Phone contracts are the best ways to get your hands on the latest mobile devices and get good deals on the internet, texts and calls. With Samsung, HTC, Sony or iPhone contracts, the outlay for getting the mobile phone is much smaller than heading to a dealers shop. In fact, many service providers do not require an upfront fee.
There are many offers in the UK alone. Therefore, it may be tough choosing the right contract. This article takes you through some guidelines when making a selection.
Determine Your Usage
Determine how many minutes you spend talking in a month, along with text messages. Then, ascertain your monthly data usage. You can find this information by logging into your account or using free apps if you are not switching before a month is over. Your usage helps you determine what packages are good for you and avoid paying for a very small package or a large package that you do not utilise.
Consider Whether to Go For a SIM only or Combined Contract
If you do not see the need for upgrading your phone or are not interested in the phone models on offer, you can pick a SIM only contract. In this case, you will only be paying for data, messaging and voice bundle, which is much cheaper than the combined offer.
On the other hand, the benefit of going with a phone and SIM contract is that you get the latest phone. Determine the phone model to pick for the contract. There is always a choice of different phone models from one manufacturer. For example, iPhone contracts give you different iPhone models from which to choose one. You can compare all of the above easily using a comparison site such as Compare My Mobile.
Compare Offers
Do not be so quick to pick the first offer that you find in the market. Look around for different offers from varying providers that match your phone preference and average monthly usage. Do not just go for the cheapest service look at the contents of the package, the coverage of the provider and their reputation in offering quality service. You may use Ofcom’s coverage checker to determine if the service provider has a strong signal in your location.
Consider Family Plans
If more than two members of the family are looking for phone contracts, you may consider combining them into one. The advantage of a family package is the amount you pay monthly is heavily discounted due to the volume. Therefore, you pay less than you would have paid had everyone taken individual plans. Providers such as 02, BT Mobile, EE and Vodafone have shared plans.
Consider Charges When You Pass the Limit
There are times that you will surpass the allocated bundles. The mobile service provider will include the extra consumption in your monthly bill. It is important to know how much the provider charges so that you are prepared for excess payments whenever you surpass your monthly allocation. Go for a provider with the best rates.
Determine your Contract Length
While you do not want to be tied to your phone contract for a long period, you cannot get a good deal with offers that do not require any commitment, especially if you want a phone. Go for a contract of between six months to a maximum of two years. What you pay monthly is lower than no commitment offers. You are also not too restricted should you want to switch networks.
