The major mobile phone operators in the UK are Orange, Vodafone, 3, T-Mobile and O2. If you are looking for a new mobile phone, you should look around and see what the various networks are offering at the time as some deals will undoubtedly end up significantly cheaper than others. In recent years, Virgin mobile has also been increasing in popularity but doesn't count as a full-blown network as it uses the technology provided by T-Mobile. Instead, Virgin counts as an MVNO - a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. Mobile phone deals these days are ten a penny, whichever network you choose.
Looking around for deals on Mobile Phones usually involves scouting the papers, having a look up and down the High Street and checking through the internet to see what is on offer. The truth is that, more often than not, the best deals are always to be found on websites, as they have considerably lower running costs than traditional shops. You are also not forced to withstand the attentions of a salesman and are allowed to browse in peace, at you leisure. Another advantage of using the internet to find a mobile phone is that you can have various windows open in your browser at the same time, allowing you the chance to directly compare what different websites are offering. Price matching websites also offer this service but are surprisingly unpopular among internet users, perhaps as a result of a lack of trust.
The best offers on mobile phones are generally available as contract phones. This is because the cost of the handset can be spread over the term of the contract. For many people, however, contract phones are unattainable - this is particularly true for young people and those who suffer from a bad credit rating. For these customers, Pay As You Go, or 'PrePaid' handsets offer the perfect solution. These mobile phones have no monthly running cost and you only pay for the price of the calls you make. If you are the kind of person who receives horrific, unmanageable phone bills at the end of each month, you should either look for a more efficient contract - which normally involves paying a higher monthly line rental - or switch to Pay As You Go and only make calls you can afford.
The most popular handsets internationally are Nokia mobile phones. The Finnish company are the most consistent producer of high quality handsets across the board, from basic handsets aimed at developing markets to luxury editions such as the 8800 Sirocco, which is now available covered in real gold. Nokia's PDAs are also popular, but Treo and Blackberry are the market leaders in that specific field.
