[pmjordan]

The situation here is extremely different. All phones work on all networks in principle. (except for 3G-only networks like Hutchison/3 which don't allow 2nd gen GSM handsets, and of course SIM locked phones, which are the norm if you buy the phone or modem via a major network operator)

You can get phoneless contracts which are much cheaper - either with no monthly charge (I literally pay nothing if I don't use the phone one month, and when I do it's €0.04/min or per SMS sent) or a very generous deal (1000 free minutes+SMS for €10-20 say). Prepaid is a little more expensive, 7-15 cents/min or /SMS seem to be the norm.

As for data, the rates vary wildly - I'm using prepaid at 2 cents/MB, but you can get €4 per started GB/month, or various contracts between €5 and €20 for some fixed amount of data, or unlimited data at €25+. They fleece you for > €1/MB if you don't have any specific data provisions in your tariff though.

For smartphones or netbooks, add €20-40/month, a minimum run time of 24 months, very inflexible conditions and at least one downside (for example, the most basic iPhone contracts often charge 25 cents per SMS, a rate that's otherwise unheard of).

[retube]

the best deal I've come across in the UK is O2's simplicity, which I've just signed up to (FUCK 24 month contracts). No phone, just a 1 month rolling contract at 15 / month with 300 mins and unlimited texts. Or if you sign up for 12 month contract, same minutes/texts but at 10 / month.

I bought a basic nokia for 30 quid. done.

[pmjordan]

I have a Nokia 2630 for phone use (basic & light, but has bluetooth for syncing contacts) - this frees up the iPhone for pure data & abroad usage. People can still get hold of me on my normal number, but I can take advantage of local SIMs.