Mobile Guide

There are hundreds of mobile offers available to choose from these days, so most people would probably prefer to have someone find that ideal mobile deal for them. With mobile tariffs changing each month and a new mobile handset arriving on the market each week most people simply can't keep up. The best thing to ask yourself is what do you really need from the tariff and phone itself?

With so much choice available it's easy to get confused but that shouldn't put you off looking for a great mobile deal to suit your needs. That's why YourHomeBills.com has put together a short mobile guide to help you make an informed decision.

How will you use your mobile phone?
It's worth asking yourself the following questions whether you are buying your first phone, choosing a new deal or simply browsing for a new mobile handset:

• Will you use your phone often?

• When will you make most of your calls?
   (e.g. daytime, evening or weekend)

• Which mobile networks will you dial most frequently?
   (what networks are your friends and family on?)

• What services and features are you likely to want?
   - e.g. WAP, MP3 player for music, personal organiser, camera?

• Will you be using your phone abroad on holidays or business trips?

• Will you use voicemail?

Pay Monthly contracts
With a pay monthly contract you will pay a monthly subscriptions, typically for a minimum period of around 12-18 months. This subscription will usually provide you with inclusive minutes to be used on calls and also text messages. With a pay monthly deal you will have access to a greater range of mobile handsets, useful services and cheaper call charges. Most providers will also offer you an itemised monthly bill so you can review your calls for the previous month and keep track of your outgoings.

Pay As You Go
With a pay as you go phone deal you will be required to pay in advance of making calls by topping up with a credit voucher or with the credit or debit card that you used to register your mobile number. There are no credit checks or minimum contract terms but you will have access to a reduced choice of mobile handsets, which will typically be more expensive than on the Pay Monthly options. The benefit of the Pay as You Go deals is that you are not committed to spending a minimum amount each month, which can be useful if money is running low or you are frequently travelling abroad.

Choosing a handset
There is a sea of mobile handsets for you to choose from but should concentrate on getting one that you like and is easy for you to use.

YourHomeBills.com have put together a short list of phone features that are now available from an array of different mobile manufacturers:

• Text Messages
• Music on your mobile (MP3 player)
• 3G
• Mobile Ringtones
• Camera Phones
• Mobile TV
• Mobile Accessories
• Mobile Games
• Bluetooth
• HSDPA
• Personal Organiser