A British mobile phone user has revealed how a simple oversight cost him hundreds of pounds, in a scenario that regulators warn is all too common for millions across the UK.
The costly contract oversight
Jackson Biggs decided to conduct an audit of his household bills and made a startling discovery. He found he had been overpaying by a whopping £468 every year on his mobile phone contract. The issue stemmed from a familiar pitfall: he had taken out a contract that included a handset but failed to switch plans after the device was fully paid off.
This meant he was continuing to pay monthly instalments for an iPhone 14 Pro that he already owned outright. Jackson admitted he had been with the same provider for around a decade and had rushed into his last contract without considering the long-term cost. "I suspected I was overpaying but didn’t realise how much," he said.
A widespread problem for millions
Jackson's experience is far from unique. Figures from the communications regulator, Ofcom, indicate that millions of people in the UK are currently out of contract and are likely paying more than necessary for their mobile service.
For Jackson and his wife, who are in the process of adopting a child, the extra money is significant. "Any extra money helps, whether it’s getting the house ready or just general living costs," he explained, highlighting the real-world impact of such financial leaks.
Expert advice on how to stop overpaying
Household finance expert Greg Marsh, chief executive of Nous.co, commented on the widespread nature of the problem. "Millions of people are wasting hundreds of pounds a year on their mobile phone – often because they put off shopping around when their contract ends," he stated.
Marsh pointed out that competitive SIM-only deals, often from smaller brands using major networks, can offer ample data for as little as £6 per month. "If you’re spending much more than that you’re probably overpaying," he advised.
He criticised providers for relying on customer inertia, noting they bank on the fact that most people lack the time or energy to seek better value. "It’s clearly not fair," Marsh added, emphasising the need for greater consumer awareness and action to avoid this expensive trap.
