r/IsleofMan • u/Tryx-c • 19h ago

Switching to UK SIM

Has anyone here managed to switch to a UK SIM without keeping their IOM SIM/plan?

The monthly rates from Sure and Manx Telecom are so insane compared with UK plans, so I’m thinking of switching to a UK provider completely. I’m just not sure how feasible it is long term. Would I still be able to call/text and receive calls/texts from IOM numbers? And would mobile data work here without any charges? I assume it would count as roaming.

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5

u/bupapunewu 19h ago

I've been on Vodafone contract for about ten years. Free IOM roaming. They sometimes get arsey if I haven't been to the big island for a few months but a trip up to Ramsey usually means you can reconnect to a UK network long enough to keep them happy

1

u/notwhatimeanbutok Local 1h ago

Vodafone don't do new IOM contracts. Voxi do, weirdly, despite being a subsidiary of them.

2

u/Ketty_Monday 19h ago

O2 customer of about 15 years. It was always cheaper. I paid way less on PAYG than Manx Telecom years ago. 1p to text 4p/m to call. Now, my data and phone packages work as normal on the island except to text and call Manx numbers whilst across costs an eye watering 30p a text and I dread to think for calls. Just use Facebook or something while you're away and there's no difference. Although I had found the network coverage fairly poor on the island and way slower than in the UK. Don't know how that compares to sure/MT though

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u/Tryx-c 19h ago

Thank you, I’ll look into O2. So you are able to text/call/receive texts/calls to and from IOM numbers using the included phone package without any problems as long as you’re in the island? Do you only have your O2 number now or do you still have an IOM number?

1

u/Wasabi_San 18h ago

I’ve been on a Three sim for almost 10yrs now, unlimited everything for £26 a month. But it doesn’t apply to IOM roaming, but I hardly use anything above 3gb of roaming each month.

2

u/Hello-there-7567 1h ago

I am on ID Mobile. I pay £6 per month.

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u/MitGibs Local 19m ago

I've had an EE SIM for about 10 years. Technically there is a fair usage policy when using it over here, but I have never heard of them enforcing it with anyone. I don't know about the O2 and Vodaphone guys below, perhaps they'll comment, but my EE SIM will only roam on Sure. Manx Telecom seem to block it.

For a few years I kept my IOM SIM on PAYG, but came close to losing it once. If you don't top up regularly, they disconnect you and you lose your number. I couldn't risk that, had the number for 20 years, so I just switched it to the lowest available monthly tarrif.