Mobile Phone in the UK

MOBILE PHONES IN THE UK

MOBILE PHONE OPTIONS IN THE UK When relocating to the UK you have two options:

+ Use an existing mobile phone + Purchase a new mobile phone Using an Existing Mobile Phone

Mobile phones are locked to their respective network, meaning you cannot use a SIM card of another network with the phone. Therefore if you wish to keep your phone and bring it to the UK, you should ensure your phone has been unlocked, so you can use a SIM card from a UK network. Mobile phones can be unlocked in most mobile phone retailers, or online. SIM Free If you have a SIM card you want to use but not a phone, you can buy what is called a SIM Free phone. You can buy a phone that is completely unlocked so you can put your own SIM in it. Most phones available on Pay-as-you-go will work as Sim Free also. Purchasing a New Mobile Phone There are two ways to own a mobile phone, Pay-as-you-go and a Contract. Pay-as-you-go mobile telephones can be bought by anyone as long as you hold a UK bank account. A contracted phone can only be taken out by someone over the age of 18. Both methods of purchasing mobile phones can be done in store, online, or by telephone. There are many mobile phone networks in the UK and though they are all very good, some networks work best in different areas of the country. The 4 main network providers are as follows and the links will show you the coverage for each area; + O2: Click Here + Three: Click Here + EE: Click Here + Vodafone: Click Here Pay-as-you-go Pay-as-you-go means you purchase the mobile phone outright, at the sale price, and a sim card comes separately (at no extra cost). Your sim card effectively opens an account and you add money to your account though ‘topping up’, to spend on messages, calls etc. When you send texts, or make calls, it is then charged to your account and deducted. As you run out, you add more to your account, hence pay-as-you-go. Contracts Contracts are a pay monthly option for purchasing a mobile phone, similar to a lease. When you select a phone, you will sometimes pay a deposit, this is very common for those coming from abroad who have no credit history. You will also need to provide a proof of address document for your permanent home, this is usually a utility bill but a signed tenancy agreement may be accepted.

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MOBILE PHONES IN THE UK The cost of the mobile phone is then broken down into 24 or 48 monthly payments. The payments will be made up of two parts, one part for the cost of the handset, and one part for you tariff charge. At the end of the contract period you will own the phone. Multiple Contracts It is possible for one person to take out multiple contracts for use by other people. This normally occurs between families; one person will be the account holder and the family will all have a contract under their account. This also means that people under the age of 18 can have a mobile on contract. Please note that this does make the account holder liable for any discrepancies on the account.

Disclaimer: The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation and/or opinion. Neither Dwellworks nor any of its subsidiaries make any representations, express or implied as to the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Dwellworks expressly disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in such information.

© Dwellworks, LLC

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v. 2018