Choosing the right mobile package

Choosing the right mobile package can save you money. Follow these three steps to help choose the best deal for your needs.

Three tips for choosing the right mobile package

1. Check what you need
2. Choose the right package type for you
3. Compare the full cost, including add-ons and extras

  1. Check what you need

Which network works best for you?

Use Ofcom’s Map your Mobile to check network coverage and performance at home, work and other places you go. Coverage tells you whether a network is available in that place, while performance shows how good the connection is likely to be where there is coverage. Together, they show you which networks work best where you need them.

You can often use a Wi-Fi connection for data at home. Many networks also allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi, which helps if your mobile signal is weak. This is called Wi-Fi Calling.

How much data do you need?

Your mobile data allowance is the total amount of internet data your phone can use each month, when it is not connected to Wi-Fi. It is measured in gigabytes (GB).

Activities that use data include:

• browsing websites
• social media
• maps
• streaming films or music
• video calls

Packages generally start at between 1GB and 10GB a month. These might suit you if you don’t use much mobile data. Higher allowances might be a better fit if you use your phone a lot when not connected to Wi-Fi, particularly if you stream HD video, which uses data quickly.

As there are many packages available, check how much data you actually use:

• If you already have a mobile contract, log in to your provider’s website or app. You can usually see how much data you use (and how many calls you make) each month. This helps you pick the right type of contract.
• Some networks also offer tools that ask how you use your phone to estimate how much data you need.

Unlimited data contracts cost more than deals with a set allowance, and could be more expensive than you really need. Check if the provider applies fair usage limits, limits your speed, or limits how much you can use while travelling abroad.

Do you need a new phone?

You might not. If your existing phone works well, you could save money with a SIM-only deal. A refurbished phone (one that has been used before, then checked and repaired) can also be good value.

5G is a network technology, which is generally faster than the older 4G standard. If your connection is too slow, check if 5G is included in your package and if your phone supports it before upgrading. You might also need to update your phone’s settings to use 5G.

  2. Choose the right package type for you

There are three main types of mobile package:

Pay monthly with a phone included

This can help spread the cost of buying a phone, but these deals can be more expensive in the long term than buying a phone separately and choosing a SIM-only deal.

You pay a fixed amount each month, usually for 12, 18 or 24 months*:

• Your monthly price includes the phone and a package of calls, texts and data.
• Some deals also include extras such as insurance or subscriptions to streaming services.
• Check the total cost over the contract, including any extras you might need, not just the monthly price.
• Leaving your contract early can cost more. You might have to pay the rest of the phone cost as well as any early termination charges.

* Some phone payment plans can last longer than 24 months. Check if your phone payment plan is separate from the plan for your calls and data allowance.

SIM-only

Usually best value if you already have a phone or are happy to buy a new or refurbished phone separately.

You get a SIM and an allowance of call minutes, texts and data, but no phone:

• Usually cheaper than contracts that come with a phone.
• Contracts can be one month (rolling) or 12 or 24 months.

Pay as you go (PAYG), less common now, but still available from some providers

You only pay for what you use, though it can be more expensive for each call, text or gigabyte of data.

• Good for light users.
• No long contract, and no credit check required.
• Your top-up credit might not expire on a set date, but you’ll usually need to use or top up the phone from time to time to stay connected.

 3. Compare the full cost, including add-ons and extras

Once you know what network and package you’re looking for, compare a few deals side by side. Price comparison websites can help you weigh up your options.

Don’t just look at the monthly price on its own. These things matter too:

When you sign up with a new provider, they should offer you a bill limit to help you stay in control of your bills.

Add-ons and extras

Add-ons are extras you pay for on top of your deal. They can save you money if you know you’ll need them.

• Calls outside your package: If you make a lot of calls to numbers that are not in your package (e.g. international calls), check if an add-on could reduce the cost.
• Using your phone abroad (roaming): If you travel abroad, check if your package includes roaming, or if you can buy a roaming add-on. Check how much calls, texts and data will cost while you’re away.
• Extra data: If you might use more data than usual, check if you can buy extra data as an add-on.
• Enhanced 5G service: Some providers offer 5G+ or 5G Plus, which might give higher speeds or better performance in crowded areas. Check the provider’s website for more details on what this add-on includes and if it is available in your area.