One in five have NEVER switched mobile network… but it could save £240 a year

Millions of households could save up to £240 a year and offset skyrocketing mobile phone bills by switching providers.

About nine million Britons – about one in seven – could be overpaid by staying with their current phone provider, according to Sky Mobile.

One in five (19 percent) of phone owners have never switched networks, and 28 percent have not done so for more than five years.

However, those who switched in the last three years have saved more than £100 a year on average.

In fact, around 750,000 people saved more than £240 a year, Sky Mobile said.

Common reasons for not switching providers are that they don’t know it can be done cheaper (17 percent of those surveyed) and that it’s too much of a hassle (10 percent).

Around one fifth (21 percent) of phone users renew their contract without ever looking around.

Paul Sweeney, managing director at Sky Mobile, said: ‘Half of Britons say they want cheaper mobile bills – and could save £100 a year if they switch.’

The average saving of £100 helps offset the rising price of mobile phone bills.

In April, millions of these bills rose more than inflation – some even rose by 17.3 percent.

The average person now pays £11.25 more per month, or £135 per year.

Other ways to save money on your cell phone bill

1) Figure out what you REALLY need

Cell phone contracts vary in terms of what you get and what you’re charged. When you’re at the end of your contract, think about what you really need from a cell phone deal.

View how many minutes and texts and how much data you use per month. If your contract allows much more, consider switching to a cheaper deal with a lower allowance.

If you’ve paid off your handset and would like to keep it, check that you’re not stuck paying a higher rate than you need to.

2) Consider a sim only deal

If you already own a cell phone or can get one cheaply, you may be able to save money with a cheap SIM-only deal.

This is because most cell phone contracts sell you two things: the phone itself and the cost of using it. If you already have the phone, all you have to worry about is the cost of calls, texts, and data.

Uswitch has said customers can save up to £321 by getting a SIM-only deal.

Users must ensure that they do not exceed the limits stated when signing up. If this is the case, there may be additional charges – and they can be expensive.

In the know: If you’re going to haggle with your phone network, research the best deals from rivals first to give you the upper hand

3) Consider a refurbished phone

Instead of buying a brand new phone, see if there’s a refurbished phone that’s right for you. These are phones that have been refurbished by experts to replace broken parts and improve their operation.

They are significantly cheaper than new phones. For example, an iPhone 13 costs around £600 to £700 for a new handset, while refurbished models cost around £500.

These savings are even greater for lower-demand phones or older models.

Most Samsung Galaxy phones released in the last five years normally cost no more than £200 when refurbished, but cost up to four times as much new.

4) Be prepared to haggle

If your existing contract ends, haggling with your provider can save you money.

Do your research first and get ready with some of the best deals you’ll find elsewhere. Mention any issues you’ve had with your current provider, as this can give you an edge in any negotiations.

If you’re not happy with the offer your provider is making, say you’re willing to leave. This can miraculously lead to better deals appearing.

5) Be prepared to switch

If you can’t get a deal you’re happy with with your current provider, consider switching.

6) Check if you can get a social rate

Some networks now offer social rates for mobile phone customers. However, Sim-only deals can be cheaper, so even if you qualify for a social rate, you should look into that as well.