Would you believe it! There are more than 9 million mobile phone tariffs out there.11-03-2010
There are 71,654 different tariffs, which when combined with 111 different handsets and 20 different free extras from eight merchants equals 8,903,546 ways to buy a phone and that doesn't include pay as you go.
Is it any wonder we’re confused and not getting the best deals? You could save up to £300 a year by switching to the best mobile package for your needs according to new figures.
A new guide from Ofcom, Consumer Focus and the Communications Consumer Panel is designed to help consumers get the most from their mobile deal and save money.
The guide provides helpful tips on what information you should know from a provider before buying, such as whether there are any additional costs, the length of contract, details on upgrades and network coverage.
With a range of deals and choice available to consumers today, the guide explains the differences between pay-as-you-go and contract. It advises consumers to use BillMonitor (www.billmonitor.com), so far the only Ofcom-accredited site to cover mobile, to shop around and ensure they get the best deal.
The guide also advises on how to get the best deal from a mobile provider, such as checking out mobile coverage in the UK before buying and switching to cheaper online billing. There are also tips on using mobile phones abroad and how to keep your mobile number when changing provider.
Consumer Focus Chief Executive, Mike O’Connor said: “With more than nine million mobile phone deals available, it’s hardly surprising that only one in five of us find it easy to navigate this market. By using this handy guide, and accredited switching site BillMonitor, consumers should be better armed to find the best deal for their needs and save money.”
You can download the guide at:
www.ofcom.org.uk/files/2010/03/mobiledeal_v2b.pdf
