Picking a Mobile Plan: Data, Contract Length and the Small Print

Most people pay for more data than they use, on a longer contract than they need. Check your real usage before you sign.

Find your actual usage

Your phone's settings show how much mobile data you used in recent months. Start from that number, not the advert.

Contract or SIM-only

• Contract with a phone: one bill, but you are paying off the handset with interest built in.
• SIM-only: cheaper and flexible, if you buy the phone separately.

Read these lines

• Price after the introductory period.
• Annual price rises written into the contract.
• Roaming charges where you actually travel.
• The cost of leaving early.

Coverage beats price

A cheap plan with no signal at home is expensive. Ask a neighbour which network works on your street.

Set a reminder

Put the contract end date in your calendar. Staying on after the term is where providers make their margin.

Updated 2026-10-14