Does anyone have a PAYG iPhone on Orange?

[Tidey]

I'm thinking about getting an iPhone but can't be trusted to have a contract as I will go mad and spend too much, so I can only go with a pay as you go one. Can anyone tell me if I can still use the Dolphin package where you get free internet and texts when you add credit? Or is there a different setup for data charges on the iPhone? I don't really want to spend £300+ on the phone and then find out that I can't afford to actually do anything with it.

Thanks in advance for any advice

The best advice, short of someone working for Orange posting here, would be to ring them or visit a shop.

I think that with the bulk of network operators changing the limits of how much data iPhone users they have separate tariffs for iPhone users and the older tariffs for "the rest", so I may be wrong, but suspect they will cough and splutter at you wanting to have a PAYG iPhone rather than a contract.

How do you expect to "go mad and spend too much" ? I only ask because there was a piece online about UK contract holders spending 800 million pounds on minutes they don't use, because at least 50% pay for a contract without having any idea of their 'average' usage.

Since the contracts generally offer from 300 to 1200 minutes, some have 'unlimited' (assume 3000 a month) texts, and 500 MB minimum of data, you probably can find some deal from Orange (or another network - after all, you can take your number with you!) that would be suitable for your needs.

You'll also need a new micro-SIM to fit the iPhone 4 if it's that model you want to use.

Please ignore me - I took a look on the Orange website earlier today (though my broadband connection has been up-and-down because of rain, since late morning, and only now seems stable again) and this page gives a range of options...

All the tariffs (Monkey, Dolphin etc) show "plus 250MB UK mobile internet browsing each month and unlimited Wi-Fi for 12 months." which is valid for someone buying the iPhone from Orange, I think.

the "unlimited Wi-Fi" is actually a maximum of 750 MB a month at BT OpenZone hotspots (probably at pubs, coffee shops and so on).

After the first year, it's not clear what data allowance you would get.

3GS iPhone with 8 GB storage 385 quid + 20 quid top-up (out of stock)

3GS iPhone 16 GB storage 440 quid + 10 quid top-up
(available in white or black)

iPhone 4G 480 quid (16 GB) or 570 quid (32 GB) + 20 quid top-up

Unfortunately it looks like your "300+" is closer to 450 at the moment. Hope some current users trade in their 8 GB phones for refurbishment + guarantee so they are "nearly new" but at 385 it's still a long way above 300 quid.

Please ignore me - I took a look on the Orange website earlier today (though my broadband connection has been up-and-down because of rain, since late morning, and only now seems stable again) and this page gives a range of options...

All the tariffs (Monkey, Dolphin etc) show "plus 250MB UK mobile internet browsing each month and unlimited Wi-Fi for 12 months." which is valid for someone buying the iPhone from Orange, I think.

the "unlimited Wi-Fi" is actually a maximum of 750 MB a month at BT OpenZone hotspots (probably at pubs, coffee shops and so on).

After the first year, it's not clear what data allowance you would get.

3GS iPhone with 8 GB storage 385 quid + 20 quid top-up (out of stock)

3GS iPhone 16 GB storage 440 quid + 10 quid top-up
(available in white or black)

iPhone 4G 480 quid (16 GB) or 570 quid (32 GB) + 20 quid top-up

Unfortunately it looks like your "300+" is closer to 450 at the moment. Hope some current users trade in their 8 GB phones for refurbishment + guarantee so they are "nearly new" but at 385 it's still a way above 300 quid.

sorry for double post...

Orange Charged me N extra £5 data bundle when I ordered my new sim. All the networks are doing it. Even the guy from orange thought it was unfair

Well, I bought one. Apparently I get free internet for a year and then the Dolphin offers after that. However. I can't get the internetty stuff to work on it at all. The username and password they sent me won't let me use the wifi, and the 3g internet doesn't seem to be anywhere on it. Will have to phone Orange tomorrow and try to work out why it's not letting me do anything. Thanks for the replies

I assume the username and password are for when you are out shopping etc, for using a BT OpenZone wi-fi access point... so won't work at home...

No idea about the 3G internet access. As for calling Orange - I think it would be easier to be in an Orange store, so they can do whatever is needed and you'll save on charges for calling them.

Make sure you go in early (or early afternoon) so if there's a problem, you can sit and watch them sort it for you before they shut shop!

I know Carphone Warehouse offers to set up iPhones for people, and given the money that changes hands, it's not like they can dismiss their responsibilities (whereas if I paid 25 quid, then I would expect to be 'on my own' with the manual!)

I think you're right but unfortunately I couldn't get to a town with an Orange shop today and there isn't one in my town so will have to do it by phone. Tried earlier but apparently they can't talk to me cos I'm not the one who actually bought it, so have to wait for DP to get home so they can tell him what to do So at the moment I have a very expensive phone that does calls and texts and nothing else. I shouldn't have been seduced by all the pretty symbols on the front

Rather frustrating when they won't even talk to you about the phone. Well, 'good luck' is about the most I can offer this minute!

Looks like the weather might be nice today (compared with the clouds yesterday) so take your mind off the phone and get a (slight) tan

(I'm north of you, near Wrexham, so listen on 96.0 as it is one of the nearest 'local' radio stations for weather and news.)

Thanks NetworkGuy