Nearly a third of mobile phone users ‘unaware when their contract ends’

Nearly a third of people are unaware of when their mobile phone contract ends, a survey has found.

Four in 10 (40%) do not actively look for the best deals with their existing or other mobile network providers and 32% are unaware when their mobile phone contract ends, Carphone Warehouse said.

New Ofcom rules from February 15 mean that broadband, phone and pay-TV customers must be told about their provider’s best deals when their initial contract is coming to an end, and every year after that if they remain out of contract.

The regulator also brought in rules in July last year to make it quicker and easier to switch mobile provider.

Carphone Warehouse’s survey of 2,000 people found that nearly half (49%) do not currently trust that their mobile phone provider to keep them updated with the best offers.

Nearly one in 10 (9%) had not switched their mobile phone contract provider in the past six years.

Over a quarter (27%) would not even attempt to negotiate a better deal with their mobile phone provider.

Carphone Warehouse regional manager Paul Turner said: “Switching, rather than silently rolling over, often saves people money.

“Thankfully, the new end-of-contract notifications puts the power to switch to a better deal in the hands of the people and ensures network providers compete harder and offer better rates – meaning better deals for both loyal customers and those wishing to switch.”