Mobile phone costs: are you paying too much?

With household bills going up, it's worth checking what you pay for your mobile phone. Many people pay far more than they need to – often without realising.

How are you paying?

• Phone and airtime together (a contract). One monthly bill covers the phone and your calls, texts and data. Convenient, but often the most expensive way in the long run. Check you're not still paying for a phone you've already paid off – this is very common.
• SIM only. You own the phone and pay only for calls, texts and data. Many SIM-only deals run month by month, so you can leave at any time. Unlimited calls and texts with some data can cost as little as £6–£8 a month.
• Pay as you go. You top up when you need to. This can suit people who rarely use their phone, but check the call rates – they can be high – and be aware that some networks may close a number that hasn't been used for several months.

It's usually cheaper to buy your phone outright and use a SIM-only deal. You keep the phone as long as you like and can change deals whenever you want.

How much data do you need?

Data is what your phone uses to go online when you're not connected to Wi-Fi.

• If you have broadband at home, make sure your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi. Then you'll only use data when you're out and about.
• If you mainly check emails, maps and WhatsApp when you're out, a few gigabytes (GB) a month is usually plenty.
• Let big updates download at home on Wi-Fi.
• Start small – you can usually increase your allowance if you need to.

Could your mobile replace your landline?

Most SIM-only deals include unlimited UK calls. If you've got that, you may not need a call package on your landline – or even a landline at all. A home phone now usually adds £10 a month or more to your broadband bill. See our article Home phone and broadband before you decide.

Choosing a network

There are four main networks in the UK: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone (Vodafone and Three have merged, but still run as separate brands). Many cheaper providers use one of these networks, for example:

• giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile (on O2)
• Smarty and iD Mobile (on Three)
• Lebara (on Vodafone)

The most important thing is a good signal where you live. Check the coverage at your postcode with Ofcom's free checker: checker.ofcom.org.uk

If your signal indoors is weak but you have broadband, turn on Wi-Fi Calling in your phone's settings. Your phone will then make and receive calls over your Wi-Fi.

Price rises

Since January 2025, phone and broadband companies must tell you any price rises in pounds and pence when you sign up, rather than linking them to inflation. Check what your contract says.

Help if you're on benefits

Some providers offer cheaper social tariffs for people on benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Ask your provider, or search "Ofcom social tariffs".

Switching – and keeping your number

If you're out of contract, switching is quick:

1. Find a deal using a comparison website, such as www.moneysavingexpert.com (opens in a new tab), www.uswitch.com (opens in a new tab) or www.comparethemarket.com (opens in a new tab).
2. To keep your number: text PAC to 65075 from your phone. You'll get a free code straight away.
3. Give that code to your new provider. They'll send a new SIM card and move your number across, usually within a working day.

Not sure if you're still in contract? Text INFO to 85075 for free.

If you'd rather not switch, ring your current provider and ask for a better deal. It often works!

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Need a hand?

Bring your phone and a recent bill and we'll help you work out what you need. Our friendly volunteers can help at our free sessions:

• Mondays 10am–12noon – St Wilfrid's Church Hall, Burgess Hill
• Thursdays 10am–12noon – Spire Café, St John's Church, Burgess Hill
• Haywards Heath – Bentswood @ No.34, America Lane (by appointment)

Call 07349 916841 or email spire.computer.help@gmail.com. No question is too small.

The Spire Computer Help Team