2G or not 2G? That is the question.

[Xanadu_2]

 @Xanadu_2

...I noticed that. Never heard of Now Mobile either, looked like a third party reseller of a Virtual Network Provider's products!

I can't understand how their PAYG charges for mobile phone calls are so much better than Now Mobile's.

https://nowmobile.co.uk/rates/national

Other mobile networks 15p/min
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@ 

[#2]

...Only small problem(?) with RWG is, EE are planning to start switching off 2G in 2029.

https://ee.co.uk/2g-3g-switch-off

O2 seem yet to announce definitive plans and they were the last UK operator to switch off 3G - at the end of last month (February this year) where I am. So, might be preferable as the underplaying CP?

I'm not sure it's worth all this trouble. 🤔

Virgin Media O2 Reveals UK Plan for 2G Mobile Switch Off - ISPreview UK

[#3]

...But then again:

https://piblu.co.uk/2024/08/28/switch-off-announcement-o2-2g-and-3g/

Switch Off Announcement – O2 2G and 3G

"Adjustments are being made to O2’s network with the goal of retiring 2G and 3G services. These changes will begin in October 2024 and conclude by the end of 2026. 

• 1 October 2026 – 2G services will be restricted to existing IoT traffic and emergency calling outside of 4G coverage only."

[#4]

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@corringham wrote:

I use RWG - they do offer PAYG but some othercheap deals too.

---

Well, I went with RWG in the end. They do indeed have a PAYG tariff which seems very reasonable. Plus, their CP is (ultimately) EE, who look as if they may keep 2G around for normal retail use longer that O2 - we shall see.

I have to say their (Now Mobile) account operation is not the smooth well oiled machine I am used to with Tesco Mobile. Couldn't get any credit on the phone, even after I paid for a top up via the RWG online shop by credit card. Took quite some effort - including having to get through menus to Now Mobile. Anyway it is working now. (Albeit their *699# service code to check existing credit only returns "Request not completed !".)

However(!) not on the intended old Tesco Nokia 1100, but on another 2G phone that came into my possession long ago - just possibly a 'burner phone' previously used by a criminal organisation? (Less on that story later...)

When I put the RWG SIM and indeed a giffgaff one, into my 20 year old Nokia it says "SIM not valid". I tried to get it unlocked near the end of the account demise but unfortunately the end came before I received the Tesco Mobile link to pick up the unlocking code. Speaking to the helpful Tesco Mobile they said that putting an 'alien' SIM into a networked locked phone should cause the phone to ask for the unlocking code. They felt the phone/SIM socket might be faulty. But it can't be as it still boots up OK on its original Tesco Mobile SIM. I'm wondering if current phones behave as described but the old Nokia doesn't do this or is indeed in some way incompatible with modern SIMs. In which case how can such an old phone be unlocked, does anyone know?

They suggested the only possible way now to unlock the phone would be to buy another Tesco SIM, use that for at least 7 days in the Nokia and then ask for an unlocking code. At this rate I will soon be knee deep in SIMs. 

[#5]

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@pvmb wrote:

---

When I put the RWG SIM and indeed a giffgaff one, into my 20 year old Nokia it says "SIM not valid".

---

It was a while ago when I unlocked two old 2G phones - Alcatel and Motorola Razr - but I seem to remember that there was an option on the bottom edge of the screen that said "unlock" or "code". It would only appear when inserting an unsupported or "alien" SIM.

[#6]

@Xanadu_2 

I believe I am right and it works differently with these old phones. I looked online and found this:

"To unlock a Nokia 1100, you can use an online service to obtain an unlock code by providing your phone's IMEI number and the original network. Once you have the code, turn on the phone without a SIM card and enter the code using the format #PW+CODE+1# to unlock it."

So I tried here: https://unlockitfree.com/unlock

It returned a list of seven possible unlock codes for my Nokia 1100 - seemingly you can only try unlock a maximum of five times and then the unlock algorithm locks! You have to enter the letters by multiple presses of the * key. It's tricky and would need practice to enter as without the SIM in the phone it times out quite quickly to "Insert SIM".

[#7]

---

@pvmb wrote:

---

@corringham wrote:

I use RWG - they do offer PAYG but some othercheap deals too.

---

Well, I went with RWG in the end. They do indeed have a PAYG tariff which seems very reasonable. Plus, their CP is (ultimately) EE, who look as if they may keep 2G around for normal retail use longer that O2 - we shall see.

I have to say their (Now Mobile) account operation is not the smooth well oiled machine I am used to with Tesco Mobile. Couldn't get any credit on the phone, even after I paid for a top up via the RWG online shop by credit card. Took quite some effort - including having to get through menus to Now Mobile. Anyway it is working now. (Albeit their *699# service code to check existing credit only returns "Request not completed !".)

Oh dear! 😮

RWG Mobile
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/rwgmobile.wales

Well, my RWG PAYG SIM is working (for now!) - but it was a challenge actually getting it activated. Still, this is only for an 'auxiliary' 2G phone alongside my Tesco Mobile smart phone...

[#8]

Having loads of fun with my new 2G phone mobile company, RGW. The main fun question being: Do they actually exist?

Since I signed up with them I have got around to finding out more about them online (Oh dear!). RGW customers have been going ape since at least last year. RGW company support simply does not exist anymore, does the company? Nobody seems to know what is going on, people have been predicting its imminent demise for a couple of years now - it has been pronounced dead and wound up "according to the UK Gov website" and also, more recently, declared to be "No more" and having been "taken over by NOW mobile" - not that they get stunning reviews. 😁

Certainly, the RGW SIM was a Now Mobile SIM with an RGW sticker over it, the network reported on the mobile phone is NOW and customer support number, 669, takes you to NOW Mobile support.

I can still log on to my RGW account via the RGW website, I tried to log in to the NOW mobile account with the same credentials: No go! So, let's hope RGW keeps going.

Curiously, despite all the declarations of death, only a few days ago on the 23 March there was an update on the RGW website announcing the arrival of VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling for all customers, old and new. So somebody is trying to keep it alive (NOW Mobile?).

Meanwhile, despite all the online wails of despair and gnashing of teeth from disillusioned RGW customers left without credit or operating phones, my recently acquired RGW PAYG SIM continues to quietly function as required.

Whatever will happen next? 🤣

RWG | Mobile Network and Service Provider (rwgmobile.wales)

[#9]

Oops typo there @pvmb, RGW mobile probably doesn’t exist. RWG does, for now at least. We’ll need a moderator (perhaps) to change the error now.

Edit: Finally they have WiFi calling, a long time coming but better late than never.

[#10]

I'm almost sorry I mentioned RWG now!

My current 2 year deal is due to end in a couple of months and I've not had any issues, and it is very cheap. I'll see what happens when it comes to renewing...

However, I believe RWG Mobile is actually just a trading name of Iwithacircle Ltd - their accounts are as up to date with Companies House as they would be expected to be. I expect that reports of their demise is from people looking up companies called RWG Mobile and similar - several of which which ceased trading some years ago. There are two company officers, and I suspect very few if any staff - I don't expect the margins they make on the prices they charge cover many salaries. I'd guess that the support staff fit in answering e-mails around their day jobs (e-mail support suits me as I hate having to hang around in a queue), and that there are actually no telephone support staff at all (the margins wouldn't support the cost, and the number of customers probably doesn't warrant it anyway).

I suspect that a lot of the bad vibes are due to people expecting the same sort of customer service as with EE or vodafone, rather than accepting that it is really cheap and you get what you pay for,

Anyway fingers crossed for all us RWG users!

[#11]

---

@RPMozley wrote:
Oops typo there @pvmb, RGW mobile probably doesn’t exist. RWG does, for now at least. We’ll need a moderator (perhaps) to change the error now.

---

Yes, it's a constant source of confusion to me! Did you spot my other mistake? The given RWG MMI code for balance check is *669# (not *699# as I posted previously). Mind you, it doesn't work either way. I wondered if perhaps it only works/worked with bundles and contracts, but not PAYG.

Another thing that doesn't work - from the NOW Mobile network - appears to be Automatic Time Update. Although set on my phone the RWG/NOW Network failed to adjust for DST on my phone overnight (I left it on overnight especially) or on a reboot Sunday morning. I suspect NOW Mobile may not be sending out any time updates. My previous Nokia 1100 with the Tesco Mobile 2G SIM never failed to adjust for clock change and time update on boot up.

I guess you get what you pay for. 🙂

[#12]

---

@corringham wrote:

I'm almost sorry I mentioned RWG now!

My current 2 year deal is due to end in a couple of months and I've not had any issues, and it is very cheap. I'll see what happens when it comes to renewing...

However, I believe RWG Mobile is actually just a trading name of Iwithacircle Ltd - their accounts are as up to date with Companies House as they would be expected to be. I expect that reports of their demise is from people looking up companies called RWG Mobile and similar - several of which which ceased trading some years ago.

Yes, the company behind the RWG brand is, as you say, Iwithacircle Ltd (husband and wife owned company?). Their accounts may be up to date, will have to have a look, but their debt figures quoted online (if for the correct company) aren't encouraging. Seems they used to sell lifetime free call SIMs at start up - if true that sounds a bit like the Hoover 'Buy a new Hoover vacuum and get a Holiday' offer!

It's interesting to hear there have been other such named companies that have failed - just adds to the confusion.

There are two company officers, and I suspect very few if any staff - I don't expect the margins they make on the prices they charge cover many salaries. I'd guess that the support staff fit in answering e-mails around their day jobs (e-mail support suits me as I hate having to hang around in a queue), and that there are actually no telephone support staff at all (the margins wouldn't support the cost, and the number of customers probably doesn't warrant it anyway).

I think there is pretty well no support on offer now by email (though still auto-responds to online payments with order number as in online account), except via their 669 support number which now goes through to NOW Mobile support. The guy who started RWG used to work for NOW Mobile, so it may be they are picking up the tab. You can also get NOW Mobile vouchers at Tesco supermarket terminals, I checked today.

I tracked down and had a look at the RWG registered office via Google to a modern looking block of 'Serviced Offices', Merlin House, in a quiet road in Newport.

[#13]

---

@pvmb wrote:

---

Yes, it's a constant source of confusion to me! Did you spot my other mistake? The given RWG MMI code for balance check is *669# (not *699# as I posted previously). Mind you, it doesn't work either way. I wondered if perhaps it only works/worked with bundles and contracts, but not PAYG.🙂

---

I tried that code on Saturday but it didn't work at all. I'm pretty sure it used to since I've got the 'early bird' special of teaser bundle for 'life' for simply topping up £15 (I'm a very low user so I don't think I've cost them much and have still got that £15 on my balance). Also another thing that's no longer working is the checking of bundle allowance by sending a sms to 669 'info' 'space' then bundle code, the last time checking was 10th Feb when it worked ok.

Having been on quite a few small providers that have folded in the past, all have given plenty of time the warning before they cease trading. Hopefully RWG will do the same, if everything goes belly up.

[RPMozley]

 RPMozley

As I said above, it looks to me as if whatever has happened to the company RWG the brand (and website) are being kept alive by Now Mobile, at least for now. RWG support has gone, but their support number (669) goes (intermittently!) to Now Mobile and the network is showing on my phone as Now. Was it ever shown as RWG? I wonder if all the problems people are having are with RWG bundles and contracts etc? My RWG/Now simple PAYG service is still going fine.

One risk is that Now will eventually suspend the old RWG tariffs and apply their own, which are not quite as cheap. OTOH a thought occurs - perhaps Now Mobile will keep the RWG brand going with the simpler RWG PAYG tariffs, as their basic 'Lo Cost' Brand/Competition killer. It's a common business strategy these days. So I've heard. 😑

I'm still mulling over trying to port my old Tesco Mobile 2g number to RWG/Now - could be interesting!

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[#15]

It'd interesting to speculate on the nature of the company/brand RWG and its relationship with Now Mobile.

The idea of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is very familiar:

CP (e.g. O2) ---> MVNO (e.g. Tesco Mobile) ---> Mobile Customer

But the RWG setup always puzzled me:

CP (EE) ---> MVNO (Now Mobile) ---> Reseller (RWG) ---> Mobile customer

This makes RWG a kind of derivative MVNO, with cheaper tariffs than the underlying MVNO. Two possibilities come to mind. RWG was originally a 'genuine' standalone company - albeit the founder once worked for the underlying MVNO, Now Mobile - set up as a derivative MVNO, later taken over by MVNO company Now Mobile.

Alternatively, maybe RWG never was a 'genuine' standalone company, it was a kind of 'front' company or brand. (I don't mean to imply anything 'dodgy') That is, the small MVNO company Now Mobile, based in London, wanted to grow and looked around to see where it could expand its offering. Perhaps they hit on the idea of Wales as a likely area to recruit new customers, so decided to set up a Welsh branded 'front' company or brand, in order to better appeal to residents of Wales? Hence RWG.