Fourteen million people in the UK are out of contract with their mobile phone supplier and could be paying far more than necessary, according to MoneySavingExpert. By shopping around and choosing a deal that matches your needs, you could save upwards of £250 a year.
Data from Uswitch shows that 96% of the population own a mobile phone, with 88 million mobile subscriptions in operation. Despite our reliance on these devices, many of us are stuck on expensive contracts long after the initial term has ended.
Can I switch today?
If you are out of contract, you can switch to a new provider immediately. Before shopping around, reset your online password and check your bill—it will confirm whether you are out of contract and show your data usage, which can help you cut costs later. If you have recently renewed, add your contract renewal date to your calendar and set a reminder one month before, giving you time to research the best deals.
What if my contract hasn't expired?
If you are mid-contract, leaving early usually involves an exit fee that starts high and reduces over time. If you find a better deal, it may be worth breaking the contract, but first ask your provider for an estimated exit fee. This also gives them a chance to make a counter offer. In some cases, you can leave early if the business is not meeting its contractual obligations, such as poor signal strength, bad customer service, changes to your original contract, mid-contract price increases, or changes in circumstances like moving abroad. If alleging poor signal, download a free app to monitor it, report the issue, and take screenshots as evidence.
What research should I do before I switch?
Consider how long you want to commit to a contract. Longer contracts often offer cheaper rates, but prices can rise mid-term, so read the terms carefully. Ofcom rules require providers to clearly explain mid-term increases in your offer letter. Some providers offer discounted rates for the first few months, with the best deals running up to a year, after which the contract price increases significantly. When comparing deals, calculate the total cost over the contract duration and note the date of any price rise.
Bundling deals—moving broadband, TV, and mobile to the same provider—can offer discounts, but compare them against single deals elsewhere. Be wary of firms that automatically move you to 'best' deals, as they may earn commission and not act in your interest. Check review sites to see how providers handle complaints.
How do I switch to a new provider?
Ofcom has simplified the switching process, which can be done by text. If you want to keep your number, request a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from your current provider by texting PAC to 65075, online, or by phone. The PAC must be given within one minute and lasts 30 days. Your new provider handles the rest, and you should be set up within one working day. If you don't want to keep your number, request a Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC) by texting STAC to 75075.
If you change your mind after signing up online or by phone, you have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel the contract. Ensure the provider logs the cancellation on their systems.
Before switching, back up your phone data, including contacts, photos, and messages, and ask about data transfer if changing handsets. Also, check how e-sims work with your new provider.
Mobile companies cannot charge notice periods after the switch date. If they do, file a formal complaint. Compensation may apply for delays or errors, and your new provider is responsible for ensuring the switch goes smoothly. If problems occur, ask the new provider to confirm the issue in writing and use it as evidence in a complaint.
For unresolved issues, you can complain to the Communications Ombudsman or CISAS, the independent dispute resolution services.
