Modern life would be nigh impossible without a mobile phone constantly to hand, but if you’re a regular mobile user then all those texts and minutes can add up to an extremely expensive contract. The good news is that there are some great deals out there, particularly if you’re prepared to think outside the box.
Compare prices
Start by shopping around. Check out price comparison sites to find cheap deals, but it’s also worth asking large providers like Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile directly for quotes. Never renew your contract without having a good look at exactly what’s out there first.
How many minutes?
One of the main ways in which mobile phone users lose money is by over or underestimating the services that they require. If you consistently use more minutes every month than are included on your
mobile phone contract, you will almost certainly be paying over the odds to use your mobile. On the other hand, if you never use up the minutes you pay for then you could be on a cheaper contract. Estimate your monthly usage by looking carefully at your mobile bill and search for deals based on this.
Added extras
Do you regularly call abroad? Is mobile internet a must for you? Are you a texting fiend? If so, make sure that you choose a contract personalised to your needs. For example, those who rarely make calls from their mobile but text regularly should consider a tariff which includes a large bundle of free texts but fewer free minutes.
Who do you call?
If most of your calls are made to numbers on a particular network, consider switching to that network yourself. Many providers offer cheap deals and ‘free numbers’ on calls to others on the same network, and it’s an easy way to save money.
Are you a gadget lover?
How important is it for you to have a top of the range mobile handset? If the answer is ‘very’, then you may end up paying for a more expensive contract. However, if you simply want to make calls and send texts you could opt for a less fancy handset and a cheaper contract. This only applies to some providers – Vodafone, for example, offer a £35 monthly tariff which allows you to take home some of the latest
mobile phones, such as the snazzy new
Nokia N96, for free.
