Customers of some major mobile companies could save more than £200 a year by switching when their contract ends.
Consumer group Which? analysed how much out-of-contract customers of EE, Three, O2, and Vodafone could save by switching to their own choice of different data deals. They revealed that out-of-contract customers with the 'big four' pay an average of £22.37 a month compared to the average £19.01 monthly bill across all providers.
However, Which? recently discovered that 52 per cent of customers said they only use up to 5GB a month, which means customers could save a small fortune by switching to a more appropriate data deal. The consumer group found that the average out-of-contract EE customer in its survey pays £23.80 a month for their phone plan.
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But, if EE customers switched to Smarty's 4GB deal for £5 a month, they could save around £225.60 a year (£18.80 a month). Meanwhile, Vodafone customers who pay an average of £22.20 could save £206.40 for the same switch.
Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which? said: “Our findings show that some out-of-contract Big Four customers could save over £200 a year just by switching mobile providers. Anyone in that position should be thinking about making a switch or at least haggling for a much better deal from their current provider.
“However, millions will be trapped in costly contracts by exorbitant exit fees - and feeling the pain of eye-watering price increases of up to 17%. Which? believes it's absolutely critical that Ofcom's review of inflation linked mid-contract hikes results in changes that ensure customers are never trapped in this situation again.”
An EE spokesperson told the Mirror: "We aim to make sure our customers are always on the best deal for them.
"We contact our customers near the end of their contract, and periodically while out of contract, to remind them of our latest deals. All out of contract EE customers are eligible for a 10% discount after being out of contract for three months.
"Customers can regularly track their data usage through the MyEE app. We’re the only network that makes sure you stay online and connected even when your monthly data allowance runs out, through our Stay Connected Data offering.”
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: “Unlike the other mobile network operators, nearly a decade ago we launched contracts which automatically reduce customers’ bills as soon as they’ve finished paying for their handsets - so our customers are already saving big when their contract ends.
"This automatic saving is in addition to the host of benefits we offer to customers including inclusive EU Roaming and O2 Priority which offers exclusive rewards, unique experiences and daily perks, as well as Priority Tickets for thousands of gigs and events across the UK.”
A Vodafone spokesperson told the Mirror: “We encourage everyone to review their plan at the end of any contract so they can make sure they’re on the right deal for their needs – which often change over time. At the end of every contract period we notify our customers of the best value deals available, and can also support them in finding this online, over the phone and in stores.”
“We offer a wide range of great value packages and customers can save by bringing their mobile and broadband contracts to us – (up to £380 a year). Our loyalty programme Very Me gives customers a range of additional discounts on days out, discounts on takeaways, free coffees and more.”
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