Hello Sixstring_uk,
I'm a little lost. You do NOT need to buy a handset from Vodafone to use the network and you do not need to buy a handset from any other network to make calls on their network with one of their SIM.cards.
I think Vodafone and other networks might like you to buy a handset from them of course and they may be able to do you a decent deal. Buyer beware!
If you are on or looking for a mobile phone contract - there are various options - some include a handset, others are SIM only contracts where you pop the SIM in your existing phone or one you have bought separately.
If you are on pay as you go (prepay) or you provide your own handset for a SIM only contract then the only thing that you need to do is 1) Make sure it is 4G or 5G capable (although possibly watch out for a yet unannounced 4G switchoff) and 2) please make sure the handset that you buy is unlocked to all networks.
There at least used to be phone shops that could sort out unlocking phones. It's worth in the first instance, if buying second hand, to ask what network the handset was originally on and contact the old network to unlock the phone so you can use any active UK SIM card in it.
Better still, ask the second hand seller to demonstrate the phone working with O2, Vodafone and EE - that will prove the phone is "network unlocked". Please also be careful of only buying from reputable sellers or people you know - some fraudsters sell phones in contract, don't pay the bill off and then the handset gets barred as it is still owned by the mobile network and not the customer/fraudster in this case that sold it to you.
To make a UK SIM card active, you simply buy it (most newsagents sell them), be mindful of the preset pay as you go package published on the wrapping), call customer services before topping up to make sure the package is right for you, top up and your SIM is then active.
Old pay as you go SIMs that have not been topped up for a long time become useless and you can't get the phone number attached back. Each network has its own policy on how long until a SIM is disconnected and becomes useless.
Some networks use your pay as you go SIM when you sign up for a contract and make them into contract SIMs for you. Others send you the SIM in the post. The network that you are with all have shops where you can also pop in for help with a new SIM - they'll fit it for you if you struggle.
Just a word of warning- if you are in the minimum term or within contract at all yourself, you will still be liable for paying unless you have good grounds to negotiate a termination fee waiver if you change network. The Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline can advise for free and impartially on consumer rights.
You may find my reply to Tom, who you were replying to, useful for further information on the 3G switch-off.
With any phone you are purchasing, includinf second hand, I'd recommend taking it into your mobile network's phone shop and asking them to make sure it has all of the correct network settings for you. They should show you how to do anything that you are unsure about too. They should help you for free. Alternatively, you can phone customer services.
Kind Regards,
Beanie.
