Martin Lewis explained how 14 million people are out of contract on their mobile phone bill, but you can check if you can switch now by sending INFO to 85075
Martin Lewis has urged millions of people to send one text now to slash their mobile phone costs.
The MoneySavingExpert.com founder used his Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast on ITV to explain how 14 million people are out of contract on their mobile phone bill. This means you are free to switch to a cheaper deal elsewhere, with SIM-only deals normally offering the best prices. If you’re not sure how to find out if you’re still locked into a contract, Martin revealed a number that you need to text.
Martin said: “You text ‘INFO’ for free to 85075 to check. If you’re on Three, or ID Mobile, or SMARTY, you will need to confirm this by entering your date of birth once they’ve messaged you. Those of you still in contract, you can’t switch at the moment, you’d have to pay a termination fee. Those of you who aren’t, well you’re a free agent – you can go and get the cheapest deals and you can cut your cost.“
Martin went on to flag two SIM-only deals, including a 5GB SIM from Lebara which costs £1.20 a month for the first six months, then £4.90 a month after this. This is a one-month rolling contract, so you can cancel at any time. The other SIM-only deal which was mentioned on the show was from ID Mobile, which comes with 50GB of data. This costs £2 a month for the first three months, then £8 a month after.
This is a 12-month contract and you can also claim a £40 Amazon or Currys voucher. Both these deals are available through the MoneySavingExpert.com website. Martin also revealed how a major change is coming this Friday that affects mid-contract price rises for broadband and mobile customers.
Telecom firms are being banned by Ofcom from using mid-contract price rises that are linked to inflation, with new rules coming into effect from January 17. Ofcom previously ruled that linking mid-contract price rises is “confusing” for customers, as you don’t know what the level of inflation will be each year – instead, companies must now outline their increases in “pounds and pence” so households can see exactly how much they will end up paying.
Broadband and mobile companies were previously allowed to increase prices mid-contract every April in line with inflation, plus up to 3.9% extra on top of this. This saw millions of people hit by whopping bill increases of up to 17.3% in 2023, after inflation surged to a 41-year high that year.
