Telephones

[taimatsu]

I am looking at switching from Orange to Vodafone, as my Orange PAYG plan is very expensive and Dave and Eve, the people I call most, are on Vodafone (though actually Vodafone do not do differential rates per network - but they do have the Vodafone Family scheme - £5 per month for unlimited free calls -up to 60 mins per call- between 4 people, which sounds very very good. Only one person has to pay, so it would be a fiver between the three of us). I have a few questions for the all-knowing interwebs.

Firstly, I do not understand the price plans as outlined on this page - I do not see why anyone who used the phone much would stay on the Anynet Plan, as the Anytime Plan looks like it would be cheaper overall. (Not if you only make two one-minute calls on a typical day, clearly, but otherwise...) Can anyone explain/clarify?

Secondly, anecdotes about Vodafone's coverage? Orange were shit enough that I could not get signal in my bedroom at Norris Road (which incidentally precipitated the second, more damaging part of the row I had with my housemate).

Also, are there good reasons to avoid Vodafone? Are there other providers who, based on my requirements (cheapness for a relatively heavy user, coverage, cheap calls to Vodafone, PAYG preferred) might be worth considering?

Also, show of hands from my friends - what phone provider are you with?

Thanks :)