If you’re signed up to a phone contract, it’s likely that your monthly payments are going to increase, if they haven’t already.
Although it may only be a few percent, a 4.5% increase on a £35 monthly phone contract means you’ll pay an extra £37.50 over the two years.
This increase in monthly payments, along with energy and food bills rising, is just the latest effect of the cost of living crisis. It really does feel like everything is going up - except our wages!
If you’re looking for ways to decrease your monthly payments and your contract is up soon, or it’s already up, we’ve compiled these tips for saving money when it comes to switching mobile providers.
And, if changing your phone network seems like it might be a bit too much of a faff, don’t worry - it’s much easier than you think. You can keep your existing number too.
Here’s how to save money when you switch mobile phone networks, including the deals you should be looking out for.
Subscription benefits
Introductory offers are one of the main benefits of shopping around for a new phone network.
Providers will often attempt to entice you with various freebies, including subscriptions to services like Spotify Premium or Amazon Prime.
Over the course of 24 months, Spotify premium, for example, will cost £239.76 (£9.99 per month) and you’ll be able to use the subscription on additional devices too.
SIM only
If you’re happy to keep hold of your phone, then switching to a SIM-only deal can save you money too.
The most expensive part of a phone contract is the phone itself, not the data, minutes and texts that come with it. So, if your phone’s still in good working order, it makes sense to opt for a SIM-only plan.
Before choosing a SIM-only plan it is a good idea to assess your current usage and see if there’s additional money you can save. If you use a lot of data, for example, but rarely make calls, you should factor this into the decision you make.
Using other providers for leverage
In the same way other phone networks will be keen for you to sign-up for their deals, your existing network will want to keep you too. You can use this to your advantage when it comes to contract renewal time by telling your provider you have been offered better for less elsewhere. Typically, the provider will match this to avoid losing your custom.
How to switch mobile providers and keep numbers
If you’ve decided to leave your current provider, it’s really easy to do. Ofcom rules mean you can switch providers by sending a free text to your current provider - making it socially acceptable to dump your mobile network by text.
The Text to Switch process means you don’t have to tell your provider why you’re leaving and, better still, the numbers to text are the same regardless of the network you’re on…
To switch networks and keep your mobile number, text PAC to 65075
To switch networks and get a new mobile number, text STAC to 75075
For more information on your contract, text INFO to 85075
If you’re switching providers, all you’ll have to do is give your new provider the PAC or STAC code your networks will send after your text the relevant code and number, and your new provider will take care of the rest.
How long does a PAC code last?
A PAC code will be valid for 30 days, so you don’t have to use it as soon as you receive it - meaning you can use the tips above to shop around for the best deal possible.
So, now you know all about how easy it is to switch mobile providers and the tactics you can use to secure a better deal, will you be switching your mobile provider?
Don’t forget, members of our Good Payers Club can access the latest tech, including mobile phones, with flexible and affordable credit options.
For more tips on saving money, including tackling the cost of living crisis and the grants available to help you pay energy and housing bills, and more, check out the Fair for You blog.
If you’re new to Fair for You, we have a number of articles explaining who we are and how we work, like ‘what is a community interest company?’, ‘what’s the difference between Fair for You and a buy now pay later firm?’, and ‘what does it mean to be regulated by the financial conduct authority?’.