Saving Money with Your Mobile

Internet access has become a necessity in our lives. We need to work, to communicate, to study, and to survive. There are two ways that most people get their internet access. One is through Wi-Fi hotspots that can often be found free. The second way is through mobile broadband – a connection service that gets you online by using your cellphone’s 3G or 4G signal. This plan needs you to have a sim card, and as simple as the process sounds, you might find yourself paying for data charges that you had no intention of paying for. You can pay at the end of the month, of you can get a pay-as-you-go-deal. Whichever way you choose to go, it helps if you know a few tricks that will help you save money on your mobile. Here are a few tricks:

Don’t Just Sign Up, Check Coverage

In the UK, there are currently fore dominant mobile networks to choose from. These are EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. These operators have one thing in common- neither of them provides their own signal. They all borrow from the 3G or 4G signal on your mobile, so before signing up with any of them, make sure that you get your money’s worth by checking the provider’s coverage map.

Watch Those Limits

Mobile broadband providers will limit the amount of data you are allowed to download every month. Going over these limits will make you eligible for extra charges, and since we are trying to avoid paying extra on our mobiles, make sure you check your allowance online on a regular basis to make sure that you are still within the plan you paid for.

Take that Contact and Commit to it

Taking a rolling contract is not such a good idea as you may end up paying more for less. Taking up longer contracts will help you save a substantial amount of money, and if you prefer a short-term contract, then at least make sure you try it out before you commit. This will help you get the best plans for less money. For instance, getting a data plan that includes a wireless hotspot device for all your devices will cost you more in a rolling contract. Taking the same deal on a contract that lasts 12 months will certainly be cheaper.

Whatever you Do, Don’t Use it Abroad!

Using your mobile data abroad will cost you big. Broadband packages cost a fortune even if you turn them on just for a minute while abroad. You will charged as much as £8 per MB in most cases, and for this reason, be very paranoid about your data charges when roaming.

Here is a Little Secret

If you have stayed with a particular mobile broadband provider for a while, then you may just be eligible for a special deal. This does not apply to all providers, but some of them will give you the existing plan for a better price. You might save a few pounds and the end of the month and save up for something else.

Compare the Deals

Depending on how much money you can afford to spend on data charges each month, try to compare the different mobile deals available at Broadband Choices and find the one that best suits you. For as little as £7.99 a month, or even better, £5.00 a month, you can get contracts that last up to 30 days and be able to access the internet and save money. It does not have to be expensive, you just need to find the deal that is good for you, and with the ever increasing number of service providers, you are sure to find one.

Use Your Data Sparingly

Finally, just try to minimize your data usage. There are a number of ways that you can do this. First, when you come across free Wi-Fi network, use that and turn off your data. Make sure the network is safe for you to connect, or at least protect your confidential files from outside hackers. If free Wi-Fi hotspots do not work for you, then there are plenty of other ways to reduce the charges on your mobile service.

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Scott

Scott brings philosophical insights and witty wordplay to his writing for Unfinished Man. With wide-ranging interests from bikes to beers, he explores the novelty in everyday life. Scott aims to both inform and entertain readers with his perspectives on culture, technology, and the pursuit of living well.

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