MOBILE phone customers are overpaying by £3.4billion a year new research has found.
On average Brits spend £92 more per year than they need to on their phone contract, according to research by HandsetExpert.com.
It claims that 88 per cent of customers would be better off switching to a SIM only tariff.
Dr Shahrum Gilani, who founded HandsetExpert.com, said: “Most of us think that we’re savvy shoppers, but with so many different deals available it’s almost impossible to find the best mobile contract for your needs.
“It’s so easy to be lured into making an unnecessarily expensive purchase.
“A relatively small difference in the contract price per month can really add up across a 24-month contract.”
Last week, the regulator Ofcom announced plans to make it easier and quicker for mobile phone customers to switch between networks.
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It means customers may soon be able to move provider by sending a text.
Under the plans, customers would no longer have to pay for their old and new service at the same time – saving around £10 million a year, Ofcom said.
The rules aren’t set in stone. Ofcom has until June 30 to talk to mobile firms and the industry about the changes.
It will then publish its final decision in autumn this year.
How to cut your mobile phone costs
Firstly, decide if you’re happy with your current deal and whether you want a new deal or handset – or both
If you’re outside the minimum term of your contract then you can leave penalty free – and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
Pay-as-you-go deals are better for people who don’t regularly use their phone, while monthly contracts usually work out cheaper for those who do.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR MOBILE NUMBER
WHEN you cancel your contract ask your outgoing provider for a porting authorisation code or PAC. It should give you the nine-character code immediately or text it to you within two hours. It is then valid for 30 days.
You then need to give your provider the new code and they will set up the contract with your old one.
The service is free and takes one to two working days.
The best way to find a new deal is by checking comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and uSwitch.com, which compare tariffs and handset prices.
It’s also worth trying Billmonitor, it matches buyers to the best pay-monthly deal based on their previous three months of bills.
It only works if you’re a customer of EE, O2, Three, Vodafone or Tesco Mobile and you’ll need to log in with your online account details.
MobilePhoneChecker has a bill monitoring feature that recommends a tariff based on your monthly usage.
If you’re happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal.
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