Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Tim FitzGerald
Many people pay over the odds for their mobile phone service. They may go to the mobile phone shop in the high street and seek advice there. The staff in these shops are obliged to sell just one brand and often at the best margin for the shop.
The strategy I have used for many years is to buy a mobile phone and to use Sim-only pay-monthly deals from a supplier of choice. This is usually the cheapest deal I can find but I don’t make too many changes of supplier if I can avoid it. I expect the phone to last me 2-4 years.
Mobile Phone Hardware
My approach has been to buy a mobile phone model which is about 18 months old and is now much cheaper than it was when new. This phone should have the attributes of a new phone – current software features, fast processor, enough memory, etc. I usually buy from Amazon or eBay and look for good condition, A, new or renewed products from a reputable seller. Android phones with a reputable name (Samsung) would be my choice. Those folk with an Apple addiction may have to satisfy their cravings for the iPhone range. Details of products and prices are available on GSMArena.com
Having acquired the phone hardware you need to determine which network operator to use.
Which Network?
Mobile Network Operators – MNO
There are 4 Mobile Network Operators (EE, O2, Three, Vodaphone) in the UK and your choice of MNO will determine whether you have a good signal where you regularly use your mobile phone; at home, work or play. This is possibly the most important decision you need to make for getting a good mobile phone experience.
Before choosing an MNO, ask around at work or where you use your phone, as to what MNO your friends and acquaintances are using. Ask your neighbours at home what mobile network they use and see if their MNO is giving them a good signal.
Cellmapper.net shows where all mobile masts are located and maps users’ experience. But it is not easy to use Cellmapper without experience.
You can now select the MNO using the information gained from work colleagues, neighbours, etc. But don’t just go to the EE, O2, Three or Vodaphone shop in the High Street for the SIM card.
There are a number of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) from whom you can get a SIM card – eg:- Giffgaff, Lyca, Sky, Smarty, Lebara, Voxi and many more. The MVNOs re-sell services from the MNO and will often offer pricing which is much better than those from the MNOs. However, you should look at their T&Cs carefully and look at user experiences (on Trustpilot) to see if you are getting good value. A list of MVNOs is available here. Another view of MVNOs is here. These lists show which MNO each MVNO uses. I suggest you develop a short list of the MNOs and MVNOs you might consider.
Other things to consider
How much data do I need?
Before getting a SIM, you need to determine how much data you’ll need. 5GB each month should be sufficient, particularly if you have internet access at home and work. If you watch films or YouTube on your phone you will probably need much more data each month.
Most MNOs and MVNOs offer unlimited phone calls to mobiles and landlines within the UK and a limited amount of data each month. The more data the higher the cost. You should be able to upgrade the amount of data at any time.
Armed with the estimate of how much data you’ll need each month and assuming you want unlimited calls, go to the websites of the MVOs and MVNOs on your shortlist and see what they charge for the SIM-only deal you want.
Contract length
I would advise against entering into a long-term (12 month) contract with any provider. A 1-month (30-day – pay monthly) is normally suitable. Avoid pay-as-you-go PAYG terms,
Uswitch
The popular website USWITCH has a section on Mobiles. You may wish to look there as well. Bargain SIM-only deals are often listed on Uswitch. MSE offers something similar.
Are you still in contract with your existing supplier?
Before making any purchase check if you are contracted to your current supplier. Often it is difficult or expensive to terminate an existing contract. If you are in contract the timing of any change needs to be considered carefully.
Typical prices from MVNOs
- Smarty – 5GB – £6.00
- GiffGaff – 5GB – £8.00
- Lebara – 5GB – £5.00
- Lyca – 5 GB – £5.00
Typical prices from MVOs
- O2 – 5GB – £23.00
- EE – 5GB – £20.00
- Three – 5GB – £19.00
- Vodaphone – 6GB – £29.00
You will notice the MVOs charge much higher prices than the MVNOs. Three and its associated MVNOs, usually charge less, particularly for larger data SIMs.
Time to Make the Decision
You should now have a list of possible suppliers and their prices and terms.
A choice of supplier can now be made.
Order the SIM card and set up payment.
Making the Change of Provider
Swapping your phone number to the new provider
When the SIM arrives you’ll probably want to swap your phone number to the new provider. There is a procedure for doing this. I use this guide. This procedure – called porting – needs to be followed carefully. It can take a day or two to complete; during which time you may have to use a temporary phone number.
Once you are connected to the new provider check out and set up the Voice-Mail system. Become familiar with their mobile phone app which may well be the best interface to the provider for information, help and queries.
If you are unhappy with your new provider then contact them and explain the issue. You should not be tied to a long contract and you can dump them and choose from the others on your shortlist.
Cost Summary
- I spend (say) £200 on the phone and it lasts (say) 3 years. £75 pa
- I get a pay-monthly SIM at £6.00 per month. £72 pa
- The costs are about £150.00 per year or less than £13.00 per month.
- You may want to consider mobile phone insurance.
Mobile phone providers ranked by customer satisfaction, according to Which?