Inbound text number from FastSMS

You know I was looking for an incoming SMS number to do some tests and demonstrations with recently? I would previously have gone straight to www.zimepl.com and bought a number from their system.  However I thought it was time to give someone else a go. 

I selected FastSMS.  No particular reason per se.  I haven’t used their services before at all, but I was attracted by the fact that they were offering global +44 inbound numbers for £99 per year (as apposed to £49/month with ZimEpl).  I ordered at about 11am and my account and number was active about an hour later.  Smart!

I haven’t played with it yet as I haven’t managed to make the time but I’m impressed at both the price and speed of setup.  I wonder what the exact difference between the two suppliers services is?