Mobile Phones and Networks

Choosing a mobile deal can be confusing.

You need good coverage, enough data and a plan that suits how you use your phone.

Start with those three things.

Check the Coverage

First, check which networks work well where you need them.

Think about your:

  • home
  • workplace
  • regular journeys
  • other places you visit

Coverage can also be different indoors and outside.

So, a cheap deal is not good value if you struggle to get a signal.

Learn more: Mobile Coverage and 5G →

Know Your Network

There are many mobile companies in the UK.

However, not all of them have their own network.

Some use another company’s network instead.

So, two different mobile brands may use the same network.

This can help when comparing coverage.

Learn more: Mobile Networks Explained →

Do You Need 5G?

5G can be faster than 4G.

However, faster does not always mean better for you.

A good 4G connection may be more than enough for:

  • messages
  • email
  • maps
  • browsing
  • music
  • many other everyday tasks

So, do not choose a deal just because it includes 5G.

Check the coverage and think about what you actually use your phone for.

Learn more: Mobile Coverage and 5G →

How Much Data?

Mobile data lets you use the internet when you are away from Wi-Fi.

It is normally measured in GB.

Watching video can use a lot of data.

Messages and simple web browsing usually use much less.

So, check how much data you normally use before choosing a plan.

There is little point paying for 100GB every month if you only use 10GB.

Learn more: Mobile Data Explained →

Do You Need a New Phone?

Not always.

If your phone still works well, you could keep it and choose a SIM-only plan.

This can be cheaper than getting another phone with your contract.

If you do want a new phone, compare the total cost, not just the monthly payment.

Learn more: Mobile Contracts and SIMs →

Which Type of Plan?

There are several ways to pay for mobile service.

For example:

  • SIM-only
  • phone and airtime contract
  • pay as you go

The right choice depends on what you need.

Think about the phone, data, contract length and total cost.

Check Before You Sign

Before choosing a deal, check:

  • monthly price
  • contract length
  • data
  • calls and texts
  • price changes
  • extra charges
  • roaming
  • what happens when the contract ends

A low starting price does not always mean a cheap deal overall.

Want to Switch?

You can change mobile provider.

You can also normally keep your existing number.

Before switching, check whether your current contract has ended and whether you have anything left to pay.

Then check the coverage of the new network.

Learn more: Switch Mobile Network →

Learn more: Keep Your Mobile Number →

Going Abroad?

Check roaming before you travel.

Do not assume your normal UK allowance can be used everywhere for free.

The rules depend on your provider, plan and destination.

Learn more: Mobile Roaming →

Having Signal Problems?

Do not immediately assume you need another network.

First, check:

  • whether there is an outage
  • whether the problem happens everywhere
  • whether other people nearby have the same problem
  • whether restarting your phone helps
  • whether your SIM is working

If the problem only happens at home, coverage may be the issue.

If it only happens on your phone, the phone or SIM may be the cause.

Choose in the Right Order

When choosing mobile service:

  1. Check coverage.
  2. Check how much data you use.
  3. Decide whether you need a new phone.
  4. Choose the type of plan.
  5. Compare the total cost.
  6. Check the contract.
  7. Check roaming if you travel.

Then choose your provider.

Find the Right Guide

How do mobile networks work?
→ Mobile Networks Explained

Which network has the best coverage for me?
→ Mobile Coverage and 5G

How much data do I need?
→ Mobile Data Explained

Which type of contract should I choose?
→ Mobile Contracts and SIMs

How do I change provider?
→ Switch Mobile Network

Can I keep my number?
→ Keep Your Mobile Number

What happens when I go abroad?
→ Mobile Roaming

Key Points

  • Check coverage first.
  • Look at how much data you actually use.
  • Keep your current phone if you do not need a new one.
  • Compare the total cost, not just the monthly price.
  • Check the contract before you sign.

Start with what you need. Then find the deal that fits.