Consumers should consider contract when trading in mobiles

10/05/2011

Britons who decide to trade in their mobiles in order to sign up for a contract with a phone provider should think about the terms they are being offered.

Consumer website uSwitch.com has suggested people are now in a better position to commit to such a deal, following the implementation of new European Union legislation.

From May 1st, companies are no longer able to offer 36-month contracts, while all firms must make a 12-month tariff available.

Ernest Doku, technology expert at the website, said: "This new ruling has ... also opened the door to a new wave of 12-month deals - great news for those savvy customers who want the freedom to move around each year."

However, customers are advised that choosing a shorter contract is likely to result in higher monthly payments, with the cheapest deal on the market recently doubling from £5 to £9.

Among the devices people may like to snap up are the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the Samsung Galaxy S II, both of which Three recently announced it is to stock.

Posted by Peter Robinson