I doubt Plusnet will, without any warning, give everyone 30 days to move or lose their number. Let's not create and get mad at a problem that doesn't exist. The service is operating normally, there's no rush, let's stay calm.
Now, regarding the alternatives.
EE, like any proper network (Vodafone, Three, O2), are more expensive than virtual providers like Plusnet. They might not be the best option for you if you want to pay less, so what you want to look at is other virtual networks and see if you need to stay the the more expensive EE network or if you can use a cheaper alternative.
EE:
Like PN mobile, other providers on EE's network don't give you as much data. It's a trade-off between network quality (in some areas) and what your money gets you.
If you want or need to stay with EE's network, the best option is 1pMobile. There's free EU roaming (14GB) and unlike PN mobile, they have 5G access and your phone can use long range bands (eg: B20) which increases coverage in rural areas or indoors. One possible downside is that they don't have a mobile app, you need to use their site to see your usage.
There are also providers like RWG Mobile and Now Mobile, but feedback for them on sites like ISPReview are not great. They also don't have 5G or full network access like 1pmobile. In terms of network access, it's like Plusnet.
THREE/VODAFONE/O2:
This is where you'll find better deals as these networks are cheaper, so virtual providers can give you more for less. What's the catch? Well, every network has bad spots, but overall I think these networks have more bad spots than EE.
For example, in a place like London EE isn't the slowest or the fastest, but overall it's the most balanced network. If on Three I go from failing to load a video on 4G to competing with fibre speeds while using their 5G, on EE it doesn't get so bad that I can't use my data, but is also isn't as fast as Three's 5G. Overall EE is better for me because it's more consistent. For those in rural areas, the problem might be different (eg: coverage between towns).
I don't mean to scare you with this... In some areas these networks are actually better than EE. It's something to keep in mind and to test.
Three:
- Smarty: 5G, full network access, 30 day plans, wifi calling, nice app/website, 12GB of EU roaming, discounts if you have more than one SIM in your account. Owned by Three. Very good if you're okay with Three's network.
Vodafone:
- Lebara: 5G, full network access, 30 day plans, wifi calling, nice app, good prices for international calls, 30GB of EU roaming (and some other countries too).
- Voxi: Owned by Vodafone, so it's a "Vodafone Lite". They have some interesting plans, including unlimited data for some social media. No free roaming.
- Talkmobile: They give you a lot of data, which is the only nice thing I can tell you about them. 5G available, but no free EU roaming for new customers... I didn't like their support and their app looks terrible, but it's a good option if you want a lot of data in the UK and need Vodafone. Also, they increase their prices every year.
O2:
- GiffGaff: Similar to Smarty/Voxi, owned by O2. There's 5G, 5GB of EU roaming, active community. Not the best prices though.
- LycaMobile: A bit like TalkMobile, I think. Gives you a lot of data on O2 and includes 5G, but I don't think they have wifi calling or free roaming for new customers.
- Virgin Media: Since Virgin Media and O2 are the same company now, you can get discounts or more data if you also have your broadband with them.
GET THE BEST PRICES:
The best way to get low prices on these virtual networks is by using something like uSwitch: https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/compare/sim_only_deals/
If you're eligible for social tariffs, then sometimes both the virtual networks and the main networks have good plans. For example, Smarty gives you unlimited for £12. (I don't know how it works as I don't receive benefits, but the option is there if you do.)
WHICH ONE TO PICK:
Honestly, I don't know. It depends on a few things.
- If you don't want to change networks, go with 1pMobile. It's a bit more expensive (or give you less) than Plusnet Mobile, but it's almost like using EE directly. For some, it might be worth going with a long term EE contract or EE pay-as-you-go.
- If you want to try something else, it's hard to find something better than Smarty. The question is if Three's network is good enough for your needs/in your area. You need to give it a try.
- If you want to use Vodafone, I think Lebara's plans via uSwitch is the way to go. Maybe Voxi, if you prefer their plans.
- O2... I think their virtual networks are not as competitive right now. I'd probably go with GiffGaff as that's what I know.
Remember: with 30 day plans, you can move networks every month. I did it a few months ago to test the networks and 5G. You already know EE's performance, there's only 3 networks left to test. Keep it simple and don't over complicate things. Also, after finding a good network, you don't need to test them all.
WHAT I'LL DO:
We used to have 4 numbers with PN Mobile, now it's down to 2.
- One was transferred to 1pMobile because we needed full EE network (B20/long range/indoors) coverage in that SIM and a restricted PN mobile wasn't enough in the rural area where it's now being used.
- Another number (mine) got transferred to Vodafone. I wasn't happy with Vodafone and now I'm with Smarty/Three (120GB for £12). Not as good as EE around here, but works well enough for me.
The other 2 numbers are still with PN mobile because I had no reason to move them. As soon I have to, my plan is to move one to 1pMobile as I want that SIM to stay with EE and the other will be moved to Smarty.
I'm not going to move the 2 numbers yet though. Plusnet hasn't informed me of a service shutdown yet and since it only takes a few days to get a new SIM and transfer a number, I don't see a reason to "panic".
Moderators Note: Post edited at posters request regarding GiffGaff
