TWO major mobile phone providers have promised not to push up monthly bills for millions of customers ahead of their proposed merger.
Three and Vodafone have said that they will maintain certain social tariffs at £10 or less for two years from the date that their merger is complete.
Three and Vodafone announced their £15 billion merger last year[/caption]
These tariffs include some customers on the SMARTY name and social tariffs on both the SMARTY and VOXI For Now brands.
SMARTY is currently owned by Three, while VOXI is a Vodafone brand.
Both companies have not confirmed whether the price of their main tariffs will change as a result of the merger.
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people who claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits.
They are provided in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
The companies will also keep measures to protect customers who are registered as vulnerable.
Three and Vodafone announced their £15billion union last year, which will bring 27million customers together under one network.
If the deal goes ahead, it would create the largest mobile network in the UK.
But last week the competition watchdog issued a warning that the deal could have a negative impact on customers.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) flagged a number of concerns about the merger, which included fears that it could push up prices for customers.
It also launched an in-depth investigation into the merger in April over fears that it could “result in a substantial lessening of competition”.
This could mean that there are fewer providers to choose from, forcing customers to settle for more expensive deals than the ones they had previously.
The CMA also said that it had “concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well”.
Three and Vodafone have said the deal would help to improve network quality and provide faster 5G.
The latest promise not to hike bills has been put forward to ease the CMA’s concerns.
Both firms have said that they will continue to work with the regulator and the merger can only go ahead with its final approval.
What social tariffs are currently on offer?
The SMARTY social tariff is a low-cost unlimited plan and is available for new and existing customers who are on certain benefits.
It is offered as a one month rolling plan, which can be cancelled at any time.
Once accepted, you can keep the plan for as long as you are eligible.
For £12 customers can make unlimited UK calls and texts, 5G at no extra cost and EU Roaming up to 12GB.
How to save on your mobile phone bill
NOT happy with your current mobile phone deal?
If you’re outside the minimum term of your contract then you won’t need to pay a cancellation fee – and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you’re using, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you’re a heavy internet user it’s worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don’t end up spending extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
Also note that if you’re still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee.
Ready to look elsewhere? Pay-as-you-go deals are better for people who don’t regularly use their phone, while monthly contracts usually work out cheaper for those who do.
It’s worth using comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and uSwitch.com, to compare tariffs and phone prices.
Billmonitor also matches buyers to the best pay-monthly deal based on their previous three months of bills.
It only works if you’re a customer of EE, O2, Three, Vodafone or Tesco Mobile and you’ll need to log in with your online account details.
There’s also MobilePhoneChecker, which has a bill monitoring feature that recommends a tariff based on your monthly usage.
If you’re happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal.
There are fast eligibility checks and no credit checks.
To apply contact SMARTY and complete its short form.
These details will then be shared with the Department for Work and Pensions to confirm that you are in receipt of the eligible benefits.
The VOXI For Now is another tariff available to those receiving financial support.
If you are receiving government benefits then you can get unlimited data, calls and texts for £10 a month.
If you are eligible you will get the deal for six months.
After this point you will be switched to the standard £10 a month plan but you will still have access to unlimited social media, calls and texts.
There is no contract so you can change, pause or cancel the deal at any time.
To be eligible you must be receiving a benefit such as Jobseeker’s allowance, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability allowance or Personal independence payment.
VOXI will run a quick eligibility check to make sure that you qualify before you are granted the deal.
The company has partnered with Moneyhub to run the security checks and confirm that you do receive government benefits.
The process is simple and Moneyhub will check your bank account for government benefits and will then advise VOXI if you qualify for the tariff.
Other providers such as EE and Vodafone also offer social tariffs.
You can find a full list of providers and rules on the Ofcom website.
Help if you are struggling to pay your bill
If you are struggling to pay your mobile phone bill or you owe your provider money then there are things you can do.
You may be able to switch providers or move to a different contract to get a cheaper deal.
Or if you provider has told you they’re increasing the price of your contract then you may be able to cancel.
Some providers will give you 30 days to cancel your contract without a fee if the price is going up.
Always tell your provider if you are struggling to pay so they can tell you about any support they have on offer.
Most providers will charge you a fee to leave your contract before it ends.
However, some providers will let you leave early without paying a fee if you are struggling to keep up with your payments.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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