Mobile Phones Voucher Codes & Online Mobile Phones Deals

Hi there, and welcome to our Mobile Phones for Less Guide! Here at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk we're all about helping you live life for less, whether it's paying the bills or doing the things you love, so we've put together this handy guide to help you figure out what kind of mobile phone deal is right for you.

What's Your Usage?

The first thing to do if you're concerned about the amount you're paying for your current plan - whether it's pay as you go or contract - is to figure out what you're actually using, in terms of texts, calls and data use (for internet, picture messages and the like). If you're on an expensive contract that gives you loads of texts and minutes for example, but you don't use even half of your allowance, you're wasting your money. Likewise, if you're on a pay as you go plan and use your phone for internet so much you're having to top up your balance every other day, it's hardly a perfect arrangement.

Once you know how much you use, you can start looking for offers that suit your needs. Now you can consider whether you're better off with a pay-as-you-go plan or a monthly contract. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, which we've briefly outlined below.

	Pay as you go	Contract
Pros	Great if you don't use your phone a lot It's easy to budget You're not tied to a contract	Great if you regularly use your phone Handsets are often free or reduced when bundled with a contract Some providers offer discounts if you get other services from them, such as home broadband Many contracts include phone upgrades
Cons	Calls can be costly compared to many contracts You need either an existing handset, or to purchase one Lots of internet use can eat through your data allowance quickly, and it can get expensive	You can get charged a lot if you go over your allowances Many contracts have fees for early cancellation If you don't use your phone a lot, you may wind up paying for more than you use

It might be tempting to shoot straight for the unlimited offers when you're choosing a contract - all those free texts and the unlimited data can really sound appealing, particularly if you're getting a top of the range smartphone for a subsidised fee. Exercise a little restraint when you're taking your pick, thinking about the total texts, minutes and data you're likely to go through in a month, and you'll be much better off.

SIM-Only Deals

If you've already got a phone that you're happy with, and you're just looking to change your current provider on to a contract, then a SIM-only deal is probably what you want. They're just what they sound like - deals where you're just paying the basic monthly contract fee or the pay-as-you-go top-ups, using your current phone with a new SIM card which they provide. If you're really attached to your current phone and it's not tied into a contract, then these plans can be a great way to change to a more affordable tariff. Much like other payment plans, SIM-only deals such as those offered by Carphone Warehouse are available as both monthly contracts and pay as you go - and they're a good way to get 3G on other mobile devices like tablets and laptops, too.

Picking The Perfect Phone

Think about the kind of phone you really need. Cutting-edge smartphones like the Apple iPhone are packed with lots of great features and functionality, like the Siri personal assistant on the newer models and high-megapixel cameras, but carry a much higher price tag both for monthly contracts and for individual handset purchases. It may seem obvious, but if you're not going to get much use out of them, there's no point paying extra for all the bells and whistles. Plenty of phone manufacturers these days produce mid-range and lower-range smartphones that include all the core functionality - apps, cameras, multimedia and such - with basic specifications to offer cost-effective models, and you can still pick up simple phones that just cover texting, calls and the like.

Plenty of the mobile phone retailers we feature here on NetVoucherCodes.co.uk offer a great selection of high-end smartphones and economical models alike, and we're dedicated to stocking as many discount codes and deals as we can, so you'll pay as little as possible whatever your perfect phone may be.

Click here to take a look at our popular stores page for all the best voucher codes and special offers available from the biggest brands in mobile phones.

Finding Tariffs

Hopefully now you've got an idea of the kind of phone you want, and the type of plan you're after. Now you can start browsing all those exciting mobile phones and plans!

We've got loads of special offers and voucher codes available on mobile phone retailers and service providers here in our Mobile Phones category, and you can easily look through to find the latest stand-out deals and discounts. If you'd like a more in-depth comparison, then over at offical Ofcom website there's a list of accredited comparison sites to help you find a provider and plan that's good for you - just remember to head back here to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk for hot codes and offers to make sure you're not missing out on a bargain.

Another good tip is to talk to your current tariff provider and see if they can offer you a better deal. Naturally, they're not going to want to lose your business, so you may be able to get a special deal from them. Head to your current provider's website and get in touch with their customer services to find out if you'll be able to save money without switching over at all. Always remember, though, that if you're currently on a contract you might be charged a fee if you switch before the contract ends.

Keeping Your Number

Just because you switch providers or networks doesn't mean you have to get a new number. Every SIM has a code attached to it that defines what phone number it uses. It's possible to have this code transferred to your new SIM, so you can keep your existing number even if you switch networks or service providers.

This code is called a PAC, and you can get yours from your current provider simply by asking them for it. They're bound by law to provide it within one working day. You can then give this number to the provider you're switching to, and they'll be able to transfer your number when you switch. Be aware - some providers may charge you for this, so make sure you ask the people you're transferring to whether it'll cost you anything.

We hope that this simple little guide was of some use to you. If you'd like to know more, there's plenty more impartial advice and information available at the comparison websites mentioned above, and remember - once you've found a mobile phone or tariff that appeals to you, be sure to check back here at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk to see if we've any mobile phone voucher codes, deals or special offers to net you the best bargains around!