by : Nick Cox

It's important to choose wisely when deciding on a mobile phone tariff. Take into consideration how you intend to use your mobile phone and research all the different tariff options available. Mobile phone providers offer a range of different services, so finding the right one for you can be time consuming. However, it's worth taking your time when choosing a tariff, because being on a tariff that doesn't suit your needs can lead to unnecessary expense.

The two most popular ways to pay for a mobile phone include:

Pay as you go
As the name suggests, allow you to pay for call and text credit in advance. The advantages and disadvantages of having a mobile phones include:

&bullYou are not tied to a monthly contract
&bullYou are in control of how much you spend
&bullYou are not subjected to a credit check in order to own one
&bullCall charges are generally higher than contract
&bullThe initial cost of the mobile phone is expensive

Monthly Contract
When you sign up for a monthly contract, your phone usage is recorded and billed at the end of the month. There is also a monthly service charge. The advantages and disadvantages include:

&bullThere are wide choices of handsets to choose from. Many are free (although the phone costs are covered by your monthly subscription charge)
&bullCall charges are generally less than pay as you go
&bullYou normally get a monthly allowance of free minutes and texts
&bullYou must pass a credit check to qualify for a contract mobile phone
&bullContracts are a minimum of 12 months
&bullIt's easy to lose track of how much you are spending

It will probably be a straightforward decision when it comes to choosing between the above payment schemes. But, choosing which provider and tariff type can be a challenge. Make use of the vast amount of information available on the internet to help you make an informed decision.