Millions of households could save up to £240 a year and offset crippling mobile phone bill hikes by switching their provider.
Around nine million Britons – around one in seven – could be overpaying by sticking with their current phone provider, according to Sky Mobile.
One in five (19 per cent) of phone owners have never changed their network, and 28 per cent have not done so for more than five years.
However, those that switched in the last three years saved more than £100 a year, on average.
In fact, around 750,000 people saved more than of £240 a year, Sky Mobile said.
Calling it: Britons could save huge amounts just by switching provider, Sky Mobile says
Common reasons for not switching provider are being unaware it could be any cheaper (17 per cent of those surveyed) and it being too much hassle (10 per cent).
Around a fifth (21 per cent) of phone users let their contract renew without ever shopping around.
Paul Sweeney, managing director at Sky Mobile, said: ‘Half of Britons say they want cheaper mobile bills – and they could save £100 a year if they switched.’
The average saving of £100 will help offset the rising price of mobile phone bills.
In April, millions of these bills rose by more than inflation – with some increasing in price by up to 17.3 per cent.
The average person is now paying £11.25 more a month, or £135 a year.
Other ways to save money on your mobile phone bill
1) Work out what you REALLY need
Mobile phone contracts vary in terms of what you get, and what you are charged. If you are at the end of your contract, think about what you really need from a mobile phone deal.
Check how many minutes and texts, and how much data, you are using each month. If your contract allows for much more than that, consider switching to a cheaper deal with a lower allowance.
If you have paid off your handset and are happy to keep it, check that you are not stuck paying a higher tariff than you need to.
2) Consider a sim-only deal
If you already own a mobile phone handset, or can get one cheaply, you may be able to save money with a cheap sim-only deal.
This is because most mobile phone contracts sell you two things – the phone itself, and the cost of using it. If you already have the phone, you just have to worry about the cost of calls, texts and data.
Uswitch has said customers can save up to £321 by taking out a sim-only deal.
Users will need to make sure they don’t exceed the limits stated when they sign up. If they do, extra charges could apply – and these can be expensive.
In the know: If you’re going to haggle with your phone network, research the best deals from rivals first to give you the upper hand
3) Consider a refurbished phone
Instead of buying a brand new phone, see if there is a refurbished one that suits your needs. These are phones that have been overhauled by experts to replace broken parts and improve their operation.
They work out considerably cheaper than new phones. For example, an iPhone 13 costs around £600 to £700 for a new handset, whereas refurbished models cost approximately £500.
These savings are even greater for less in-demand phones, or older models.
Most Samsung Galaxy phones released in the last five years normally cost no more than £200 when refurbished, but cost up to four times that amount new.
4) Be prepared to haggle
As your existing contract comes to an end, haggling with your provider can save you money.
Do your research first, and come prepared with some of the best deals you have found elsewhere. Mention any issues you have had with your current provider, as this can give you an edge in any negotiations.
If you are not happy with whatever offer your provider makes you, say you are prepared to leave. This can lead to better deals miraculously appearing.
5) Be prepared to switch
If you cannot get a deal you are happy with from your current provider, consider switching away.
6) Check if you can get a social tariff
Some networks now offer social tariffs for mobile phone customers. Sim-only deals may work out cheaper, though, so even if you are eligible for a social tariff make sure to look into those too.
| Provider | Package | Price per month | Contract length in months | Speed | Set-up fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE | Basics | £12 | 12 | 25 MB/S | £0 |
| Vodafone | Essentials Broadband | £12 | 12 | 38 MB/S | £0 |
| Virgin Media | Essential Broadband | £12.50 | Monthly rolling | 15 MB/S | £0 |
| KCOM | Full Fibre Flex | £14.99 | Monthly rolling | 30 MB/S | £0 |
| Lightning Fibre | Social Tariff | £14.99 | Monthly rolling | 50 MB/S | £0 |
| Source: Ofcom | |||||
