yours down to size for you.