Hello,

I am currently on PAYG, but I am wanting to go down the contract route as I want to send more texts and its a fortune on PAYG.

Does anyone recommend any good places to get a contract phone?

If possible I'd like to get a new phone rather than just a new sim.

But I'd also like to keep my same number, so I dont whether or not I can just keep my SIM?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Same number is not a problem at all. Same SIM is irrelevant, your number would just be transferred onto a new SIM card if necessary.

If you are willing to redeem rebates by posting in bills and are confident that you are organised enough to not miss deadlines and things then I recommend going via e2save.

If you are spotless in claiming your rebates, you shouldn't find any problems.

If you don't want to do that kind of thing, go directly to a network online, buying the phone through them.

If they don't offer the phone you want then the next (and last place) to try is carphone warehouse (a shop not online). Not all phones are available on all networks so either prioritise your network and pick a handset or prioritise a handset and pick from one of the available networks.

Stupid question but what is "by redemption" ?

These are the offers seen at the back of some newspapers where companies offer money off your line rental over the period of your contract. For example, six months line rental for £1.99. In smaller print it says by redemption. It is not six consecutive months, but six specific months over the length of your contract, such as the 3rd, 6th, 9th and so on. At those points you send in your bill and they send you a cheque for the amount minus the £1.99.
Some people like these deals, some don't. This is because of how the cash back terms is worded and the onus is on you to remember which bill to send and when. Some claim the terms are deliberately confusing in order for the company not to pay you what you are owed. You also lose out if the company ceases trading, which has also happened. Others on the forum have complained about the length of time it has taken for them to receive free gifts often included in these deals.
If you are unsure go, direct to the networks, make sure it is those who have a good signal in the places you need it. No point in getting a good deal if the signal is poor or non-existant.

If you're gonna get a contract please AVOID [Phones 4 U at all costs!!

Personally I'd recommend going direct through the network. I am on vodafone contract and from them I got a free N95, 500 minutes and unlimited texts for £35 a month (just downgraded my tariff to a £15 a month one) and I got it all from the vodafone website. So I'd say choose whatever network you want then order it through their website or go to the networks official shop (not carphone warehouse etc)