If you live in a rural area and are planning on signing up for a mobile phone contract that gives you a new smartphone, it is worth running a series of checks to ensure you can use all the functions available on these new devices. The last thing you want is to sign up to a deal that charges you thirty pounds or more each month only to discover once you get home and set up your new handset that the 3G signal in your area is so weak that it is impossible to browse the web, connect to your social networking profiles or use any apps that run off mobile broadband services.
The first thing to do is to perform a mobile coverage check for each of the mobile providers. A coverage checker typically consists of a map of the UK and a search box, into which you type your home postcode and the postcode of any location you spend a lot of time in; your workplace, for example.
When this is entered, a coloured map of the address and surrounding area will be displayed. Darker colours tend to mean stronger signal strength but there will be a key on the side that explains what the colours mean. If coverage in your area is only strong enough to allow voice calls and text messaging, a smartphone may not be the most cost-effective phone to get. If there is 3G signal coverage in your area and is listed as strong or good, then you will be able to access the internet on your handset and make the most of available apps.
If you are currently signed up to a mobile phone contract but are thinking of switching providers, look at a recent bill and work out how many minutes you spend making calls each month. Count up the number of text messages you send too. If you have a reasonable idea of your usage you can make sure that the monthly call and text allowance you are allocated with is sufficient for your needs. It is also worth thinking about how much you will use the internet on your new handset. Most contracts come with monthly limits on the amount of data you can access. Charges for going over your limit can be substantial.
Connecting your phone to your home’s Wi-Fi network can help keep data costs down and prevent you from paying through the nose if you accidentally go over your limit. Once you know that you will be able to use all the functions of a smartphone, the next thing to do is figure out which make and model of phone to get and what price plan to sign up to. With a host of handsets and even more deals available, this will not be easy. Good luck!
