Finding the optimal cell phone tariff is often complicated. While some users use their smartphone mainly for making calls and occasional messages, others require a significantly higher volume of data, which they urgently need for regular streaming of videos and music or for mobile work on the go. On average, German consumers spend between 15 and 40 euros per month on their mobile phone contracts, although many of them would be much better off with a significantly cheaper tariff if they analyzed their actual needs more closely.
The good news: With the right knowledge, you can save money without having to forego important services. This guide shows concrete strategies for finding the tariff that suits your usage behavior.
Analyze smartphone usage: Telephony, SMS and data at a glance
Create a personal usage profile
Before you decide on a new tariff, your own usage behavior should be analyzed carefully. In order to get an overview of this, the last three mobile phone bills should be carefully checked and the minutes used, the number of SMS messages sent and the data volume actually used should be noted in detail.
Most smartphone users significantly overestimate their actual need for data volume and call minutes.
Anyone who frequently uses Wi-Fi probably needs less mobile data volume than originally assumed.
Identify different user types
The occasional user rarely makes phone calls and primarily uses the Internet via WLAN. Frequent phone users have longer conversations every day and need a real flat rate. The data intensive streams videos on the go, uses cloud services and requires at least 10 GB per month. Anyone who stays informed about technical developments in the mobile communications sector will quickly recognize the differences between user groups and can make better decisions.
Tariff models in comparison: All-net flat rate, prepaid and monthly cancellable options
Classic contract tariffs with a term
Contract tariffs with a 24-month commitment often offer customers subsidized smartphones and lower monthly basic fees, with mobile phone providers granting these discounts because they want to secure long-term customer loyalty.
The big disadvantage is the lack of flexibility, because you remain committed for two years, even if your own life circumstances change fundamentally.
Before signing such a contract, you should always carefully calculate the total costs over the entire contract term.
Flexible alternatives without long commitments
Prepaid tariffs are ideal for users who want full cost control. You only pay for your actual consumption and can change at any time. Monthly cancellable contracts combine the advantages of both worlds: fixed conditions with maximum flexibility. For example, if you compare cell phone tariffs from blau.de, you will find different models for different requirements. This flexibility becomes particularly important when usage patterns fluctuate.
Identify hidden contractual clauses and avoid cost traps
See through automatic tariff increases
Many providers advertise low starting prices, which can, however, increase significantly after a few months. Particular attention should be paid to phrases such as “in the first year” or “for the first 6 months”, which indicate later price increases.
The actual costs often only become apparent in the small print and can come as a surprise.
You should also check whether the tariff will be automatically extended after the minimum contract period has expired and what notice periods apply.
Avoid additional costs for data overuse
As soon as the included data volume is used up, high costs can arise. Some providers automatically throttle the speed, others book additional data packages for a fee. That’s why you should find out about financial aspects when comparing tariffs in order to avoid unexpected expenses. Activated consumption warnings on your smartphone can help you keep track.
Find the right tariff combination
A structured comparison that helps make the best decision always begins with careful determination of personal priorities and individual requirements. The following checklist will help you decide:
- Set a monthly mobile budget
- Determine the average data consumption over the last few months
- Decide whether you need a new smartphone or keep the current one
- Check the network coverage of various providers where you live.
- Compare at least three tariffs with comparable services
The consumer advice center offers a helpful checklist for choosing the right telephone tariff, which provides additional guidance in the decision-making process. There you will find neutral evaluation criteria and can systematically examine various options.
Checklist for a successful tariff change
The actual switch to a new provider requires careful and forward-looking planning. You should definitely pay attention to the notice period of the current contract so that the change is initiated in good time. If you want to keep your current phone number, you should request porting from the new provider in good time. The so-called number portability is now completely free of charge and is usually completed within a few days.
It is extremely important that throughout the entire change process, all steps are carefully and completely documented in writing and all confirmations are carefully stored so that appropriate evidence can be presented at any time in the event of any discrepancies. After changing, you should pay particular attention to consumption in the first few weeks. In this way you can ensure that the new tariff really suits your personal usage behavior. If, contrary to expectations, the new tariff does not suit you, flexible contracts without long terms allow you to change again without having to overcome major hurdles.
An annual tariff check is worthwhile as the mobile phone market is constantly changing. New providers, improved conditions and innovative tariff models regularly come onto the market. If you stay informed, you will save money in the long term and receive the optimal service for your needs.