Mobile Phone Frequently Asked Questions
Why are mobile phones free?
Mobile phones are free because the mobile phone networks subsidise them when you buy a contract.
Can I keep my phone number if I change network?
Yes, usually. If you are changing mobile phone network then you will need a "PAC" code and the process takes a few days. Full details of the process are given by the network or web retailer.
Do I need insurance?
Although contract mobile phones are usually free, if you have to replace your phone it will usually cost between £150 and £500. So you do need insurance if you think you're likely to lose or damage your phone or if you can't afford to replace it if you do.
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) versus Contract?
What's best for you really depends on how much you use your mobile phone. Traditionally, infrequent users have been recommended to get PAYG. However with new extremely low tariffs on the market that is no longer the case. For example, on Pay Monthly with some networks you can get a £15 per month contract with plenty of minutes and texts plus a free mobile phone - with PAYG you will have to purchase the phone. PAYG is ideal for the user who only uses the phone in extreme circumstance (e.g. for emergencies) or for someone who doesn't want to enter into a contract (e.g. may be in the country for a short period).
How do contract minutes and texts work?
Each contract will come with a given number of minutes and texts. So for example, a texter tariff may come with 600 texts and 75 anytime any network minutes for £15 per month. This means that each month you pay £15 and you get an allowance of 600 texts and 75 mins of call time. With many networks you can use your minutes to call any number (mobile or landline) within the UK and the same goes for texts, and some networks offer special bonuses such as unlimited texts or off-peak calls with certain price plans. However, once you use your contract minutes and texts up you can still use your mobile phone except you will be charged for the extra minutes or texts. The allowance then starts over at the beginning of each month - minutes and texts can not usually be carried over. Calls made to and from abroad are sometimes charged at extra cost as well, this is best to check out with the network.
What is 3G?
3G is the third generation of mobile phone standards and technology. In essence it allows a network provider to offer better network services in the way of video calls and high-speed web browsing. 3G also allows networks to supply a greater number of customers at a lower incremental cost than 2G networks. More recently there has been the introduction of 3.5G networks (also known as HSDPA) - these offer data speeds even faster than standard 3G, and up to the speeds of mobile broadband.
How good is the Internet on mobile phones?
Traditionally Internet browsing on phones has been a slow and painful experience. However both the network infrastructure and the handset technology has improved greatly over the last few years making mobile browsing a pleasurable experience. With 3G speeds browsing is no longer slow, plus there is a vast network of dedicated mobile websites that are designed for viewing on a small screen. Our recommendation is to get a 3G phone with a high resolution (240 pixels x 320 pixels as a rough guide) and large screen (approx. 2 inches).
Can I use my phone abroad?
There are usually 2 restrictions on using your phone abroad - one phone specific and one network specific. If your phone is Quad band that means you can use it anywhere in the world (almost!), if your phone is Tri-band then you can use it within Europe. Networks will usually charge roaming rates when you call to or from abroad. It is always important to let your network provider know you're going away as some setting on your account may need to be changed in advance.
What is a locked phone?
Handsets are heavily subsidsed by the networks and therefore they can only be used on the network with which you purchased the phone with. Some phones can be unlocked and used with other networks however if you are in a contract this is usually considered a breach of contract. We recommend against doing this as the phone may not work as well without the original network settings.
Can I read and send emails on my phone?
With most modern phones the answer is usually yes. Many new mobile phones now come with a push emailfacility - this means emails are sent to your phone automatically. All you need to do is enter your email account settings (usually IMAP or POP3 settings) and then you can read and send emails as if you were on a PC. Most commercial email services such as AOL, GMail and Yahoo! are compatible. When purchasing a handset it will usually be clear as to whether you will be able to use email.