Millions missing out on cheaper mobile phone deals, says Which?

Almost 20 million Britons have never switched mobile phone provider and could be missing out on significant savings as a result, according to Which? Mobile. In a survey it also found that 5.3 million people said they spent less since switching mobile provider.


The organisation questioned 8,001 members of the public about their experiences when they switched provider. It found those who have been put off switching because they anticipate a lengthy and difficult process should think again, with nine out of 10 consumers finding it easy.

It said 44% of adults who own mobile phones have never switched provider, equating to about 20 million people, while 48% of adults who have switched in the past two years (about 6 million people) said they had spent less than they did with their previous provider.

Tom McLennan from Which? Mobile said: "If you have been with the same mobile provider for years, the chances are you could find a better deal elsewhere. With so many tariffs out there it pays to shop around, either through a comparison site or by checking out what different networks have to offer."


A quarter (26%) of those who switched provider did so for a more competitive tariff, Which? said, with only 16% switching for a better handset and 14% seeking a provider that offered improved coverage and reception.


Which? Mobile also found that for pay monthly customers phone features are the most important factor when choosing a new handset, with recommendations from retailers or providers of little significance. For pay-as-you-go customers the cost of the handset is the deciding factor.


The organisation also said a "surprising" statistic was that nine out of 10 people still go to a mobile phone store to choose a new phone rather than using online comparison sites – despite Which? also finding that most mobile salespeople push phone insurance – something it regularly flags as a waste of money because consumers' handsets are (or can be) covered by their home insurance.

Indeed, mobile phone insurance featured in Which?'s top 10 useless financial products last year.

25.08.2011 - Guardian

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