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See how much you could saveI’m a mobile networks expert and here are 5 things I wouldn't do
Getting the right mobile contract without overpaying is achievable by paying attention to the details, and being willing to switch networks
Intense competition between mobile networks means plenty of good deals are available, but you might need to pay attention to the small print to avoid costly surprises. The good news is that for a reasonable monthly price, you can get plenty of mobile data, free EU roaming and a reliable signal.
We'd like to share the secrets on how to achieve this with you. Below are five things we wouldn't want to do when choosing a mobile contract.
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Get more data than I need
The average amount of mobile data used per person increases every year, but be wary of getting sucked in by one of the huge data deals offered by networks.
Our survey of thousands of mobile customers found that although 17% of people are paying for unlimited data, only 13% of everyone we asked used more than 20GB per month. Plenty of mobile users would have their requirements met by a contract with as little as 5GB.
See how much data you actually use each month and then pick a deal accordingly, as it’s highly likely you can find a cheaper option that suits.
Our guide on how to keep track of your mobile data and minutes explains how much data different activities require, and how to monitor and reduce your usage.
Use a provider that doesn't offer free EU roaming
Since Brexit, UK mobile providers are not tied to an EU regulation that requires consumers to be able to 'roam like at home' at no extra cost.
Of the big four networks, EE, Three and Vodafone have all introduced charges for EU roaming, whereas O2 has not. However, plenty of smaller networks such as Giffgaff, Smarty, Tesco and Talkmobile also offer free EU roaming. Lebara and iD Mobile offer the largest allowance, with customers able to use 30GB of data before being charged.
As there are so many options available, there is no reason to be paying extra for EU roaming.
For more details, read our guide on how to save money on mobile roaming charges.
Pay more than £7 per month
I have a one-month rolling Sim-only deal, £7 a month for 15GB of data. This is plenty as I rarely use more than 5GB per month, but gives extra capacity if needed, or for travelling. Shop around for the best deals, and don’t be afraid to switch networks. Generally you’ll find cheaper prices by avoiding the big four.
If you must have unlimited data, there are a range of options for £20 or less. Where big providers like EE charge £35 for unlimited data, smaller providers such as Smarty and ID Mobile offer excellent value for less.
Similarly, a one-month 50GB deal with O2 is £30, but you could pick up a comparable deal from a smaller rival for around a third of the price.
On the lower end of the scale you should be able to get 5 or 6GB for around £5 or £6, from networks such as Talkmobile, Smarty or Lycamobile.
Changing your mobile provider is easier than ever. Find out more in our guide on how to switch mobile provider.
Pick a network without checking what the signal's like where I live
Poor phone signal or an unreliable internet data connection are major concerns for mobile users.
Measuring reception can be an inexact science, impacted by lots of factors, but it is possible to check coverage in your area and decide which network is likely to offer the best signal.
Remember that all the smaller, usually cheaper providers, piggyback off one of the big four networks. So if for example O2 offers the best coverage around your home, you could also consider a deal with Giffgaff, Sky Mobile or Tesco Mobile.
If you’re still unsure or want evidence of which is the best, you can just get a one month Sim-only deal with a network and see how it performs, then try a different one next month.
You can use a mobile network coverage guide to see which providers have the best signal in your area.
Skip past the 'T&Cs' on a new contract
It’s not the most interesting task in the world, but carefully reading the terms and conditions of your phone contract can save you a lot of money and hassle. Here are five things in particular to look out for:
- Introductory cheaper monthly payments, which then can double after three or six months
- EU roaming allowance, which countries are included in any free roaming, plus additional charges
- Any automatic yearly price rises, which from 2025 must be explained clearly in pounds and pence
- Extra charges if you use more than your allowed texts, calls or data
- For contracts longer than one month, any exit fees you may need to pay to get out of the contract early
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