Phone - |

There are a number of mobile phone networks, significantly more manufacturers and handsets and, of course, any amount of different tariffs. With this small guide, we hope to educate you into choosing the right mobile phone deal that is within your budget – with a sensible phone.

Mobile Phone Networks
Currently, there are 7 major mobile phone networks in the UK – (some offering some really great cashback offers) O2, Vodafone, Three, Orange, BT Mobile, T-Mobile & Virgin

Coverage

One of the main considerations when chosing a network is coverage - are you going to be able to make a call in the Highlands of Scotland

The best piece of advice when choosing a Network is to ask friends and family about their experiences of a networks performance in your current area. Because the networks are constantly building masts to improve reception, only by going to some far out location are you unlikely not to get a reception.

Each of the networks have their own coverage map. However, they will all look pretty similar since the coverage is similar!

Tariffs

At the time of writing, there was in excess of 200 mobile phone tariffs available on the market with the main networks – and no doubt many more available from smaller virtual networks. Named from the rather dull 200, 400 etc to the new Orange labels of ‘Panther’, ‘Dolphin’ and ‘Canary’. Tariffs usually come bundled with a certain amount of inclusive minutes and texts every month. With these tariffs, some of the networks allow you to carry unused minutes over to the next month – and some do not.

A few years ago it was common place to have inclusive minutes only to the same network (ie, Vodafone to Vodafone). However, once O2 came into operation (formerly BTCellnet Genie) they made calls to any network as part of the inclusive minutes.

Another consideration when choosing a tariff is the inclusion of ‘bolt on’ texts. For example, many of the networks allow you to purchase extra texts for a fraction of their normal price (ie 100 extra sms for £3).

There are a number of tools on the internet that should help you to decide which tariff is best. A Mobile Phone Tariff Calculator, is available which allows users to input expected monthly calling usage – providing unbiased and accurate results.

Handsets

You’ve probably had a mobile phone before and formed an opinion of its relaibility, rich features and durability. Because of this, many people with good experiences often stick to the same manufacturer. Nokia users tend to stick with them because of the ease of use of their menu system. SonyEricsson users enjoy the rich features they provide.

Naturally, as handset improve, people start looking at memory storage, camera quality (usually displayed in magapixels), Bluetooth/Infra Red capabilities, and of course, recommendations. Before paying too much for a mobile, ask yourself whether you really need all the features or whether you need the basics. Ultimately, always search the internet for reviews on the desired handset.

Cashback – What Is It?

Cashback is an incentive to you to purchase a certain tariff.

When you purchase a ‘Free’ Mobile phone and connect to a tariff, the retailer has already purchased the mobile (we’ll say £100 for example). The retailer then receives a payment from the Network (O2, Orange etc) for connecting you to one of their tariffs (we’ll say £300). Selling mobile phones is a cut-throat market place and competition is fierce. Therefore, rather than the retailer keeping the £200 profit (£300-£100), they pass this back to the customer in the form of cheque payments.

“12 Months Free Line Rental”…
This means that the retailer will pay you back the equivalent of 12 months line rental. The terms and conditions of each retailer should be studied carefully since you will probably be required to send your bills at certain periods throughout the term of the contract.

Be sure to use reputable on-line retailers that are established and have an excellent track record in honouring cashback. Before purchasing a contract you are advised to carry out a search and discover whether your target retailer honours its promises. Also, consider Auto Cashback. You’ll usually get less cashback – but you’ll get it sooner!

Staying With Your Network or Change?

Customer Service is one of the biggest factors for alot of users. An error on a bill or a query on payment – if you can’t get through to your network provider you could be pulling your hair out.

Naturally, tariff charges are important to and should always be a consideration. If you have been with the network for the minimum period (often 12 or 18 months) then you should approach them for an upgrade/new handset. Heavier user can often get really good deals on handsets which they try to do to deter you from going to another network.

Also, if you’re using more texts and minutes (or not using enough), don’t be afraid to ask your network that you want to change tariff. Usually they will only allow you to do this after you have been connected for around 6 months.

My personal experience in this respect is that you will often get a better deal by changing network and porting your mobile phone number – but check first!

Porting Your Number?

If you’ve decided to move network then you’re probably going to want to keep your mobile number too. To do this you often need to phone your existing company (who will probably try and entice you to stay) and ask for the PAC (Porting Authorisation Code). You simply inform your new network of this who will initiate the port. They should keep you updated with progress which usually takes 4-8 days.

And What About The Spare Handset After Upgrading/Porting?

Well, it’s yours. You’ve paid all your bills and the phone is now yours. You can either stick a new PAYG (Pay As You Go) simcard into it or send it to one of many companies who will sell it and make good use of the proceeds.

We do hope this guide has been useful.

Live security monitoring can give you the benefit of constant security over your home and business by way of your mobile phone. State of the art security technology has made it easier for you to view what is going on at your business or home using your mobile phone, saving you worry, money and even benefiting your employees.

And importantly, these new security monitoring systems alert you directly when they are triggered by an alarm event. You log-in to the system through your mobile phone and view live what is happening. You can even speak directly through the camera to an intruder using this new security technology! No more false alarms! No need for security patrols! You never have to be in the dark again when you are away from your business or home.

Every business owner knows that it is difficult to monitor what is happening at the business on a twenty four hour basis. Sooner or later, you have to take a break and entrust the business to others. But, can you be sure the people who you trust your business to are trustworthy?

If you install a traditional security camera, you might not be able to catch the culprits in action or it might be too late when you return from your break. With your live video security over your mobile phone, you can log-in and see what is going on in your business whenever you want 24/7 and wherever you are. This will potentially save you a lot of money and give you great peace of mind.

Live security monitoring not only protects you and your business from dishonest employees, it can also help your employees as well. If you see something happening that is endangering one of your employees, you can seek the appropriate remedy right away, even if your employee cannot see it or cannot get to a phone. Security monitoring keeps your employees safe. Data is easily downloaded on your computer for admissible evidence to assist authorities in prosecutions.

Live security monitoring can be used just about anywhere and is not just for business owners. Homeowners can have an added sense of security monitoring what is going on at home when they are away simply by using their live security video via their mobile phone. Because this type of security is easy to use, you are never truly away from home.

As well as providing security against home break-ins, parents can use this type of security monitoring in several other ways. For example, you can keep an eye on the babysitter when you go out, check on elderly family members at home when you are at work, or see how things are at home when you are away on holidays. Simply dial in on your mobile phone and view things directly yourself.

Although this type of security is used by homeowners and parents, business owners are finding it is something they cannot do without. Any business owner will tell you that they tend to lose money when they are not supervising the business on a constant basis. But, we all know this is impossible to do. By using security monitoring cameras linked for live mobile phone video access, business owners can watch the business easily whenever they want and even manage the business remotely. The security camera is installed in the business at appropriate locations to monitor specific risks. You simply need to log-in on your mobile phone and see what’s happening. It is very easy to use, even for a computer novice.

Both business owners and home owners no longer need to have security concerns about their property at any time. Security monitoring using video via the mobile phone can give confidence in all sorts of situations for home and business owners.

Ray Subs is a consultant and author. For more information about this topic, visit http://eagleeyesecurity.com.au/

Tag Archives: Phone

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