So I'm moving to the UK in ten days (so excited) and I've been looking over the cell mobile phone services there, as establishing a bank account (please spare me the horror stories of doing this as as visa holding resident, I've heard enough to enter into the fetal position as it is) and getting a mobile phone plan are some of my first priorities. From what I can tell, UK customers are used to a different system than I am, and I'm hoping that you guys can clarify some things for me.
1) Carriers. I've been told before that there are pros and cons to each, but in the end they're somewhat created equal. Do you find this to be true? What about with regards to data plans, cost, and coverage? Does anyone offer free mobile-to-mobile calls within the same network? That is a standard feature here in the US nowadays, but I see no mention on the Vodafone/O2/Orange/T-mobile websites (although, I've been made to believe that incoming calls to a mobile are free regardless, is this true?).
2) Phones. As I'm moving away from a lot of friends/family, I'm expecting email to become more and more a tool for communication. You guys also have way cool UMTS/HSDPA networks. So, I'm thinking of buying a smartphone. I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of GSM phones available. As Apple folk, I know you guys a) probably like to sync your incredibly handy device with your Apple computer and b) you "Think Different", so with that in mind, is there any particular brand/model you would recommend that's good for data/email/etc.
3) Unlocked vs locked. Also, I read on these boards and elsewhere that SO many people in the UK buy unlocked phones. I see that most carriers will give you a pretty swish phone (blackberry, etc) for free with an 18 month contract, is this a bad way to go? I looked up the prices of unlocked phones and some of them made my jaw drop. If you do buy unlocked phones, how do you do it without breaking the bank? I bought a decent little phone here that will work over there on the 1800mHz band for now (it was 20 bucks, nothing special) and immediately broke the simlock, and tried to load up a Mobile World sim and the phone didn't complain (we'll see when I stop off the plane how everything goes...). Simlock breaking, of course, has some approval in the law here through consumer protection laws, but how common is it to break the simlock on a locked phone in the UK and how much do the carriers hate you for it (do you lose service/contract?).
I know this post is long and asks lots of questions, but any sort of insight you all could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1) Carriers. I've been told before that there are pros and cons to each, but in the end they're somewhat created equal. Do you find this to be true? What about with regards to data plans, cost, and coverage? Does anyone offer free mobile-to-mobile calls within the same network? That is a standard feature here in the US nowadays, but I see no mention on the Vodafone/O2/Orange/T-mobile websites (although, I've been made to believe that incoming calls to a mobile are free regardless, is this true?).
2) Phones. As I'm moving away from a lot of friends/family, I'm expecting email to become more and more a tool for communication. You guys also have way cool UMTS/HSDPA networks. So, I'm thinking of buying a smartphone. I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of GSM phones available. As Apple folk, I know you guys a) probably like to sync your incredibly handy device with your Apple computer and b) you "Think Different", so with that in mind, is there any particular brand/model you would recommend that's good for data/email/etc.
3) Unlocked vs locked. Also, I read on these boards and elsewhere that SO many people in the UK buy unlocked phones. I see that most carriers will give you a pretty swish phone (blackberry, etc) for free with an 18 month contract, is this a bad way to go? I looked up the prices of unlocked phones and some of them made my jaw drop. If you do buy unlocked phones, how do you do it without breaking the bank? I bought a decent little phone here that will work over there on the 1800mHz band for now (it was 20 bucks, nothing special) and immediately broke the simlock, and tried to load up a Mobile World sim and the phone didn't complain (we'll see when I stop off the plane how everything goes...). Simlock breaking, of course, has some approval in the law here through consumer protection laws, but how common is it to break the simlock on a locked phone in the UK and how much do the carriers hate you for it (do you lose service/contract?).
I know this post is long and asks lots of questions, but any sort of insight you all could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
