Comparing UK Mobile Phone Tariffs – Defeating the Demon

Whether it’s your first mobile phone purchase or even if you’re an old hand at it – being able to compare the right mobile phone tariff from the hundreds that are available can be a daunting experience.  Free Software is now available that allows the user to input a calling pattern usage which in turns results in a easy to read output.  This details cost per month and even how many minutes and sms remain unused.

Hundreds of Mobile Phone Tariffs?

Having checked the tariff database of its mobile phone tariffs section, there are over 200 tariffs (including variants). With the fairly recent introduction of 18 and 24 month’s contracts, the Networks are trying to entice the customer to increase lock-in contracts. The benefits of accepting these extended contracts often includes extra minutes, reduced line rental and possibly extra texts as opposed to its 12 month counterpart. Therefore, where there was once just one tariff name, there are often 2 or three.

Does The Handset Really Matter?

Yes, if you really need email on the go, bluetooth and all the other gizmos that are available with the latest handsets.  However, because alot of us just want to talk and text, you can use the software to identify the cheapest options then search the internet for handset and mobile network reviews.

Tariff Calculator

So, back to comparing all the choices available. The Mobile Phone Tariff Calculator is a free downloadable piece of software and is executed as any other normal piece of software. Tariffs from O2, Vodafone, Three (3g), Orange and Virgin Mobile are included in the database which is downloaded automatically everyday.  The user simply inserts their calling pattern and usage into the appropriate spaces in the calculator and submits for calculation to take place.

Insert The Number of Minutes and SMS into the Appropriate Boxes

For example, the user inserts the number of minutes, sms, landline calls they use, to which network and at what time of the week (day, evening, weekend) for a one month period. Once submitted, the calculator systematically calculates the user’s pattern against each tariff to produce the results. It can sort either by lowest monthly cost or lowest cost for the whole contract length. Ultimately, the output lets you know what the bill will be and how many minutes and texts you have remaining (if any at all).

The Boring Bit About Proportioning

To try and give an accurate calculation as possible, the program was written to correctly proportion all the calls evenly. So, for example, let’s assume you called an O2 and Vodafone mobile for 100 minutes in the day and a landline for 100 minutes too, it would be unreasonable to expect that you called all the O2 calls before the Vodafone and landline.

Using the scenario above, let’s assume the calculator was calculating a tariff that offered 100 inclusive anytime minutes per month. Due to the proportioning part of the software, the O2, Vodafone and landline charges would be for 66.6 minutes each (since 33.3 from each would be included as part of the inclusive minutes). Simplistic, but I’m sure you get the idea.

There are other bits and bobs that the calculator allows you to do.  But, since it's free and easy to use, it would be easier just downloading the Mobile Phone Tariff Calculator Software and compare all the mobile phone tariffs yourself.  Remember, cheapest isn't always best.  You should always check for reviews of the network and handset you're considering.

Typical Results Page After Calculation