Fuddy Duddy GrandMa Phone

We got my dad a Huawei phone for his Christmas and he had never used a smart phone in his life. He loves it. OP - you say you have a tablet. A smartphone will basically work in the same way as your tablet, and will have additional icons for phoning and texting. If you can maybe pop into the Vodafone store (I’ve found them a great help) and explain your dilemma - I’m sure they’ll help you out.

i have a basic phone on PAYG with 3. I have to use it once every 100 days or so to ensure it is still connected - i just ring the home number and end the call before it connects. I too have no desire to be on a contract but unlike others I do not know how to text etc. I need to find an easy to operate smart phone but have no idea what make - maybe another post for recommendaitons.

clydeschu2007

I searched to see if Virgin Phone Shops were open, and find they are merging with another company so will not open again.

You won't need to contact your old provider again.
audacity.vip blender.onl gimp.cc

ExD - I share your frustration with mobile phones. I'm older than you (84).
I have one and husband has programmed it to an easy method to switch on and off and contact him if I'm out and need help.
I've no idea how it's paid for.
I still have all phone contacts on landline and others email.

I searched to see if Virgin Phone Shops were open, and find they are merging with another company so will not open again.

ExD I wonder if it’s possible you have a faulty sim? Perhaps you could get another one in Tesco or Asda and try it with a small amount of credit on it. It would both let you test if your phone is working and try another network to compare with Virgin.

ExD
A good way to get the attention of companies is to post on Trustpilot. You are more or less guaranteed a response from said company.

That is so kind.
I haven't managed to solve the problem yet simply because the darn phone just plain doesn't work.
Well - it does actually 'fire up' and show the start screen, and it does unlock when I swipe across.
But then across the top are the words 'INSERT SIM CARD' which of course I have done.
I can write a text - but I cannot send it because I get the message 'EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY' so I don't know how to get my PAC number.
The virgin shop in town is closed.
Frankly I've left things in abeyance for the moment but am currently trying to find a way to contact or speak to someone (not a robot which is what you get when you phone) to get this magic number.
Thanks for the info, it was nice of you to bother.

@ExD have you sorted your phone yet? Martin Lewis MoneySavingExpert has written about keeping your number in his newsletter this week - see below I’ve copied the section for you.

Switching to a cheaper deal with another network is easier than ever, as you no longer have to call your current provider to ditch it, so you avoid the hard sell of them trying to make you stay. Here's what to do:

Request a switching code by text. Simply text 'PAC' for free to 65075 on any network and you'll be sent your 'porting authorisation code' (PAC) immediately via text so you can keep your number. To get a new number, text 'STAC' to 75075.

Its text must include important info such as any exit penalties, outstanding handset costs or credit balances.

You need to give the switching code to your new provider within 30 days. You'll then be switched within one working day. You won't need to contact your old provider again.

This explains why you should turn off Mobile Data if PAYG www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-7764569/Why-does-having-data-turned-rinse-credit-PAYG-phone.html

If you rarely use your phone away from the house, only for emergencies, then PAYG is probably the cheapest option. I pay about £15 a year. The main thing I use it for away from house is the camera, very handy.

I use the whatsapp to ring my family in Australia free, even can have free video calls, but I do it when in my house using my WiFi, so no cost.

I have turned Mobile Data on my phone off so it does not cost me when away from my house. Very important to do this on PAYG.

I have noticed that people with monthly contracts use their phones more than me when out, googling things, checking their bank, checking their emails, and texting people. I am happy not to do any of that until I get home.

If I am in a restaurant/etc etc they often have free WiFi so I can use my phone there also.

Yes definitely try your husbands phone.




I rarely use it away from my house as I don't want to spend on

I’ve got a smartphone but I’m still on pay as you go as I don’t use it an awful lot, and at home I can connect to WiFi and use that on it. I used to be with virgin but they got too expensive, now I’m with Asda (I changed some years ago ) and I had no problems keeping my number. They will help you with changing over if you ring your new provider’s customer service - I had to get a code off Virgin and tell Asda, not too difficult at all and I think it’s easier now than when I changed mine. My friend is with Tesco Mobile and she likes them.

ExD if you have access to your husband’s old phone you should try it. That’s how I started with my son’s old one. I would class myself as an old fuddy duddy when it comes to new technology but I find it so easy to use. If you can use a laptop you’ll manage a smartphone no problem.
I use mine for everything and seldom use the laptop now. I email and use the internet etc on the phone.

I have a monthly rolling contract of £9 with O2 which can be cancelled anytime. Because the phone is connected to WiFi at home I use very little of the 2GB data and also have 1,000 texts and 500 mins of calls. I love it for video calls via WhatsApp with my grandkids and other relatives hundreds of miles away which are all free calls.

ExD I’ve found a good way to contact companies is via Twitter. I don’t think you have to have a Twitter account to message someone.
I’ve always had a fairly swift response (within a couple of hours).

Can I? Well you live and learn thank you. I might take over my DH's old one.
I have finally found an address to write - just Virgin Media, Sunderland and a postcode, so I've written. I wonder if I'll get a reply (by text to the non working phone) no doubt ?
As a matter of interest what is the name of the code I need from them in order to keep my present number if I change suppliers? CAN or something?
I will start a new thread asking for reliable supplier later. .

You CAN still have PAYG, I do. But you have to buy the phone.

I use pay-as-you-go because I seldom use it and don't want to pay for a contract. I admit I am a very unsatisfactory customer for any phone company so I can understand them not wanting to help.
Seacliff's phone number was an automated instructions which I followed, but it was just telling me how to insert the sim - which I'd done several times - and the phone still says 'Enter SIM'
I am sure I could manage a smart phone, but I couldn't manage the cost! (hence cheapskate PAYG)

ExD I was given a smart phone by my son, it’s brilliant. I think you might find it easier than you think!

ExD if you get through to customer service don’t be put off if recorded message tries to convince you they are exceptionally busy dealing with emergencies etc. Stay on the line and someone will help.
I have Virgin tv and broadband and phoned them recently. I ignored the prompt to end the call and go to their online troubleshooting guide which I’d already tried and failed at the previous day.
I waited a short time and a very helpful young man took my call. He was working from home. He solved the problem I was having and also reduced my monthly package by £5

Thanks everyone.
They did send a new card which I inserted, and it was fine. Its still not working this morning, and although Virgin was down 2 days ago, according to the net its up and running again now. I haven't been able to find how to check if I have credit. Its not in Settings or Services as far as I can see. Services comes up with 'sim not support'.
I will try the number Seacliff gave me - thank you.
I tried 150 but got the message 'emergency calls only'.

I read recently that Virgin mobile are making changes to their network which required current PAYG customers to insert a new SIM card to continue using their service. I’ve had a google and copied this from their site. They will provide the replacement sim for free but I think if you don’t do it your mobile will no longer function on their network.

If you’ve received a letter from us you will need to swap the SIM in your phone to continue to use our services. It is essential that you swap ASAP as these SIM cards will be completely deactivated in the future. All you have to do is read through the letter that comes with it, and then put the SIM in your phone. It’s quick and easy, and if you’ve got any questions, you’re in the right place.

Hi ExD

Here is a Virgin help number to try and ring from your landline 0345 454 1111. I am not sure if they will be there to help you. I searched to see if Virgin Phone Shops were open, and find they are merging with another company so will not open again. www.choose.co.uk/news/2020/virgin-media-close-all-uk-shops/

I bought my phone direct from a vodafone shop, although they sent it by post. They are now open, so maybe you could go in and ask for advice. As I say, I bought the phone, and chose PAYG, although of course they always like to sign you up for a monthly contract.

This is what I got www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/phones/pay-as-you-go/vodafone/smart-v10

If you buy it from a phoneshop (whatever phone) say you will buy it if they are willing to then help in setting it up for you. Good luck.

You sound IT competent, I'm rubbish.
My head just can't take all this on board at 81 years old - I mean I go back to the days of "Number Please" honestly, so computers and phones leave me floundering.
I didn't know you could use a smart phone without paying a set amount a month on a contract. I don't even know how to use a touch screen.
Looking on the internet I see Virgin were 'down' yesterday, but I don't have any idea how to get them back 'up' again. There isn't even a phone number to ring, someone mentioned phoning 150 but if my phone isn't working that isn't possible. I do have a landline.

I meant to say, I kept my old phone number and transferred it over.

Yes Chewbacca, I was also going to ask if the credit had expired.

I had a PAYG old style phone for years and was quite happy with it. Then my son gave (sold) me his almost new smart phone, as it wasn't quite what he wanted. Now I really love it, although I don't often use it for phone calls.

I still have PAYG, I put about £15 max on a year maybe. The actual phone is a Vodafone most basic one, about £110.

I love it for the camera, I take so many pics now, then delete ones I don't want. I also use whatsapp (free) to message chat in a family group, and talk on the phone, including to Australia, all free.

I was sort of forced into having it, but now I find it very useful. Might be worth a thought if yours is really not working properly.