If you have a smartphone on contract then you’d be wise to send a simple text message to your provider today. Millions of UK users are about to be hit by massive price hikes of over seven percent at the start of next month and now is a good time to check whether you can switch to a cheaper plan.
For those not in the know, most operators charge a hefty monthly fee when you buy a new device such as an iPhone. Part of that fee is for the data, calls and texts whilst the majority of the money pays for the device itself. However, after the usual 24-month contract you then own the device and are free to move or switch to a far cheaper SIM only plan. If you don’t act, you’ll continue to pay the inflated price until you make a change which can end up wasting hundreds of pounds a year.
With big percentage hikes also coming into force within the next week – and many seemingly unaware that they might be overpaying – money expert Martin Lewis has told phone users to send a simple text to see if they are out on contract and can switch.
Speaking on his TikTok channel, Lewis told people to text the word ‘INFO’ to 85075 in order to check if they’re out of their mobile phone contract.
“It’s free and it will tell you whether you’re one of 14 million people in the UK who are currently out of contract and therefore free to switch and can likely save a shed load”. Lewis said in a short video online.
“A simple text that could slash your mobile bill. Feel free to share.”
Along with Martin Lewis offering this top tip, Citizen’s Advice has also posted a similar message on its website.
“If you don’t want to stay with your current provider, find out if you’ll be charged an ‘exit fee’ to leave – check your contract or contact your provider,” the team said.
“You’ll usually be charged an exit fee if you want to leave before the end of a fixed-term contract. This can be expensive, so it might be better to wait until your current contract ends. You can check if you’ll be charged an exit fee to leave your mobile contract by texting the word ‘INFO’ to 85075. It’s free to text this number.”
If you find you are out of contract and don’t want a new phone then it’s wise to speak to your current provider or switch to a SIM-only plan.
These much cheaper options can cost under £10 per month and often don’t require you to sign up for lengthy contracts.
Here are some top SIM deals available right now.
SMARTY (part of the Three Network)
PRICE: £6 per month
INCLUDES: 6GB of data, unlimited calls and texts
SEE THE DEAL HERE
MOBILES.CO.UK (ID Network)
PRICE: £8 per month (£4 via cashback)
INCLUDES: 40GB of data, unlimited calls and texts
SEE THE DEAL HERE
GIFFGAFF (part of the O2 Network)
PRICE: £10 per month
INCLUDES: 25GB of data, unlimited calls and texts
SEE THE DEAL HERE
SKY MOBILE (part of the O2 Network)
PRICE: £12 per month
INCLUDES: 25GB of data, unlimited calls and texts
SEE THE DEAL HERE
