It used to be that only the rich had mobiles, now everyone including your eight year old brother and your grandfather have mobiles. The trick however, is that not all mobile phone deals are created equal; in fact some are downright highway robbery. Thus, if it is time to renew your contract it may be helpful to read over the following tips on how to get the best mobile phone deal.
First, you need to stop and evaluate what you really need and not what mobile phone companies are telling you that you need. Most of the time contracts that are exorbitant have a nice draw you in offering, such as a new laptop or mobile device, but are actually full of data plans, minutes, and other extras that you do not really need.
It is a good idea to sit down and look over the last three to four months of your mobile phone bills to see what you really need instead of what looks like a great deal. Even if the rate is competitively low if you are not going to use the full data package or minutes that are provided it is probably in your best interest to choose a lower monthly rate.
Next, take a close look at your current mobile. Do you really need a new mobile or is it more that you feel that an upgrade is simply what you are supposed to do when a contract ends. Keep in mind that you can easily spend a few hundred pounds on a mobile before you decide because you will probably not get another phone for at least eighteen months. However, if your mobile is in good condition in exchange for forgoing the new upgrade often you can negotiate for more minutes or texts per month which may be what you really need to trim costs.
Finally, beware of any deals that offer you cash back. Ofgem, the mobile telecoms regulator, has stated that they receive a high volume of complaints against companies that never pay up. Thus, if it sounds too good to be true, it is better to steer clear of that offer. The association actually advises taking up the offers for free goods before cash back. This is because most companies follow through with these offers and if you do not need an item such as a laptop, you can always sell it later on eBay. A little more hassle, but a much better chance at actually seeing some cash back.
