Mobile phone bills increase with price index...

[smiley]

So 1st April every year means mobile phone bills increase for most phone operators in line with the CPI index. 

As an example of this, the CPI was communicated in January 2025 as 2.5% and then a fixed increase on top, typically 3.9%. Overall this means a total increase in 2025 of 6.4% ! 

A lot of phone users are 'out of their contract term' and are paying too much, but are unaware of the excellent SIM ONLY deals that are available. Now is a very good time to look at your options. Although this process can seem daunting it is very easy to change contract and network whilst also keeping your same number. 

Having helped my elderly parents secure a good deal last month I wanted to help with some guidance. The chances are if you are out of contract terms and paying more than £10 a month, then it is a worthwhile consideration. 

See below post from 4 weeks ago. This may be slightly outdated now, as prices change constantly, but the message is to look at the price comparisons sites to make your best judgement.

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/samsung-lounge/changing-carrier-providers-sim-only-transfers-a-w...

Note: my posts are ALWAYS my own work and from my own experience, they are not some AI generated response. Every word is written by my own hands... no matter how long the response is 

Smiley. 

[johnz237]

Very good points, @smiley.

I used to be a sales assistant at Currys, and it's unbelievable how much money you can save by changing providers and going to a retailer instead of directly to the provider. Customer loyalty often means nothing with broadband/ Sims

[Dean1987]

I am keeping an eye 👁 on my network provider, three within the next year or so as one they are merging with Vodaphone plus my Sim runs out in around mid-2026, so I will be checking if I can find cheaper ones around then.

[smiley]

I am with IDmobile that piggy back onto the three network.

You are correct that in December 2024 both Vodafone and three merged their businesses.

I believe both will benefit from a joint network, but after they have worked out the details of the merger.

Hopefully during 2025 this will be completed and we shall benefit from a larger collaborated network 😀

Smiley

[Dean1987]

Indeed, it will be interesting to see what will happen with the two in the next year and beyond.

[keith30]

It's not just mobile bills that go up every April. Your hands ✋️ are never out your pocket in the UK!

[smiley]

Agreed. And every little helps.

🙏

[Joeeye]

That's why you need to shop regularly for the best deals, especially at your contracts end. It's the same deal with internet and broadband providers too, just an even worse scale.

[Piper123]

It is worth noting that CPI increases have since been banned and replaced with fixed amounts where your network includes an annual uplift.

BUT those on legacy contracts are still subject to CPI + increases so definitely look around and swap to a better (cheaper) tariff.

Quite often it is cheaper to go with A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (those that use one of the 4 and soon to be 3 core networks).

There are lots out there including:

Voxi (Uses Vodafone)
Lebara (Vodafone)
ID Mobile (Three)
Smarty (Three)
Spusu (EE)
Lycamobile (EE(
Sky Mobile (O2)
Tesco Mobile (O2)

Just to name a few.

Don't need a new phone? Go for a sim only deal. They come in 1 month, 12 months, 24 month contract terms and are cheaper s you're not paying for a device as well.

[craíg]

Been with EE a long time. My SIM only bill is less than £10 a month, that comes with unlimited everything. A Network Provider would offer you anything to not cancel. So it's always worth finding what you can get to stay with them