SIM cards for SMS only

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TwoHooter

TwoHooter

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We use a Solwise Envirotxt to alert us if there is a loss of shore power.
It uses SMS (text messages) to communicate with us (and I can trigger it by text).
Our current SIM provider is ASDA and it has been a reasonable deal because there is no monthly charge, we pay only for SMS messages, and top-ups don't expire over time.
But ASDA are changing to the Vodafone network, which I find is not as good as EE where we cruise.
I am struggling to find a replacement.
Any suggestions for a PAYG SIM card with no monthly fee, reasonable prices per SMS, and no expiry for top-up credits, using the EE network?
 
TwoHooter said:
We use a Solwise Envirotxt to alert us if there is a loss of shore power.
It uses SMS (text messages) to communicate with us (and I can trigger it by text).
Our current SIM provider is ASDA and it has been a reasonable deal because there is no monthly charge, we pay only for SMS messages, and top-ups don't expire over time.
But ASDA are changing to the Vodafone network, which I find is not as good as EE where we cruise.
I am struggling to find a replacement.
Any suggestions for a PAYG SIM card with no monthly fee, reasonable prices per SMS, and no expiry for top-up credits, using the EE network?
Click to expand...
I also use the Solwise device.
I got a PAYG SIM from EE and just top up if the usage goes to high with SMS messages. You only need 1 SMS in 3 months to keep the SIM active.
 
Thanks DipperToo. I'd like to know more about your SIM deal.
EE was the first place I looked but every EE PAYG deal I have seen, whether bought direct from EE or from a re-seller, requires a compulsory monthly top-up of £10.
That's about 3 times what I have been paying via ASDA where a £10 top-up lasts about 3 months sometimes longer, and the credit on the account never expires unless you actually use the card (ie: make calls or in my case SMSs).
 
Try 1p. Get an annual SIM for £30, 1pb per text or phone minute. Use it for trackers. Roam and all that. Bit pricey for big data.

Better coverage than Three. Not sure that is a real achievement though
 
I use GiffGaff, my unit is so old its 2g only so wont work with a 3 sim. It has cost me nothing over the last few years as I try and refer a couple of people a year to GiffGaff and that gives me £10 credit to use ;)
 
TwoHooter said:
Thanks DipperToo. I'd like to know more about your SIM deal.
EE was the first place I looked but every EE PAYG deal I have seen, whether bought direct from EE or from a re-seller, requires a compulsory monthly top-up of £10.
That's about 3 times what I have been paying via ASDA where a £10 top-up lasts about 3 months sometimes longer, and the credit on the account never expires unless you actually use the card (ie: make calls or in my case SMSs).
Click to expand...
To be fair I did buy my SIM card a few years ago direct from EE when PAYG meant exactly that - credit that lasted with no cut off date and flexible top up as and when needed.
If you are near one of their stores, it may be worth popping in and explaining that your remote environmental sensing devices need the ability to send and receive SMS messages with no requirements for data and if they have stopped selling SIMs like these, do they have specialist resellers who might help?
I think EE do still sell SIM cards without a pack and you can top up as and when needed. Obviously they prefer you to be locked into a recurring monthly pack!
 
TwoHooter said:
Thanks DipperToo. I'd like to know more about your SIM deal.
EE was the first place I looked but every EE PAYG deal I have seen, whether bought direct from EE or from a re-seller, requires a compulsory monthly top-up of £10.
That's about 3 times what I have been paying via ASDA where a £10 top-up lasts about 3 months sometimes longer, and the credit on the account never expires unless you actually use the card (ie: make calls or in my case SMSs).
Click to expand...

I noticed the real "PAYG" seems to have disappeared over the last or so. Lucky to find one in ASDA but they're no longer on the shelves

I also spotted the scam with the new cards where unused balance is lost at the end of the month. A nice little earner for the phone cos.
 
GifGaff?
They say "
With rates at just 25p/min, 10p/text and 10p/MB, if you're only using your phone now and then, pay as you go may be your best option.
Adding credit is super easy with card or top up vouchers.
Your credit will never expire while your SIM is active; that's about 6 months from your last use."
They use O2 but poor 4G cover does not matter for SMS text messages
 
I use a GiffGaff Sim in my burglar alarm autodialler. It works fine and I did not have to buy goodybags for it, just a single £10 top up, and make sure it sends a text every three months or so. The £10 will last years.
 
Norman_E said:
I use a GiffGaff Sim in my burglar alarm autodialler. It works fine and I did not have to buy goodybags for it, just a single £10 top up, and make sure it sends a text every three months or so. The £10 will last years.
Click to expand...

When and where did you get that card? In the last few months?
 
Loddon said:
Mine was direct from giffgaff I got a new one recently to use in a new switch.
PM me your address and I will get them to send you one and we both will get £5 free credit ;)
Click to expand...

Useful information, thank you. I missed that brand on my recent search.
 
Gwylan said:
Try 1p. Get an annual SIM for £30, 1pb per text or phone minute. Use it for trackers. Roam and all that. Bit pricey for big data.
Better coverage than Three. Not sure that is a real achievement though
Click to expand...
Thanks Gwylan - that's what I chose so that I could stay on the EE network at the lowest possible cost for our SMS monitoring device. It will be a full year before I know how the cost compares with my previous ASDA plan, but so far so good.
 
MattS said:
You’re completely right. Had a bit of a brain fart moment sorry!
Click to expand...
I’m changing this week from Asda to 1p for my PAYG backup phone. My main phone uses O2 (via giffgaff) so want another network for the backup, and EE covers the O2 gaps near home. £10 for a few months isn’t as good as Asda, but you could just let it lapse, then start another SIM account next sailing season.
 
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