Which Mobile Phone & Network is Best for Me?

There are a number of mobile phone networks, significantly more manufacturers and handsets and, of course, any amount of different tariffs.  With this small guide, we hope to educate you into choosing the right mobile phone deal that is within your budget - with a sensible phone.

Mobile Phone Networks
Currently, there are 7 major mobile phone networks in the UK - (some offering some really great cashback offers) O2, Vodafone, Three, Orange, BT Mobile, T-Mobile & Virgin

Coverage

One of the main considerations when chosing a network is coverage - are you going to be able to make a call in the Highlands of Scotland

The best piece of advice when choosing a Network is to ask friends and family about their experiences of a networks performance in your current area.  Because the networks are constantly building masts to improve reception, only by going to some far out location are you unlikely not to get a reception.

Each of the networks have their own coverage map.  However, they will all look pretty similar since the coverage is similar!

Contract Tariffs

At the time of writing, there was in excess of 200 mobile phone tariffs available on the market with the main networks - and no doubt many more available from smaller virtual networks.  Named from the rather dull 200, 400 etc to the new Orange labels of 'Panther', 'Dolphin' and 'Canary'.  Contract Tariffs usually come bundled with a certain amount of inclusive minutes and texts every month.  With these tariffs, some of the networks allow you to carry unused minutes over to the next month - and some do not.

A few years ago it was common place to have inclusive minutes only to the same network (ie, Vodafone to Vodafone).  However, once O2 came into operation (formerly BTCellnet Genie) they made calls to any network as part of the inclusive minutes.

Another consideration when choosing a tariff is the inclusion of 'bolt on' texts.  For example, many of the networks allow you to purchase extra texts for a fraction of their normal price (ie 100 extra sms for £3).

There are a number of tools on the internet that should help you to decide which tariff is best.  A Mobile Phone Tariff Calculator, is available which allows users to input expected monthly calling usage - providing unbiased and accurate results.  Furthermore, if you don't wish to download any software you can receive free email updates using their Mobile Phone Contract Calculator.

Handsets

You've probably had a mobile phone before and formed an opinion of its relaibility, rich features and durability.  Because of this, many people with good experiences often stick to the same manufacturer.  Nokia users tend to stick with them because of the ease of use of their menu system. SonyEricsson users enjoy the rich features they provide.

Naturally, as handset improve, people start looking at memory storage, camera quality (usually displayed in magapixels), Bluetooth/Infra Red capabilities, and of course, recommendations. Before paying too much for a mobile, ask yourself whether you really need all the features or whether you need the basics.  Ultimately, always search the internet for reviews on the desired handset.

Cashback - What Is It?

Cashback is an incentive to you to purchase a certain tariff.

When you purchase a 'Free' Mobile phone and connect to a tariff, the retailer has already purchased the mobile (we'll say £100 for example).  The retailer then receives a payment from the Network (O2, Orange etc) for connecting you to one of their tariffs (we'll say £300).  Selling mobile phones is a cut-throat market place and competition is fierce.  Therefore, rather than the retailer keeping the £200 profit (£300-£100), they pass this back to the customer in the form of cheque payments.  

"12 Months Free Line Rental"...
This means that the retailer will pay you back the equivalent of 12 months line rental.  The terms and conditions of each retailer should be studied carefully since you will probably be required to send your bills at certain periods throughout the term of the contract. 

Be sure to use reputable on-line retailers that are established and have an excellent track record in honouring cashback.  Before purchasing a contract you are advised to carry out a search and discover whether your target retailer honours its promises.  Also, consider Auto Cashback.  You'll usually get less cashback - but you'll get it sooner!

Staying With Your Network or Change?

Customer Service is one of the biggest factors for alot of users.  An error on a bill or a query on payment - if you can't get through to your network provider you could be pulling your hair out.

Naturally, tariff charges are important to and should always be a consideration.  If you have been with the network for the minimum period (often 12 or 18 months) then you should approach them for an upgrade/new handset. Heavier user can often get really good deals on handsets which they try to do to deter you from going to another network.

Also, if you're using more texts and minutes (or not using enough), don't be afraid to ask your network that you want to change tariff.  Usually they will only allow you to do this after you have been connected for around 6 months.

My personal experience in this respect is that you will often get a better deal by changing network and porting your mobile phone number - but check first!

Porting Your Number?

If you've decided to move network then you're probably going to want to keep your mobile number too.  To do this you often need to phone your existing company (who will probably try and entice you to stay) and ask for the PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).  You simply inform your new network of this who will initiate the port.  They should keep you updated with progress which usually takes 4-8 days.

And What About The Spare Handset After Upgrading/Porting?

Well, it's yours.  You've paid all your bills, your contract has ended - the phone is now yours. You can either stick a new PAYG (Pay As You Go) simcard into it or send it to one of many companies who will sell it and make good use of the proceeds.

We do hope this guide has been useful.