Jasmine Birtles
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Making the most of your mobile phone set-up
Reading Time: 4 minutesThis is a paid post by spusu
Mobile phones are integral part of our lives. We use them for socialising, shopping, working and everything in between. But are you getting the most from your contract, or are there things you could do to lower your monthly bill? Here, mobile network spusu runs through its top tips to ensure your mobile phone contract is as cost-effective as possible.
- Assess your needs
- Could you go SIM-only?
- Explore the cost-savings of eSIM
- Choose a package with benefits that suit you
Assess your needs
The first and most crucial step in finding a cost-effective mobile phone contract is to assess your needs. This means taking a close look at your usage patterns, both in terms of talk time and data. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How much data do I typically use, including video streaming, social media and emails?
- Do I need a new device, or can I use my current one?
- Do I need international calling or roaming benefits?
- Am I regularly taking advantage of the benefits that come with my contract?
By understanding your usage habits, you can avoid overpaying for services you don’t need. For instance, if you regularly travel internationally, a package that includes free or discounted data roaming will be more cost effective. If you’re connected to Wi-Fi most of the time, you can go for a lower data plan. Having an overview of which elements of your phone contract you actually use ensures you can select a new contract with just those features.
Could you go SIM-only?
One way to make your mobile phone contract more cost-effective is to consider going “SIM-only.” While we can all get drawn into the sales cycles and new device launches that come each year, it’s not always necessary to purchase a new device when your contract comes to an end.
A SIM-only contract provides you with a SIM card and mobile plan without including a new phone. These plans are typically cheaper because they don’t include the cost of a new device. But they also have some additional advantages too:
- Flexibility — SIM-only contracts have shorter terms — typically 30-day rolling contracts — allowing you to change your package on a monthly basis.
- Less stringent credit checks — Your credit history will still be checked, but the criteria you’ll have to meet isn’t as comprehensive as a contract deal.
- Greater choice of provider — Some network operators only offer SIM-only services, so you’re free to scout from a wider pool of potential providers to secure the best deal for your needs.
Explore the cost-savings of eSIM
Another way to reduce mobile costs is by using an embedded SIM, or eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is built into your phone rather than being a physical plastic card you insert into your device. When you sign up with a mobile network, you will receive instructions on how to download your eSIM over the internet in minutes, instead of having to wait days for delivery.
There are several ways switching to an eSIM could save you money. The key benefit of eSIM is that it allows you to have multiple phone numbers active on one device at the same time. If you have an Apple device, it uses the Dual SIM function, but other device manufacturers have their own similar features too. With multiple numbers on one device, you can:
- Handle both business and personal communication from a single device, while using two different numbers to work and home lives separate
- Travel effectively by using a local SIM card when travelling abroad to avoid being charged extra for roaming
Keep in mind that not all devices support eSIMs, so check if your phone is compatible before considering this option. Any iPhone from the 11 onwards, Samsung’s Galaxy S20, S21 and S22, and the Google Pixel 3 onwards are all eSIM-compatible. But other devices are compatible too — check with your network or device manufacturer to be sure.
Choose a package with benefits that suit you
Once you’ve assessed your needs, whether you need a new device and if you could benefit from an eSIM, it’s crucial to pick a package that offers benefits you’ll use. There’s no point in paying for add-ons or extras if you’re not going to take advantage of them. To ensure cost-effectiveness, look for the following features in a mobile phone contract:
- Data allowance — Select a plan that offers an appropriate data allowance based on your internet usage. Overpaying for data you don’t use is a common mistake.
- Roaming — If you travel frequently, consider a plan with free or affordable international roaming. This can save you substantial amounts on overseas communication.
- Contract length — Evaluate the contract length. Longer contracts may offer lower monthly rates, but they can also lock you into a plan. If you need greater flexibility, a 30-day rolling contract may be best.
spusu is offering its latest SIM-only deal — spusu 20 — which offers 20 GB of data, unlimited calls and texts and free EU calls and roaming for just £9.90 a month. All prices are frozen until the end of 2024, and there are no binding contracts or credit checks required to take out a contract.
For many of us, a mobile phone package is an essential bill. But by taking steps to ensure you’re only paying for what you use and considering SIM-only and eSIM options you can save money while still enjoying the convenience of a reliable mobile phone service.
For more information on spusu’s mobile packages, or for advice on which package would be best to suit your needs, please visit the website.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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