Whether we like it or not, our mobiles are an increasingly important part of our business and daily lives. With mobile connections in the UK in 2014 outnumbering the actual population, and 76% of adults now owning a smartphone (Deloitte 2015 survey) mobile is indeed the weapon of choice for everyone.
Websites are increasingly forced to be mobile friendly, an ever growing number of households are mobile only and the flexibility given by mobile is always appealing to fluid businesses.
Having been in this wonderful industry since 2003 – I have seen the most rapid
change in technology within this 13 years. The superfast ability of 4G networks and the pace at which manufacturers have moved to include the latest technology within their handsets has been to say the least, frightening.
When you consider that handsets were released by the dozen by manufacturers a few years back, the recent tendency has been to launch prestige or flagship handsets annually, so rigid a self imposed constraint that you can practically set your watch by Samsung and Apple launches.
In addition, with the increase of mobile data usage increasing exponentially – the new battleground of network has been supplying the right amount of data for clients and simply making texts and call time unlimited. A far cry from the days when each network had thousands upon thousands different combinations of tariffs.
This change in tack from manufacturers and the almost refreshing simplicity of network tariffs has however come at a cost – by making the flagship handsets an
annual treat this has given networks licence to inflate prices to satisfy demand – a trick that the High Street retailers love!
The majority of people are often taken in by the tactic of having the cheapest monthly line rental despite the fact that this monthly amount may not actually contain any real value – on the High Street, cheap = wins.
So here is how you can work out the best deal for you:
Know your handset – Understand the full retail cost of the mobile you are looking for, for most flagship handsets this cost can be anywhere between £450 and £750 depending on what you want.
Recycle your old mobile – In most cases, smartphones tend to hold a decent price after 2 years. This recycle amount, or even part exchange amount, can significantly help to reduce costs – especially when dealing with an independent like us.
Compare the tariff – For instance, you see an iPhone 6 on a £40 per month tariff – firstly see what other networks are offering for that exact tariff. The difference can be sizable at times. Also look at the SIM only variant.
Know the breakdown – Each contract offer will be made of two parts, and this where knowing the figures helps. The first part is the handset cost, the second part the actual airtime. Knowing this enables you to identify the value.
Example – Let us consider a £450 handset being offered on a tariff of £45 a month. We also know the equivalent package SIM only variant is £20.
This suggests that the mobile part is at £25 – which over the course of 24 months will actually mean you pay £600 for a £450 handset!
Buying mobiles is a decision that should be made in the same style as buying a car, different offers are available everywhere but find the best for you.
Also speak to someone that knows what to look for – I am only the end of the phone if you ever need to ask someone.
End of my mobile phone – 07775 728717 – of course!
Craig Higgins is Director of Techsultant