Choosing a mobile phone company can leave anyone in technological fog. Trying to interpret the hazy language of terms and conditions, along with finding the perfect phone, is challenging.
But, there’s a beacon of light at the top of the cell tower. Follow along for a breakdown of the top mobile phone companies in the UK.
Vodafone
Image via Flickr by Jonathan Oakley
Vodafone is less upfront about their monthly mobile phone plans. Instead, they offer the “Find your perfect phone and plan” tool, which allows users to find a phone and contract that fits their lifestyle. The tool determines the best plan based on a user’s monthly budget.
Phone plans range from £10 – 60-plus. Here are some specs from their various plans:
- RED XL, the highest plan offers 4GB of data and unlimited text and talk.
- 100 Plan, the lowest monthly plan, offers only 100 minutes of talk time, but unlimited text messages. As promised, the plan also offers 100MB of data.
- Depending on which plan you choose, the one-off cost of the phone is up to £189.
While Vodafone offers affordable monthly plans, the initial cost of the associated mobile phone might be a detractor for some consumers.
3
A mobile phone company that seems to target a younger, hipper demographic — 3 appears to have the lowest and most upfront pay monthly mobile plans. You can view all of their pricing options here. Plans start at just £10 a month, but be advised: the type of phone you choose will increase the cost.
As their name implies, 3 offers three basic plan types with the following highlights:
- The One Plan: 2000 any network talk minutes, bonus mobile-to-mobile talk minutes, unlimited data with tethering, and 5000 texts.
- The Ultimate Internet Plans: a series of plans; including up to 1000 anytime talk minutes, with unlimited data (no tethering), and 5000 texts.
- The Essential Internet Plans: a series of plans; including up to 500 anytime talk minutes, 250MB of data (no tethering), and as low as 500 texts.
If the price increase of a new mobile phone is a deterrent, consider websites like comparemobilephonerecycling.co.uk where you can earn money selling your old phone.
O2
O2 offers a tool similar to Vodafone’s for determining a comfortable monthly price; however, O2 fails to consider the user’s upfront monthly budget. They seem to rate their consumers by contract period and data usage. If neither of these features interest you, finding an affordable plan might be frustrating. You can review their pricing options here.
Here are the top features of their monthly plans:
- The lowest plan starts at £11 and includes 50 minutes of talk, unlimited texts, and 100MB of data.
- Many phones are free with a contract and require no additional monthly fees.
- All plans offer unlimited texts.
O2 is an excellent choice for those who text and surf the internet regularly. Additionally, it’s a great option for consumers shopping for phones on a limited budget.
Now that you know UK’s top mobile phone companies and the fog has lifted from the language of their plans, it’s time to consider a mobile phone. What mobile phones do you have your eye (or ear) on? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
