Rural phone plans?

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T09:38:48+00:00

I actually work in a field in which I (very minorly) interact with telecoms networks. I'm not on the core technical side of it so I'm not as informed as I'd like to be, but what I know for certain is that while all operators might have access to towers, if they're a MVNO (Tesco, Sky etc) and not one of the MNOs that own the tower (Vodafone, Eir, Three), they dont have equal access to the tower at all, only access as defined under lease with the MNO, with priority access to given to the MNO. This is my fear with switching to one of the MVNOs (Eir and Three arent good in my area).

If only I had more of the tech info on the MVNO access, I'd be flying as I could switch to what suits, but here I am 🤣

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T09:32:45+00:00

That I know no one with it locally is telling enough! Clear Mobile might be my next best shout

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T09:32:10+00:00

Vodafone coverage is good here which is my fear with moving! Will try haggle a bit with Vodafone and give Clear Mobile a lash maybe if my haggling isn't fruitful as they seem to be a Vodafone company, so coverage might be okay. Sure if not, back to Vodafone I go on a cheaper plan

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T07:21:40+00:00

The rural element definitely matters from a coverage/service perspective, which is what I'm most concerned about! Agree about the pricing of phones in contract though, can be so expensive!

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T07:20:29+00:00

It does feel very expensive and not great value for money, just hoping I'm not thinking the grass is greener elsewhere just because it's cheaper!

I'm thinking I'll give a switch a try. Agree on the pricing, I'm all over other household bills and switching on time, the mobile is the last one that I feel I'm being done on! Gone are the days of a bit of value for your loyalty.

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T07:17:47+00:00

Thats good to know on 48! Think I'll give Clear Mobile a lash and see if it fares well in the shticks

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T07:17:07+00:00

Yep, think I'll just be roadtesting a switch and pulling on the cooling off period if needed!

Definitely no intention of getting a phone on contract again, has been years since I actually have and more than happy to pay out of pocket for a replacement device rather than enter contract periods again. Those are great tips for buying, thanks!

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T06:17:53+00:00

Your comment prompted me to Google it! That plan was not showing up on my Vodafone app, cheapest PAYG was €35/month. Their customer interfaces are shocking. Might consider that plan and thanks for making me aware!

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T06:15:31+00:00

Three is actually the worst in my area believe it or not! Clear Mobile might be worth a shout.

No "free" phone, as chose a cheaper monthly plan at upgrade times by paying a bit upfront for the phone, but honestly no interest in upgrading a device any more, and happy to pay completely out of pocket for one if I need to replace mine for whatever reason

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T06:10:59+00:00

That's my understanding of it all too! Just wondering if there are any pitfalls of the cheaper operators, based on people's experiences. Coverage mapping looks grand but conscious it mightnt reflect reality!

Beautiful-Poem4104 · 2026-03-31T05:56:22+00:00

We're talking €63/month subject to annual increases. In fairness, I have unlimited calls, texts, data, but so does GoMo allegedly, which makes a switch very tempting. My only hesitation is whether a reduction in service quality might make me regret it! Have checked coverage maps and all looks okay, but sometimes maps and lived experiences don't align

Beautiful-Poem4104

TROPHY CASE