P.A.Y.G. or Contract?

[Wispy68]

I am currently paying out around �40 per month on Pay As You Go, but am considering changing to a contract phone. Would it work out cheaper in the long run, could I keep my existing number and is Direct Debit the only method of payment? (I am asking this question on A.B. because I'd like to hear from others who have used both, whether good or bad, and not from a sales person!) Cheers.

[rja211077]

If you're spending that much it's almost certain to work out cheaper (but how much depends heavily on your usage patterns). Some service providers will let you pay by methods other than DD but most will apply a surcharge - DD is the way forward. Not sure whether you could keep your number.

[Stav]

Most companies now let you either keep your number if you stay on the same network, or let you transfer you number accross to a different network. I recently changed from Virgin to Orange (both PAYG) keeping my number, with no problems at all. Some companies may charge you to do this, but i think mostly its free. You will need to obtain a PAC code from your current network if you are changing networks - just ring them up and ask for one, then setup your new contract and give them the PAC code, they will then take about 2 weeks to transfer your number accross, giving you a temporary one in between. GO to www.carphonewarehouse.com which may explain your questions, or go to your network's website fo more help.

[dodd_tim]

theres a law in the UK which states that the networks MUST let you take your number (helps competition in the industry). monthly contract will be much cheaper but make sure you get a contract to suit your calling patterns not the one which the sales person wants you to go in for. DD is not the only method thats for sure. you can phone up when you receive the bill and pay by credit or debits card or send off a cheque every month. sometime they discount DD payers but its only a couple of quid opposed to the �30 you'll be charged if you dont have the money in your account when the DD goes through! PLUS, you'll get a better brand spanking new phone when you sing up for a contract and probably get �20 for your old hand set...p.s. keep the pay as you go SIM card if you can...they're invaluable when you something goes wrong like you lose your phone etc.

[Starsky]

My brother recently went from PAYG to contract with Vodafone. It was all completed over the phone in a few minutes. He kept his number (and the SIM card) and received a new phone as well. As the call charges are generally cheaper on a contract you SHOULD end up better off providing you choose your tariff carefully. The CPW in-store booklet has some good tables for comparison. Regarding the networks, I currently have O2, Vodafone & Orange contracts and all 3 companies have given me excellent customer service. My only advice would be to deal direct and not through a third party airtime provider.