It would be a very big mistake to be influenced by a cheap phone price if you're going to be tied to an expensive system for years to come.
The cellular telephone systems appear to have attracted some very sharp operators, and you would be very well advised to be thorough about carefully studying all the small print before signing a contract -- even (especially?) with household/high street name companies. There are dodgy clauses hiding in some of the contracts! For example, check for:
- a pay as you go deal that seems cheap till you use it
- a prepay contract with no options for the second year, except buying a new phone and starting again with a new mobile number
- a network with poor coverage where you need it
- short off-peak hours
- a long minimum contract period, with the notice period on top
- a contract that only allows you to terminate on the anniversary of signing
- a phone that costs you just a few pounds or less, but costs several hundred to replace if broken, lost or stolen
- Extra charges for non direct debit payment
- extra charges for itemised billing that you can't cancel
- insurance at extortionate rates (your house insurance may cover phones anyway)
- a phone that is locked to one SP's SIM cards
- a phone sold for use abroad, when the SP won't allow roaming without a huge deposit
- Oh heck, check everything!
©1997 1998 1999 Iain Harrison, Hairydog Productions
Comments, suggestions and amendments welcomed!
cellular. v1.52 13 Jun 99