Checking how much mobile data you actually use each month could save you £90 a year, according to a comparison of advertised prices. Many pay-monthly customers have far more data than they need, with Ofcom research showing that 39% have more than 50GB included in their plan, while only 5% use that much. More than half of customers use no more than 20% of their monthly allowance.
What could the saving look like?
A price comparison checked on September 24 2026 found Tesco Mobile advertising a 24-month SIM-only plan with 100GB for £17.50 a month, alongside a 12GB plan for £10 a month. Both listed unlimited minutes and texts. If someone's usage fitted comfortably within 12GB, the difference between those advertised prices would be £7.50 a month, or £90 over 12 months.
That is an illustration rather than a saving every customer can expect. The prices are for new 24-month contracts, offers can change, and any discount or future price rise needs checking before you sign up. Tesco also listed separate Clubcard Prices for both plans.
You might find a better deal elsewhere, including a shorter contract. The useful lesson is to compare what you use with what you pay for, then look at the full cost of plans that meet your needs.
Find out how much data you really need
Open your provider's app or log in to your account and look at your data usage for the past three to six months. Don't rely only on the most recent month. Find your busiest one too. Perhaps you used more data on holiday, when your home broadband failed, or while sharing your connection with a laptop. If you regularly stream away from Wi-Fi or use your phone as a hotspot, a larger allowance could be worthwhile.
Give yourself some room above your usual usage, then compare plans at that level. If you already have a phone you're happy with, include SIM-only deals in your search. You can also find more ways to cut the cost of your smartphone, from checking your contract to questioning whether you need a new handset.
Look beyond the headline price
Check how long a deal lasts, whether the monthly price will rise during the contract, and what happens when a promotional price ends. If you're paying for your handset separately, include any payments still owed when you work out the total cost.
Coverage matters as much as price. Ofcom's Map Your Mobile checker can help you compare networks where you live and work. Check roaming charges, hotspot rules, and the cost of extra data too. A cheap plan could become expensive if it leaves out something you regularly need.
If your current phone is coming to the end of its life, compare the full cost of replacing it as well. Buying a handset separately or refurbished may work out differently from taking another phone contract. Add up the handset and airtime costs over the same period before deciding.
Check whether you can leave your contract
Text INFO to 85075 to check whether you're in or out of contract. If you leave during your minimum term, you may face an early termination charge. Your provider should also tell you when your contract is approaching its end and show you its best available deals.
If you decide to move network and want to keep your number, text PAC to 65075. Give the code to your new provider, which will arrange the switch. If you have several numbers on one account, such as a family plan, you may need to request your code online or by phone.
The aim isn't to squeeze yourself into the tiniest data allowance. It's to know what you use and pay a fair price for it. Once you've checked your phone bill, you can get more practical bill checks and savings ideas by email to tackle another expense next week.
