Bill warning for anyone who got a new phone for Christmas
It's the time of year where many gadget fans scoop a new phone, whether it's the flagship iPhone 15 from Apple, one of Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 or a device from Nokia or Google Pixel.
But among the excitement of firing up your new phone, transferring all your old photos, and downloading your favourite go-to apps, there is a crucial detail that all new mobile users are being urged to check. Especially if your phone is on a UK mobile contract or you're planning to take out a monthly SIM.
That's because in April 2024 many broadband and mobile providers are expected to boost customers' current prices as the inflation rates announced this month come into effect, and providers can even add as much as 3.9% on top of the laid out inflation figure.
This applies even if you're in a contract, so no matter if you set up your new phone with a provider this December the rate you pay each month for data or the price of paying off your handset is likely to increase in just a few months. Recent data published by Uswitch showed this could increase a mobile phone bill by £9.50 a month - adding hundreds more to your yearly bill.
EE, Three, Vodafone, O2, Virgin Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Talk Mobile, and BT are all on the list for providers that will be hiking prices for existing customers in April 2024 so eager contract shoppers should bear this in mind before taking out a deal that seems to be great value for money. And because shoppers are warned about price rises in the small T&C's at the bottom of contract pages you will be unable to cancel for free.
Shop prices 'are yet to peak and will remain high' as inflation hits new heights
An example, from a Vodafone Pixel 8 listing, of the inflation CPI warning to look out for when picking a new mobile or SIM contractSo, it's vital you know which networks won't be rising their prices, so the price you lock in with your brand new phone won't rise in 2024.
UK networks that won't hike prices in 2024
- VOXI by Vodafone
- Lebara
- GiffGaff
- Lyca Mobile
- Asda Mobile
All of the above networks have been confirmed by Uswitch as not upping their prices for existing contract customers. This is great for data or SIM-only customers as there are five different retailers to choose from to find the best price.
Combined data and handset customers however will onbly be able to compare with three; VOXI, GiffGaff, and Asda Mobile as cheaper rates at the likes of EE, O2, Sky etc will be off the cards if you want to avoid the price hikes.
Tips that could help you avoid overspending on your phone
As well as checking the small print about April 2024 increases before clicking 'buy' at the online checkout there are a few things phone customers can do to lessen the price rise that may be added to your bill.
Firstly, existing phone customers who've now paid off their phone contract should start shopping around for a better price, as if you've paid off your handset but haven't switched you could be overpaying without realising.
Switching to a pay-as-you-go deal when your next fixed contract comes to an end my be better in avoiding the price hike hit, as these plans lets you leave after each 30-days so it will give you more flexibility to shop around. You can compare all UK pay-as-you-go plans here.
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