mobile network suggestions (UK)?

I’ve just realised that my current mobile phone contract is up for renewal. I admit it – over the years, I’ve been a bit of network tart. I’ve been on Orange, O2 (BT Cellnet when I signed up), Vodafone, One2One (which became T-Mobile) and now 3. As far as I can tell, I’ve tried every major mobile network available in the UK. Some quick observations:

Orange: seemed to work everywhere, even basement nightclubs – the builder’s network of choice
02 and Vodafone: I don’t remember much, work paid for it – and that’s their thing, corporate users
T-Mobile: Really cheap calls to the US once I signed up for the International call option, free and open WAP access, quite cheap calls and texts in the UK too but unable to match or even come close to my current deal…
3: not so great reception, no WAP unless you pay, no data through your mobile unless you pay, no… well, nothing except calls and texts in the UK unless you pay…

So what’s a person to do? Rather than visiting half a dozen mobile shops, I thought I’d tell you what I”m after and see if the comments/emails help guide me:

* I want the best camera possible for still photos (megapixels doesn’t necessarily beat optical quality!)
* I want to be able to connect to the internet via bluetooth using my mobile, preferably at 3G speeds
* I send around 200 texts a month and 300 UK minutes of calls – to any network at any time
* I call the USA a few times a month from my mobile
* FM or even better DAB radio is cool but not essential
* email on the move sounds great… but maybe a bit oppressive too… may or may not be a selling point
* I’ve happily used Nokia and Sony phones, unhappily have used Motorola. Wouldn’t even think about most of the others.

So there you have it, my needs, biases, etc etc. Can you help me find a network/package/phone that will work for me?

3 Comments

  1. I don’t really have any great ideas although tmobile has always done great for me. I don’t know of any great deals right now though. You can check out our site if you want! Good luck!

  2. mobilephone free gift deal

    Most people don’t know they can get a valuable free gift with their next mobile phone… all from a name you can trust… Tesco! Don’t go direct to a UK network when free Wii’s, HDTV’s, Laptops, Playstations and much more. All above board and from Tesco!

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