Mobile Phones Buying Guide
Don't be mystified by jargon or fooled by hype. Our comprehensive Buying Guides help you choose the right products.
What you need to know, from the kind of user you are to current technologies:
CHOOSE A NETWORK
In the UK you can choose from five major networks, plus a few virtual networks that work off the five major ones. The networks are similar but some provide services that others don't, some have better customer support and some have different deals and phones. Overall, the UK has a very competitive mobile network market and calls and handsets are becoming cheaper.
There are several things to look for when you're choosing a network. Aside from the obvious things like phones and tariffs, check the cost of extra services such as voicemail, text message receipts, push email, 3G and streaming video. The other thing that is very important -- but difficult to find out about, other than by word of mouth -- is customer service. There is nothing more annoying than having a problem with your phone and not being able to sort it out easily.
With the advent of 3G, networks are striving to include more data services alongside straightforward calling and texting. The near future looks to be filled with mobile data as standards, such as HSDPA (Super 3G), and streaming services, such as mobile TV and Internet radio, come online. Browsing the Web on your mobile should also become more affordable.
Vodafone | Orange | T-Mobile | O2 | 3
Vodafone
Vodafone was the first company to offer a mobile phone service in the UK, back in 1985, and the first to offer a digital service, in 1991. It's the leading network in terms of subscriber numbers and claims to cover 99 per cent of the UK population, with 3G coverage for 60 per cent. Vodafone offers a wide range of phones and sometimes has exclusive deals on leading handsets. 3G services include video calling, video and music downloads and downloadable games.
Service details
GSM frequency
900
3G services
Yes
Price plans
Pay monthly, Pay as you go
Orange
Like Vodafone, Orange claims to cover 99 per cent of the UK population. It launched its digital network in 1994 and has emphasised customer service and competitive pricing. It also sponsors the Orange Prize for Fiction and various music and film events, making it an attractive network for culture vultures. Orange offers 3G services such as video calling and music downloads to 70 per cent of the population.
Service details
GSM frequency
1800
3G services
Yes
Price plans
Pay monthly, Pay as you go
T-Mobile
Formerly known as One2One, T-Mobile has been providing digital services since 1993. T-Mobile claims coverage of 99 per cent of the UK population and offers 3G services in major UK cities. Virgin Mobile operates a virtual network over the T-Mobile network.
Service details
GSM frequency
1800
3G services
Yes
Price plans
Pay monthly, Pay as you go
O2
Formerly known as BT Cellnet, O2 has been operating since 1994 and claims coverage of 99 per cent of the UK population. O2 Online offers a slightly different range of tariffs.
Service details
GSM frequency
900
3G services
Yes
Price plans
Pay monthly, Pay as you go
3
Launched in 2003, 3 is a 3G-only network offering coverage of over 80 per cent of the UK population. Where 3G coverage is not available, customers can use O2's network. 3G services include video calling, video downloads, downloadable games and location-based services. 3 offers subsidised 3G handsets and good-value plans for heavy users of 3G services.
Service details
GSM frequency
900 (via O2)
3G services
Yes
Price plans
Pay monthly, Pay as you go
More... from CNET.co.uk and the Internet
