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[geoffr70]

Hi peeps, I need to get a new cheap and basic mobile for my mam because hers is on the way out. All the cheap ones I see are sim free. How do I get it to work? Do I still need the old sim? Does the phone have to programmed? Etc etc!

Thanks peeps

[TheBoy]

SIM free are normally more expensive, as no network subsidies.

SIM free means you can chuck any old SIM in, its not locked to a specific network...   ...although be careful if its a Whorehouse supplied handset, as they tend to lock to the first SIM that goes in.

[geoffr70]

Ok thanks for your help, I know you can get unlocked phones but the ones I'm looking at say there isn't even a sim card slot. Don't know how that works?   they seem to be quite cheap as well because even though they're new, I think they must be old stock

[TheBoy]

SIM free shouldn't be locked (taking into account the underhand Whorehouse tactics mentioned already).

The idea is you use your old SIM, or buy a new SIM on your preferred network.


My network provider, GiffGaff, does not sell handsets, so I have to buy SIM free phones.

[geoffr70]

Ah I get you now! Thanks

[STMO123]

SIM free shouldn't be locked (taking into account the underhand Whorehouse tactics mentioned already).

The idea is you use your old SIM, or buy a new SIM on your preferred network.


My network provider, GiffGaff, does not sell handsets, so I have to buy SIM free phones.

I'm going with giff gaff when my contract runs out, I'll get my galaxy s unlocked and use that.

[geoffr70]

After further reflection it seems that I'm a pleb! I thought a sim free phone didn't take a sim, in actual fact it does, but it just isn't supplied with one! Think that's right!

[tunnie]

You always have to have a SIM, thats what contains the mobile number & network details 

Dongles have them too, numbers are allocated to them, but you can't dial them. 

[PhilRich]

After further reflection it seems that I'm a pleb! I thought a sim free phone didn't take a sim, in actual fact it does, but it just isn't supplied with one! Think that's right!

Not a 'Pleb' Geoff, just technologically challenged, just like the other 95% of us!

[Varche]

You always have to have a SIM, thats what contains the mobile number & network details 

Dongles have them too, numbers are allocated to them, but you can't dial them. 

And a first on the forum? My landline has a SIM. I can receive texts but not voicemails which suits me just fine!

[geoffr70]

After further reflection it seems that I'm a pleb! I thought a sim free phone didn't take a sim, in actual fact it does, but it just isn't supplied with one! Think that's right!

Not a 'Pleb' Geoff, just technologically challenged, just like the other 95% of us!

Yes, technologically challenged! That's a good way of putting it! All this technology stuff is getting too complicated for me now, and I'm only 30 haha! It all used to come naturally, not now

[Vamps]

Miss Vamps keeps me right but has oft been known to say 'I have shown you that loads of times' .......

[Martian]

I'm going with giff gaff when my contract runs out, I'll get my galaxy s unlocked and use that.

There's an app on the play store that will do that for you

[TheBoy]

You always have to have a SIM, thats what contains the mobile number & network details 

It doesn't hold the number...

Dongles have them too, numbers are allocated to them, but you can't dial them. 

/Panto mode

Oh yes you can - most dongles support voice, and all support texting.

[STMO123]

I'm going with giff gaff when my contract runs out, I'll get my galaxy s unlocked and use that.

There's an app on the play store that will do that for you

Thanks Mark, seen that one