In reply to a post by RobertoS:

It's still a monthly, or whatever, contract if it expires after a fixed time. It isn't PAYG which by definition is pay (normally in advance) for what you use.

These 'packs' only originally applied to data, the voice minutes and SMS texts were paid on a per usage; and all the networks still offer real PAYG data, its just it ends up being VERY expensive for most modern users, so its makes commercial sense to sell these bundles. Mostly to people who can't get a 30day SIM only or are under age.

I've no objection to the products - just their invalid description. I admit I can't instantly think of what they could be called instead.

Likewise which is why I assume they are PAYG "with packs".

Three still offer the 3-2-1 plan, 3p per min, 2p per text, 1p per mb used.

In reply to a post by gordon_k:

If the issue is large data volumes, then surely this can be paid for very aptly by charging per MB - those who use large amounts of data will pay large amounts; those who use small amounts will pay small amounts, in exact proportion to usage.

As WWWombat says this isn't about the data volume, its about *where* and *when* the data will be used; without reliable income.

As I pointed out, this isn't a situation where the provider has to install and maintain separate infrastructure for each user - the only individual hardware needed is the phone itself, for which (in the case of PAYG) the cost to the mobile company is zero.

Not quite - the radio spectrum costs a fortune (viz to Ofcom), and the fixed infrastructure costs are very high; amortised across all the user community. Basically the networks hate PAYG and want people on regular spending, even if that is as low as £5/m it allows them to plan.

Whereas fixed infrastructure like Openreach FTTC is a massive installation cost, but the running costs are significantly lower.

Three have a new Data Reward sim, that uses their 321 concept, but, if you register the sim you get free 200mb data allowance each month in addition, I would expect as the 200mb is refreshed each month that the sim continues to be valid even if you do not use it.

How long does the gigabag last from purchase with little or no usage, 30 days?

Yeah, I think that's what I've got.

Should be starting on it soon, just using up the last credit on my GiffGaff SIM.

For the GiffGaff gigabags it's a calendar month - i.e. if you buy it on the 17th, it expires on the 17th of the next month.

In reply to a post by gordon_k:

The one exception seems to be GiffGaff, who do allow tethering on their PAYG, but whose price is now 5p per MB.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with info. My plan for my emergency broadband is to get a GIffGaff SIM (which comes with £5 free credit on your first top-up) and top it up with a £5 Gigabag which gives 500 MB.

Be aware that you will get nagging emails if you do not use the phone after a couple of months, and the threat of ceasing the number if there is no usage by a certain date.
They also send out surveys asking about your usage on the phone.
I only know this as I have a gifgaf sim in a backup mobile at my mothers that is for emergency use only.

Just make a free call to a 0808 No. once a month.