Here’s how to spend less on your monthly phone bills
Looking to trim your monthly expenses? Your mobile phone contract could be a prime target for savings.
While the allure of the latest smartphones and generous data plans is strong, especially when an upgrade beckons, resisting this temptation can significantly reduce your spending.
Here’s how to cut your phone bill without sacrificing essential features.
Assess your current plan and phone usage
First up, take a look at your historical usage from your current plan. Aside from the phone itself, the big-ticket item is data – how much are you using each month?
“Before starting your search, figure out what you need,” says Andy Aitken, CEO and co-founder of Honest Mobile. “If you only use 4GB of data every month, there’s no point paying an extra £10 per month for 20GB – no matter how good a deal it is.
“You can find your data consumption on previous mobile bills. Start there, and then look for a deal that matches what you need.”
Next, ask what you’re mainly using your phone for
Is a powerful camera important to you? Do you live in an area with good 5G coverage?
Do you regularly play demanding games and need a processor that can handle them? If you don’t need particular features, don’t prioritise them with your new phone.
Even if you do want them, there’s a good chance the budget version of a flagship device, or an older model, will do everything you need at a fraction of the cost.
Check out smaller providers for better deals
The big-name brands, such as EE, O2, Vodafone and 3, have the biggest phone selections and claim to have the best coverage, but there are plenty of lesser-known names that offer more competitive prices. Check out giffgaff, iD, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile, and VOXI, for example.
Many of these use the same networks as the biggest players, but their contracts tend to offer better value. Be sure to browse and compare before locking in.
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Capital at risk.
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Consider SIM-only plans and refurbished handsets
Is your current phone still running okay? Even if it’s showing the slowdown and finicky qualities typical of a late-contract smartphone, ask yourself whether you can live with those minor niggles. If you can, you can forgo the phone-based upgrades and just change your SIM plan to cut the costs by a fair margin.
If your phone’s long past its best, or if the manufacturer has stopped delivering updates for it, you still needn’t splash out on a brand new device. Refurbished handsets are a brilliant option for getting a high-end phone at a bargain price, and they help to minimise environmental waste too.
It’s an idea that’s backed by Aitken: “I’d recommend opting for a SIM-only plan and simply keeping your current phone or getting a refurbished one. The refurbished market is growing and you can get the latest model that seems as good as new, all while doing your bit for the planet and saving money.”
Negotiate with your provider
You might be pleasantly surprised by what a little negotiation will land you. When you’re at the end of your contract, give your provider a call and see what they can offer.
Call centre agents will often offer better deals than what you’ll see on the website, especially if you mention packages from other providers that have caught your eye. If you’ve been a customer for a few years, mentioning your loyalty can help, too.
Be sure to go into the conversation with some competitor research under your belt, plus a clear understanding of what you need from your new plan, and you’ll stand a good chance of getting a solid discount.
