Couple of Qs re iPhone on Vodafone

Coriolanus

Ok, I've searched and got a rough idea on some of my questions, but considering I'll be laying down a couple hundred € if I do buy an iPhone, I want to be sure.

I currently have a 3Pay phone, that has a number that I want to keep. (business cards printed with it on, don't want the hassle of having to let a long list of contacts know that I've switched numbers etc.)

With 3, I can use Skype for free, provided there's proper coverage in the area.

I know I can use Skype on the iPhone with Vodafone, but I want to make sure is that the data area reqs aren't vastly different to 3. I can get HSDPA signal on a Vodafone dongle in my house and work, so can I presume that I'll have a strong enough connection to use the app on the iPhone?

I use Skype a lot. Couple of hours a day for international calls, sometimes more. On 3, afaik none of that bandwidth comes out of my data allowance and/or credit. Is it the same with Vodafone or will any data passed come out of the 2G monthly allowance? How much, roughly, is 80 hours or so a month on skype going to eat into my 2G allowance?

The skype issue is pretty important for me. I only want an iPhone, but I need skype. So if it's going to be a problem, I'll just not bother with the iPhone at all.

Sorry if all this is obvious but I couldn't see an unambiguous answer in all my searchings.

Thanks.

jahalpin

Skype will only work on a Vodafone iPhone when you are in WiFi coverage, which is a bit annoying as it means that you wont be able to use it on the road

There shouldn't be a problem porting your number from 3 to Vodafone

I have heard that people transferring from pre-pay to bill pay are having to pay deposits of €200.

plu

You might be better sticking with 3 for the skype and get an unlocked iphone if that's what floats your boat. A Vodafone iPhone data goes through live.vodafone.com which doesn't allow voip / sip calls

Coriolanus

Cheers lads. Pretty much answers all my questions.