Mobile phone networks in the UK

Why buy a mobile phone direct from a UK mobile network?

There are two main choices when buying a new mobile phone: buy from a mobile phone dealer or buy direct from a network. If you'd prefer a good value deal with minimal long-term hassle, then we suggest buying from a mobile phone network - and doing so online to benefit from their best prices.

Through online shops, UK mobile networks offer deals on contract and pay as you go mobile phones, mobile broadband and SIM only packs. Prices and promotions have become increasingly attractive in recent years, thanks to networks competing with each other and dealers in an effort to secure longer-term, direct relationships with their customers. The networks' best deals are always offered online, as this is their lowest cost marketing channel.

You can a) remain within our site to read more about each of the UK's main mobile networks (use the links in the left hand panel) or b) visit their online mobile phone shops now by clicking on their logos below:

If you buy direct from a mobile phone network, they'll apply any special offer discounts directly to your bills, with no need to claim cashback. As you'll be dealing directly with the supplier of your mobile phone service instead of through a middleman, they'll also be ideally placed to offer you a great deal to stay with them as you approach the end of your minimum contract period. Overall, buying from a mobile network in today's market can mean a good value, long-term deal with a minimum of related admin.

In contrast to buying directly from a network, mobile phone offers from dealers can work out cheaper, but they usually require customers to "jump through various hoops". For example, to receive advertised line rental discounts, contract customers typically have to submit a number of cashback claims, each of which must be sent on time and satisfy all the conditions in the dealer's small print. Getting a single claim wrong could mean the loss of a customer's entire cashback entitlement. Be warned also that many smaller mobile phone dealers have gone bust in previous years, leaving cashback offers unfulfilled.

Even if all goes well when buying from a mobile phone dealer, you could find yourself facing higher monthly costs at the end of a contract, when discounts no longer apply - although you can, of course, then shop around and repeat the whole process.

If you're prepared to put in the extra effort that's required to keep securing the cheapest possible deals on mobile phones, then buying from a dealer could be your best option. Otherwise, you may be pleasantly surprised at some of the deals that are available to buy online from the UK's mobile networks.