Mobile phone bills: why it pays to compare before you commit

Mobile phones are an essential part of everyday life for most Islanders, but many of us may be paying more than we need to for our monthly contracts. With a growing choice of providers and packages, the Jersey Consumer Council is reminding consumers that it’s worth taking the time to shop around and compare deals before signing up.

To help Islanders make informed choices, the Council’s price comparison website, Prices.je, includes a dedicated section comparing mobile phone tariffs available in Jersey. The comparison looks at two key options from each provider: the cheapest plan they offer, and the cheapest unlimited plan. This makes it easier to see, at a glance, how prices stack up depending on your needs.

Following the launch of Coop Mobile last week, its tariffs have now been added to Prices.je, alongside those from JT and Sure. This means Islanders can compare the latest offers from all three providers in one place.

The mobile phone market can be confusing. Providers offer a wide range of plans with different data allowances, call and text limits, contract lengths and additional features. Headline prices can be tempting, but the cheapest-looking deal may not always be the best value for you personally. That’s why comparing prices – and understanding what’s included – is so important.

If you’re currently out of your phone contract, or coming to the end of one, then our advice would be to think carefully about how you use their mobile phone before committing to a new contract. How much data do you really need each month? Do you regularly make calls, or mainly use messaging apps? Would an unlimited plan offer peace of mind, or would you be paying for allowances you’ll never use? Taking time to answer these questions can help avoid bill shock and ensure you’re not locked into an unsuitable contract.

It’s also vital to look closely at what a package doesn’t include. Some plans may exclude roaming, international calls, or certain services, or may increase in price after an introductory period. Contract length is another key factor – longer contracts can appear cheaper month to month but may cost more overall if your circumstances change.

The mobile tariff comparisons were added to Prices.je last year and are updated using AI technology to gather publicly available pricing information from providers’ websites. This allows the Council to present clear, up-to-date comparisons designed specifically for Jersey consumers.

With the cost of living continuing to be a concern for many households, small savings each month can quickly add up. Switching or renegotiating a mobile phone contract is one simple way to keep costs under control.

Islanders are encouraged to visit the ‘Mobile Plans’ section on Prices.je to explore our mobile phone tariff comparisons, and to make sure the deal you’re on still works for you.