Five easy steps to getting a better mobile phone deal

If your mobile phone deal includes too many minutes and texts then you’re wasting money. But if it doesn’t include enough then you’re liable to be hit by extra charges.

So to help you get the best value for money from your mobile phone deal, we’ve come up with five essential questions that you should ask yourself before signing a new mobile phone deal.

1. How many texts and talk minutes do I need?

Look back over your mobile phone bills from at least the last three months, totting up how many text messages you sent and minutes of calls you used on average each month.

If you don’t have any old bills then ask your mobile network for the figures.

Armed with hard facts about how many texts and minutes you use on average each month, you’ll be in a much better position when it comes to deciding how many of each your new deal should include.

2. Where do I normally surf the internet?

Mobile internet deals tend to offer either 500MB, 750MB or 1GB of 3G mobile internet use each month.

But if you normally surf the internet from your smartphone while it’s connected to your home or work wi-fi network, much of that mobile internet allowance is going to waste.

If this sounds like you then consider opting for a mobile phone deal with a lower mobile internet allowance, because a package with a 500MB mobile internet limit will probably be slightly cheaper than one offering 1GB.

Outdoor wi-fi services, such as The Cloud, are another handy way of increasing your mobile internet allowance without signing a lengthy contract.

3. Is pay-monthly right for me?

Switching from pay-monthly to pay-as-you-go (PAYG) could be a wise move if you don’t want to sign another contract or want greater control over how much your phone costs.

PAYG phones are competitively priced, though the latest models, such as the iPhone 4, often command expensive one-off fees when bought without signing a contract.

Compare pay-as-you-go phone deals.

4. Do I need the latest smartphone?

New smartphones are released all the time, but if you’re signed onto an 18- or 24-month contract then you normally won’t be eligible to upgrade until the contract expires.

Opting for a shorter 12-month contract gives you more upgrade flexibility, meaning you’ll always be able to stay abreast of the latest models.

It’s worth noting that some 12-month contracts do demand upfront phone fees.

Read more about 12-month mobile phone contracts.

5. Do I need mobile phone insurance?

Accidently dropping your phone on the floor or down the toilet is more common than you might think, so mobile phone insurance could be a wise investment that spares you the expense of buying a new phone when yours is damaged, lost or stolen.

Compare mobile phone deals.

Galaxy S4(black) £0.00	400 min Unlimited texts	£31.00
One(silver) £54.99	100 min Unlimited texts	£20.50
Galaxy S3(blue) £0.00	200 min Unlimited texts	£20.50

Find your ideal mobile phone deal

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