Find The Best Mobile Deals

Here’s how to navigate the mobile maze to make sure you’re getting good value

- Rachel Ogden

CONTRACTS V PAYG

Contracts

These are likely to be a good choice if you make a lot of calls and texts or spend hours online. You’ll pay a set monthly price for a fixed amount of call time, data and texts, and receive a new handset. Contracts are ideal if you need a new phone but don’t want to pay a large upfront cost for it, or if you prefer not to have to top up.

The downside is that contracts often run for up to two years, by which time you may want a new phone or find that you’re not using your allowance.

Leaving a contract before it has expired is costly, so ask your network provider about the option of downgrading your plan, which can be free or have a minimal fee.

From 15 February 2020, your provider must tell you when your contract is coming to an end.

Pay as you go (PAYG)