Mobile Experts Share How to Save Money on Your Phone
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Many mobile phone users are set to be hit with hefty bills as mid-contract price rises are set to be higher than usual due to inflation.
With the cost-of-living crisis already impacting many across the UK, consumers may find themselves in a situation where their mobile phone costs more than they can afford.
Most networks are legally allowed to increase prices mid-contract in line with inflation, set out in contract terms when you sign up with your provider. Price rises tend to only happen once a year but with the large increases in inflation in the last year, mobile prices have increased by up to 17.3% — a much higher amount than before. However, depending on the terms and conditions, you might be able to leave your contract free of charge. To help guide consumers, mobile phone retailer Fonehouse has shared how to save money on your phone.
If You’re Still in Contract
If you’re still in contract, unfortunately, there is little you can do right now as you usually can’t cancel your contract early without paying expensive exit fees. It may be worth speaking to your current mobile network to see if you can move to a cheaper deal, otherwise, make a note of when the contract ends and look to find a better deal.
If Your Contract is Ending
For those in the fortunate position of a contract coming to an end, you will be free to switch providers or ask for a better offer from your current network. If you do nothing when your contract ends, you’ll likely be moved on to a rolling plan and continue paying the same, whereas if you shop around, you may be able to get a better deal on your current usage.
If You’re Out of Contract
Many people may be out of their contract without realising and have been rolled on to sometimes pricier tariffs without signing up for them. If you are out of contract, you can leave at any point penalty-free and either ask for a better offer from your current network or compare tariffs and switch providers for a more affordable deal.
If You’re on a Rolling Contract
Rolling contract deals allow you to leave with just 30 days’ notice and are often the best way to beat price rises. If you’re on a rolling SIM-only contract, make sure to check your current plan regularly to see if other contracts on the market could offer a better deal, either with your current network or elsewhere.
If You’re Looking for a New Contract
If you already own your handset and want to keep using it, you might find a SIM-only deal is best as they are a lot cheaper than a contract that comes with a phone. Inflationary hikes cover all kinds of monthly mobile contracts but if you’re on a 30-day SIM-only contract, you can leave at short notice.
It’s also important to make sure you’re only paying for the data you need. Check how much data you currently use to get a better idea of how much you need per month. If you’re using less data than your current contract provides, a contract with less data would be better and likely cheaper. If you regularly use more data than your contract includes, you should look for a contract that accommodates your usage without costing you more per month.
Take the time to look through a comparison site, which shows you different SIM-only contracts available, and the details of each one. This will help you select a SIM-only contract that perfectly suits your needs and, most importantly, your budget. What’s even greater, is that you can compare different networks – further helping you to find the right SIM-only contract for you. Last, but not least, keep an eye out for other money-saving options. These could be contracts that offer a cashback deal, where you can get money paid back into your bank account. This can be a nice added bonus from making the switch!
If You’re Looking for a New Phone
Of course, you might think that it’s time to upgrade your phone. Perhaps your phone is no longer operating the same it did when you first got it, and now you want a phone that performs quicker and with better features. As such, take a look at what’s available on the market. Shop around and look at available mobile phone deals to get the best price possible.
While it’s tempting to buy the newest handset, you’re paying a premium for these devices. If you want to save money, look to purchase a previous model, which will often have similar features or go for a refurbished or second- hand phone. You can also look to trade in or sell your old handset to gain money to go towards your new phone.
If you’re happy with your current contract but the phone itself is experiencing issues or is damaged, it’s always worth checking if it can be repaired. Common faults can often be easily rectified, meaning you don’t have to purchase a new handset. Instead, you can cover the costs of repairs, which can help you save money by not purchasing a replacement.
If you do decide to purchase a new phone, make sure you do the maths before jumping into a long- term contract. Do your research and find out if it would be cheaper to buy the phone outright or have it included as part of your monthly contract. If you can afford to buy the phone outright, a cheap SIM-only deal can help make future payments more predictable.
Think ahead when taking out a phone contract. While they allow you to spread the expense, if you are on a multi-year contract, it can be hit by several mid-contract price increases before it ends. This means the monthly price you are paying by the end of the contract could be significantly higher than at the start.
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