| The mobile phone market in the UK is becoming more | | | | years a number of the independent mobile phone |
| crowded than ever before. In a maturing industry, | | | | retailers have started offering free gifts and cash back |
| mobile phone providers are having to find more | | | | in an effort to drive sales. Customers can now get |
| imaginative ways to entice consumers into committing | | | | games consoles, holiday vouchers and even hard cash |
| the next 12 months of their contract life to them. Of | | | | for simply taking out a contract for a period of 12 to |
| course this is great for the consumer, but where do | | | | 24 months. |
| you start? | | | | In the end it comes down to what you really want |
| Minutes, texts and handsets are at the forefront of the | | | | from a mobile phone? Free gifts come at a cost, |
| agenda for most customers when it comes to | | | | usually the cost per month, text or minute allowance or |
| comparing a contracts. The UK is unique in that it | | | | quality of handset that the customer receives, the |
| offers phones, often for free in exchange for paying a | | | | decision is really down to you. |
| monthly fee with a text and minute allowance. This of | | | | There is always an array of new handsets available |
| course works for the mobile phone provider as the | | | | and choosing a good handset is always important. |
| customer is tied for a minimum of 12 months and there | | | | Before committing to a 12 month deal, always ensure |
| is a constant stream of punters queuing up to change | | | | that you have read a number of consumer reviews, |
| deals. | | | | after all the phone will be with you for at least a year, |
| Most of the main dealers stop there, but in recent | | | | so pick a good one. |