How To Get The Best Mobile Phone Deal

When it comes to our mobile phones most of us spend too much money; or at very least a lot more than we need. I’m sure you know plenty of people who run through new phones like there’s no tomorrow and it’s easy to get swept up in the draw of new shiny phones that are released each year. However, if you want to cut back slightly on your mobile phone use and your costs then it’s fairly easy to get a great deal. Even if you want to spend lots of money on your phone there are plenty of places you can cut a few corners and here we’ll take a look at some of the best places to shave a few extra pounds off your monthly bill.

The phone

Ok, with most new contracts your phone is actually the most expensive thing you’ll end up paying for. You seldom really get a free phone and most of the time you’ll pay a lot more for a contract if you want to get a really good or new phone. The new iPhone 4s for example has contracts that are at least £10 more expensive a month than the old iPhones or in fact any other smartphone. Generally the newest model smartphones are the most expensive and a mobile phone deal will reflect this very much. If you can pick up a second hand mobile then you will save a lot of money just getting a SIM card only deal but the best option is to plump for a slightly older phone; after all there will be a new model out next year anyway!

Your Limits and Usage

How much you will actually use the phone is just as important as the phone itself and understanding your limits and use will mean you can get a phone contract that is perfectly attuned to how much money you need to spend. Most existing phone companies now have online tools you can use to track how many of your minutes you use and how many texts and how much internet you get through a month. If you work out your rough averages then add 10% you will know exactly how much of each data type you need and will be able to ensure that you get a contract that fits in with that. It’s great having unlimited texts etc. but it is completely unnecessary for most phone users.

The contract

The most overlooked part of mobile phone deals by consumers is the contract itself. Before you sign anything (or as soon as you receive your contract) check to see what excess charges will be, what happens if you decide to cancel your contract, whether you are entitled to a replacement phone or an “upgrade” and make sure that you won’t encounter any hidden costs. Most mobile phone contracts are now standardised to a degree but if you’re not happy with it simply cancel it. It’s a little too easy to think you’ve got a great deal only to find a 24month contract with extra fees if you cancel or do anything!

If you follow all these steps you should end up with a very good phone deal that is perfectly tailored to what you will actually use and need!