1.3m 'bewildering' mobile phone deals

Thursday, 22 October 2009 09:23

There are now some 1.3 million mobile phone deals on the market, leaving consumer bewildered over how to get the best deal and causing many to sign up to deals that are unsuitable or too costly for their needs.

The mobile phone sector has been blighted by scandals covering all areas of selling - with users finding themselves signed into long contracts without knowing of cash-back deals.

Two-thirds of mobile phone users polled by Consumer Focus said there were too many mobile tariffs - and the different deals on data allowances, texts, and calls often provider further confusion.

Key concerns are complex tariffs, poor price transparency and quality of service, the watchdog found.

Audrey Gallacher, telecoms expert at Consumer Focus, said: "Millions of people now depend on their mobiles to access an ever growing range of services, yet many have no idea if they are getting good value for money.

"With 1.3 million deals on the market and packages offering different allocations of voice minutes, text messages and data allowances as well as bundled deals, it is no wonder consumers are bewildered.

"As a result, people often end up signing up for an unsuitable package and overspending."

She added: "Even when consumers shop around for the best deal, the true picture is muddled by 'hidden' costs such as charges for accessing voicemail, for itemised paper bills or for special rate numbers such as 0800 and 0845."

Ofcom is now is accrediting comparison websites that truly compare all the deals on offer.

The first site to gain accreditation is Billmonitor.com

Consumer Focus tips for a better mobile phone deal

• Use an Ofcom-accredited price comparison website when comparing mobile tariffs.

• Think about how you use your phone: calls, texting and other services. Pay-as-you-go customers could get a better deal from a contract.

A contract user left with many unused minutes at the end of every month could probably benefit from a better deal.

• If your contract is near its end date, contact your mobile operator to negotiate a better deal.

• Look out for additional 'hidden' charges when, especially on pay-as-you-go.

• Don't pay for services you won't use.

Think about the functions you want - voice calls, texts, internet browsing, emails, applications - and choose a package that most closely matches how you use your phone.

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