Choosing Your Mobile Phone Network

In the UK, there are five mobile phone networks to choose from: O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and now '3', the first 'third generation' service provider. There's also some virtual network providers, such as BT Mobile and Virgin Mobile, who both operate their services via the T-Mobile network.

Along with cost (see Tarriffs), your prime consideration in choosing a network provider is to find one that offers reliable coverage for the areas in which you will be using your phone. There is no point in having a mobile phone if you can't use it! Do bear in mind though, that you may find that there are areas where you can't use your phone whichever company you choose, due to geographical variations and blackspots. Places such as valleys or buildings with dense or metallic construction are notorious for destroying a mobile signal.

You will also need to consider if you're likely to use your phone travelling abroad. If you choose a network with the highest number of roaming agreements, this will mean that you'll have more chance of staying in touch whilst you're away. Make sure that you'll be able to make and receive calls on the networks and in the countries you need.

Think about how important the new higher speed data services such as GPRS and UMTS (third generation, 3G) services are to you. If it's important for you to have access to the Internet, or the have the ability to use multimedia messaging including pictures or video clips, look for a network that offers the more support for these higher bandwidth applications.