Talkmobile - Network Update 3rd July 2015
Whilst hunting for the best value PAYG rates, I was disappointed to see from one of my preferred websites that Talkmobile had discontinued their Essentials PAYG tariff.
This was one of the first PAYG MVNOs to offer low cost, basic rates at 8p/minute and 4p/text, along with Asda Mobile. Both networks piggybacked on the Vodafone network back then.
Talkmobile had some very misleading PAYG Rewards tariffs, which offered free texts and minutes for 14 days with each top up. These were somewhat confusing tariffs and I would never have recommended them on my website.
However, the Talkmobile Essentials PAYG tariff is back, now that Talkmobile have axed their other PAYG SIMs.
How does this fare compared against other PAYG networks?
It's not the cheapest, but it is still very low priced compared to many networks. Download my spreadsheet on this page to see the best value PAYG tariffs available today.
Talkmobile still runs on the Vodafone network, so if you are limited to that particular network in your region, then it's very competitive.
But what about Mobile by Sainsburys? They also run on the Vodafone network and charge 8p/minute and 4p/text.
The main difference is the data pricing: Mobile by Sainsburys now charge a flat rate of 5p/MB, whereas Talkmobile charge 25p for up to 25MB per day on a pro rata basis (not bad), but be warned: data costs 10p/MB thereafter (not good)!
Clearly neither Talkmobile or Mobile by Sainsburys is ideal for the average smartphone user, as app updates will happily chomp through at least 15MB per day, if not more, but at least Mobile by Sainsburys do have some great bundles.
Mobile by Sainsburys also have a UK based call centre in Scotland, whereas Talkmobile's is in South Africa - and some customers have posted negative reviews due to the way in which their problems have been handled.
I admit that I have had problems with Talkmobile with their SIM only tariffs before, but I've had issues with Mobile by Sainsburys, too: All of the UK networks can falter occasionally, it just depends how they deal with it and resolve the problem.
So does Talkmobile's Essential PAYG tariff offer good value?
There are no bundles available (though Talkmobile do some competitive SIM only and handset deals), but for very low users who want/need to use the Vodafone network, Talkmobile is the cheapest available network operator.
The ace in the hole isn't just the low call and text rates - Calls and texts to other Talkmobile numbers are halved, meaning that you pay the low price of 4p/minute and 2p/text - Which is really good value.
Verdict:
Not recommended for most smartphone users, as the daily data costs are likely to be rather high, this budget PAYG network is ideally suited for low or casual callers and texters who only need a basic phone to keep in touch occasionally.
There are no bundles available, so if you need to buy a pack of minutes, texts and/or data, look elsewhere.
This is (marginally) the cheapest PAYG network operating on the Vodafone network, so if you are limited to using Vodafone, then Talkmobile is worth considering (but compare also with Mobile by Sainsburys).
If you happen to call and text people on this network, then you'll be saving even more - which is worth remembering for families who may already be on Talkmobile with a contract SIM or handset.
