Consumer Champion Issues Vital Alert to Millions of Mobile Users
Martin Lewis, the renowned founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, has delivered an urgent warning to an estimated 14 million Britons who may be significantly overpaying for their mobile phone services. The financial expert emphasised that countless individuals remain on expensive contracts long after their initial terms have expired, unaware they could secure far cheaper alternatives.
How to Check Your Contract Status Instantly
During a recent segment on his ITV programme, Lewis outlined a simple, immediate action consumers can take. He advised people to send a free text message with the word 'INFO' to the number 85075. This service will reveal your contract details. Crucially, you should look for any mention of "Early Termination" or "Cancellation Charge" fees.
"If that charge reads £0, you are out of contract and free to switch," Lewis stated. "You're a free agent. You can go and get the cheapest deals and cut your costs." He noted that this applies to single-line contracts, warning that those on bundled or family plans may face different restrictions.
The Path to Securing a Better Deal
Once you've confirmed you are out of contract, Lewis recommends the following process:
- Use a SIM Comparison Site: Visit a dedicated, independent comparison website to find the best available SIM-only deals. Lewis highlighted that many of the most competitive offers are not advertised directly by the major networks, as they prefer to reserve them for new customers. These deals are often short-lived, so prompt action is key.
- Request Your PAC Code: If you find a better deal and wish to switch, simply text 'PAC' to 85075. You will receive a Porting Authorisation Code, which you then provide to your new chosen provider. They will handle the transfer of your existing phone number seamlessly.
Addressing Common Concerns About Switching
Lewis directly tackled a frequent hesitation among consumers: the fear of losing reliable signal coverage. "I know what you're probably saying... 'I like my signal. I don't want to change'," he acknowledged.
He provided crucial clarity on the UK's mobile infrastructure: "There are only four physical mobile networks in the UK: EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone. Every other provider piggybacks on one of these four." This means you can often switch to a cheaper provider that uses the same underlying network, maintaining your current signal quality.
To facilitate this, Lewis pointed users to the "cheap mobile finder" tool on the MoneySavingExpert website, which allows searches filtered by network coverage.
A Final Plea to Take Action
The consumer champion's core message was one of empowerment and urgency. "My main message: do that text, see if you're out of contract, and check before prices go up," he urged. "See whether you can save a shed load by switching. Hope that helps."
This warning comes amid a backdrop of rising living costs, making such actionable financial advice more valuable than ever for households across the nation.
