When choosing a new package, there a number of options available – comparison sites which compare high street and online retailers or cash-back deals which usually provide the cheapest deals, but with more hassle.
In order to choose a new network you have to look at what you currently use in terms of texting and phone calls. This requires a more in-depth analysis than simply the number of text messages and minutes used. You need to identify which calls are made to other mobiles, which are off/on peak, any roll-over minutes you take advantage of etc.. Once you know this information you can enter it into a specialised search engine which will pull up suggested networks:
None of the sites cover all available networks on the market so it is best to check a few for a full comparison.
Cash-Back
A great way to get a very cheap deal is to buy a cash-back¬ package, but you must remember to fill out all the forms and send them back on time. If you don’t mind buying your phone and contract online, you can get cheaper deals than on the high street, try:
Other suggested retailers include: (hotUKdeals.com , mobileshop.com, studentphones.2u.co.uk , mobilesavingexpert.co.uk, dialaphone.co.uk)
If you are going to go down the route of cash-back, make sure you read our cash-back section first.
Pay-as-you-go
Pay-as-you-go mobiles are a viable alternative, if you use less than 150 minutes a month and 100 texts a month. If you are a low user you could simply buy a SIM card and use an older phone. Getting the right tariff is more of a priority than having the ‘coolest’ phone.
There are often offers from the different networks for PAYG customers for example T-mobile customers can text “FRIDAY” to 411 to receive free text messages for the weekend, if they top up at least £10 on the Friday. Orange customers are entitled to 2for1 cinema tickets on Wednesdays.
