Completely Free Mobile Phone Deals

Is there such a thing as a completely free mobile phone deal? The answer, sadly, is no – but there are many different deals available that use the word ‘free’ to grab your attention, and then they make you an offer that can be considerably cheaper than some other options. So, how do they get away privilege?

Free Minutes, Texts and Data

Many networks are doing away with the word ‘free’ in this context and changing it to inclusive. You pay a monthly tariff and then get as many call minutes, texts and data usage as you want. The beauty of this plan is that you will never have to worry about going over your allowance and running up a hefty bill ever again.

If you are still struggling with the idea that some networks are calling it free when you are actually paying something, then think of it like a landline – you pay your line rental and then get all your calls for nothing.

It’s worth shopping around for this type of deal – in some cases, you will also get your phone thrown in as well, which sweetens the deal, but then the monthly charge is likely to be higher.

Redemption Deals

This is another deal that offers you free call, text and data usage, and, often, a free phone – but you really have to be on the ball with this one. You will pay a monthly contract charge, often at a reduced price to draw you in, and then use your phone as often as you would like. Each month you will receive a bill from your network provider for what you have used, which you pay. You then send your bill to the registered office of the retailer where you got your phone from and they will send you the balance between your contract price and how much your bill was – which can amount to a sizeable figure if you are a heavy user.

This is an excellent deal, apart from some hiccups. A lot of not so reputable dealers have climbed onto this particular bandwagon and there have been a lot of instances whereby the customer has run up a hefty bill and then has discovered that the registered office is a figment of a conman’s imagination.

The answer to that, obviously, is to find a reputable retailer. Other problems with the deal lie in the criteria that you have to meet. Check out the time limit in which you have to send the retailer the bill; some are far more generous than others, with some having a timeframe as small as a week – and if you miss the deadline, you don’t get your money.

Another thing to be aware of with Redemption deals, and again, this is something that only really comes with the less reputable retailers, is that old chestnut, ‘we didn’t receive it, it must have been lost in the post.’ If you are worried about this happening, make sure you send your bill to them via a guaranteed postal service.