A 2006 'Mobile Life' report suggests that pay-monthly contract phones account for 52% of all UK mobile phone sales.
Offering numerous advantages over pay-as-you-go mobiles, 12 or 18-month contract phone plans cater for varying needs. Before you dive in and order a fancy new phone, be sure you know the ins-and-outs of mobile contract deals.
A mobile phone contract is what mobile users sign-up to when subscribing to a pay-monthly mobile phone plan. Contract lengths are typically 12 or (the more prevalent) 18 month contract.
Most pay-monthly plans offer you the handset for no up-front cost - the cost of the handset is subsidised by the monthly line rental fee.
In exchange for a monthly line-rental fee, you get free inclusive minutes and cheaper (than PAYG) call tariffs.
Pros
* Most mobile phones are available with pay-monthly contract plans.
* Contract tariffs are typically cheaper than PAYG tariffs.
* Typically, the whole of the handset's price is subsidised by the line rental. Most contract mobile phone plans include the handset for FREE.
* Free line rental deals can potentially save you lots of money.
You need to be 18+ to buy a contract phone. A credit check will also be performed. You'll need a valid UK credit/debit card, bank details and 3 years address history.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Learn about mobile contract deals
Read buyers guides and other information about contract phones. Informing yourself about the ins-and-outs of mobile phones, means you can make a confident buying decision.
I recommend: Buyers' Guides - Essential tips to help you buy a mobile phone.
Research the latest mobile handsets
View the latest handsets at retail stores, mobile comparison services, blogs, forums and other information sites.
You can buy a contract phone offline - at retail stores - or through one of the many online mobile phone shops.
Mobile network operators sell contract deals through their own online stores - Vodafone, 3, T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and virtual network operators such as Virgin Mobile also have their own store.
You can also buy a contract deal at one of the many online mobile dealers who act as resellers for the mobile network operators.
I recommend: Mobilesift - Compare the latest mobile phones on offer from leading retailers.
Mobile Gazette - Writes about the latest mobile phone handsets.
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