Which Mobile Operator Will Give Me the Best...?

There really is no such thing as the best mobile service operator. The UK market has so many operators, that choosing between them is difficult. But one of the advantages of having so much competition is that operators are forced to lower prices, offer special deals and to specialise in certain things. There is such a thing as the best mobile operator for you. Depending on what you're looking for, one operator will probably be the best choice that you can make. Today we're looking at which operators are best in different areas. So, if you're hunting for the biggest calling plan or cheap iPhone deals, then we're going to tell you which operator is going to be your best choice. Before you make your mobile service provider decision, then read on to find out who you should go with.

The Best for Mobile Data and Internet...

Mobile data is exceptionally expensive; it's by far the most expensive part of your mobile contract. That's why cheap contract packages tend to have low limits on the amount of mobile data you can use, it's how they keep prices down. But if you're a mobile internet addict then you're going to be looking for the best deals that you can find on data prices. If this is you then you should be looking at Three. Three have the cheapest market prices on mobile data costs. Plus, they do have truly unlimited packages. Whilst many operators advertise unlimited mobile data (generally at pretty high costs) the truth is that these packages usually aren't unlimited at all. They will be subject to a fair usage policy, meaning that the operator can slow down your mobile internet connection if they think that you're using too much data. Three does not do this, and you are free to use as much mobile data as you want.

The Best for Cheap iPhone Deals...

Given the huge price tag on iPhones, many people turn to signing incentive contracts with mobile operators to get cheap iPhone deals. There are a couple of operators that offer good prices, depending on which model you're looking for. If you want the newest iPhone 5, then you should look to O2 for cheap iPhone deals, they tend to offer the best prices on high end mobiles. For the older iPhone 4S model, then Orange has the best deals right now. And if you can handle the even older iPhone 4, then look to Vodafone for your new device.

The Best for People on a Budget...

If you're on a strict budget then you might be looking for the cheapest phone packages that you can find. If that's the case, you need to look at Vodafone. Vodafone have by far the cheapest calling plan contracts on the market. But be aware that these plans will have low limits for the amount of monthly calling minutes, text messages and mobile data you can use. You'll have to keep to these limits or risk getting some expensive extra charges. But if you can handle the low limits, then Vodafone is going to give you service for the cheapest possible price.

The Best for Heavy Phone Users...

Are you one of those people that just can't put their phone down? Heavy phone users tend to spend a lot on monthly contracts, and even more on plans that have monthly limits, since they often tend to go over their limits and therefore have to pay extra costs. So, if you're a heavy user then you would definitely benefit from an unlimited monthly plan that has no limits to worry about. T-Mobile has the cheapest totally unlimited plans on the market right now. So if you don't want to worry about how much you're using your phone, then look to T-Mobile to give you the best deal.

The Best for Roaming Users...

Anybody who travels frequently will know that mobile roaming charges are pretty extortionate. It's easy to rack up a huge bill if you use your mobile while you're out of the country. However, some operators offer special roaming plans. The best of these at the moment is Orange. Orange's roaming mobile plan will get you the cheapest rates on calling, texting and even data while you're out of the country. You will have to sign up for the roaming package on top of a regular contract, however, since it's an optional plan. Should you use roaming on your normal Orange contract you'll still be paying high rates if you forget to sign up for the roaming deal...

The Best for 4G Users...

Having a 4G capable phone means that you can get far faster mobile internet speeds when connected to a 4G network. Many operators are now offering 4G services, but the speeds with most of them are a little pathetic. If you're looking for true 4G speed then the only choice is going to be EE. This is the only company that will give you true 4G service. However, the packages don't come cheap, easily three to four times the price of a 3G data package. You do get unlimited calling minutes and unlimited text messaging with all of EE's 4G data plans though. Be aware that currently there are no unlimited 4G plans available, so you will have to keep to a monthly limit.

The Best for Coverage...

Mobile coverage defines the kind of phone reception you're going to get. Poor coverage means poor reception, which in turn means poor service. You'll find that you have slow data speeds and bad call quality, and maybe your phone won't work at all. Usually people in urban areas don't have too much trouble with coverage. But if you live in a more rural area you might find yourself with coverage problems. The best network for coverage is T-Mobile. In general they get the best coverage in the most locations in the UK. You'll want to check their online coverage map just in case, but if you've got coverage issues, then T-Mobile is the network most likely to get you service.

Sam Jones was wondering how to find cheap iPhone deals.  He soon found that all the main providers are listed on sites such as uSwitch and he could compare the deals side by side to make the right decision.