Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone entails having three things: a handset, a network connection, and a price plan. Nearly all network providers offer deals that include discounted handsets.
Phone bills
There are basically two ways to pay for a mobile phone.
The first is ‘Pay Monthly’ (also referred to as Contract). With this option, you get a monthly bill for the calls you make and services you use. When choosing this option, you will be asked to choose a price plan from a range of offers. A typical plan includes a line rental charge and some inclusive call minutes and/or text messages, which constitute the fixed cost you will pay each month. Any calls or texts you send in excess of what's included in your price plan will incur extra costs. These costs vary by price plan and you should look carefully at the comparison tables offered by the shop in their current catalogue, or ask a shop assistant to explain it to you.
‘Pay Monthly’ is a cheap way to get the latest mobile phone model, should you be shallow enough to want it bad. Different shops offer various models at discounts, or even free, with certain price plans. However, bear in mind that you will be required to sign a legally binding contract with the company for a minimum of 12 or 18 months. Hence, even if you decide to stop using the service, you will have to continue to pay for the time remaining in your contract. In addition, you must be at least 18 years old to sign a phone contract.
Pretty useful and doesn't need to break the bank.The other options is ‘Pay-as-You Go’ (also referred to as
Pre-Pay). This may be a better option, if you already own a mobile phone, or if
you only intend to use your phone occasionally. As the name suggests, with this
option you buy on credit only for the call minutes and/or text messages you need.
You will not receive a monthly bill— instead, you top-up your credit as
and when you require it. You can top-up using vouchers, over the phone or
online with a registered debit card. However, call rates can be more expensive
than those offered on ‘Pay Monthly’ deals. Also, the mobile phone
handsets offered with this option are simpler.
Phone networks
There are five mobile phone network providers with shops in Oxford and they offer a range of choices: Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, O2, Vrigin Media and 3G. You can also go to Carphone Warehouse, The Link or Phones4U, which offer a variety of deals from all the major network providers under one roof. Shop around before making your decision.
Nearly all these shops are conveniently located in the city centre and are within easy walking distance of each other.
- Vodafone
Cornmarket Street and Westgate Centre - The Orange Shop
Cornmarket Street - T-Mobile
Clarendon Centre (off Cornmarket Street) - O2
Cornmarket Street - 3G
Cornmarket Street - Carphone Warehouse
Cornmarket Street and Westgate Centre - The Link
Clarendon Centre - Phones4U
Cornmarket Street - Virgin Media
Cornmarket Street
Needless to say, what the best price plan for you is will depend on your individual needs. Talk to your friends and other students about their experiences with network providers. Our experience so far indicates that:
- Vodafone and Orange have good signal strength in Oxford, but their rates may be higher than those offered by other networks.
- O2, T-Mobile and 3G tend not to have as good signal strength in some areas of Oxford, but you may find the rates they offer are cheaper.
- All six major companies are popular among students—if you are in the right place at the right time, you can pretty much get a great deal from any of them.
- Using mobile phones to dial international numbers is generally more expensive than using landlines or phone cards. See the Contacting Home section of this Handbook for more information and advice.