Mobile phones

UK

You can get a brand new phone every 12 to 18 months for free: you just get a new contract each time. Also remember, a new contract can be cheaper than a renewal! You can take the extra handsets home once you have new ones.

Be careful with cashback systems and cancellation methods. Cashback works very well if you follow the rules: you get your money only if you submit claims at the right time, and you get nothing if you are late. The claims can be for hundreds of pounds, so memory lapses can lead to big losses.

Free line rental? An initial free or discounted period reverts to the full rental for the rest of the term. The free part is the one that is linked to the tricky cashback system.

A 12 or 18 month contract does not cease at 12 or 18 months. You have to write to them to terminate it. Its often a long process where you may have to phone and get authorisation to terminate the contract, before having to write to an address they give you. You should send the cancellation letter by recorded mail as you may have to fight again. You can use email with Vodafone.

We re emphasise: do not forget the contract end date as the phone companies may not remind you. They will just automatically renew for you and tie you to an expensive contract. If you wish to renew, phone them and tell them you wish to leave: they will put your call to the “disconnection” team whose job is to offer even more discounted deals.

You can take your number with you to a new contract. Ask for the PAC number in your letter.

Stay within your minutes otherwise it gets costly.

Don’t use the mobile phone for accessing the internet via a pc unless you have an internet proper account. The pc is megabyte hungry and will cost you loads (e.g. due to daily antivirus updates). Consider getting a broadband USB dongle instead (as a separate contract) or add a broadband package. You can use Skype with this.

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