Consumer Focus Publishes Top Mobile Buying Tips For Christmas Shoppers

Three’s Sales and Marketing Director Marc Allera, said:

“With smartphones due to be at the top of people's gift lists this Christmas, customers should look closely at the size and performance of the network they are thinking of joining, because to get the most out of their new phone they need a 3G network that can cope with its demands.  People also need to consider the data allowance that is bundled into their price plan in order to avoid download disappointment on Christmas day.  A healthy data allowance is vital to support the flurry of excited app downloading, internet surfing, Facebook updating, email sharing of festive pictures and music streaming that will  follow the opening of Smartphone gifts like the iPhone 4, HTC Desire HD and BlackBerry  Torch this Christmas.”

Three reminds shoppers this Christmas to consider the network that will support their smartphone choice:

• When choosing a tariff, beware of terms like “unlimited” which some outlets use to apply to anything from 500MB
• Look for hidden freebies – internet sites like Twitter, Facebook 0, Skype and Windows Live Messenger are all free to use on Three, freeing up your data allowance for other mobile internet activities
• Bundled tariffs are a great way of making sure that you’ve got plenty data, texts and calls to make the most of your smartphone without worrying about bill shock.  However value for money can vary widely across network deals - for example, take a look at our iPhone 4 price comparison chart below.  The One Plan on Three is great for people who want piece of mind and like to know exactly how much they'll spend each month. For people who use their phone less, Three has a great range of value tariffs such as the HTC Wildfire from £15 a month with 500MB data and 300 minutes, texts or a mix of the two; or the BlackBerry Curve from £20 a month with 500MB data, 100 minutes and 5000 texts.
• If you’re opting for a smartphone on Pay as You Go, look for great value adds-ons.  Three’s All-in-One 10 Pay as You Go plan gives you 500MB of internet as well as 100 minutes, 3,000 texts for just £10.  Buy your Pay as You Go SIM pre-loaded with All-in-One 10 so that you’ve plenty of data, text and call time to keep you going over the Christmas period . Three has a wide range of smartphones available on Pay As You Go, including Android handsets for under £100.  
• Make sure you’ve got strong 3G coverage in your area, because a 3G signal is vital if you are going to get the best out of your new smartphone.  Three has the UK’s biggest  3G network  and has just spent a further £400m upgrading it to ensure more than 97% of the population are covered for mobile internet as well as calls and texts.