"Customers want a mobile connection wherever they are, they want services to be good value, easy to use, and they want to know that their personal information is safe and secure."
Advice about Mobiles
Customers want a mobile connection wherever they are, they want services to be good value, easy to use, and they want to know that their personal information is safe and secure.
Check your coverage
The UK’s Mobile operators, between them, invest between £2-3 billion pounds per annum in new capabilities, coverage and capacity.
All the mobile operators provide coverage checkers (indoor and outdoor) for the technologies they deploy (e.g. ‘4G’ [the fourth generation], a high speed voice and data service). Plug in the post code (s) in which you are interested and the coverage will be displayed
EE: http://ee.co.uk/why-ee/network/mobile-coverage
O2: http://www.o2.co.uk/coveragechecker
Three: http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Network/Coverage
Vodafone: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/explore/network/uk-coverage-map/
In addition, Ofcom compiles a composite, independent coverage checker for all networks: http://maps.ofcom.org.uk/check-coverage
Get the best tariff
In the ten years up to 2015, mobile prices, in real terms, fell 66% [1]. Customers understandably want to know how to get the best deal.
Mobile operators will advise of your average usage, or you can use the Apps that each provide to manage your account.
This information can be used to discuss the best available tariff with your operator, or you can use an Ofcom approved Price Comparison web site. http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio/price-comparison/
Keep your data safe
Customers can also take steps to ensure that personal information is protected
Top tips:
- Don’t reveal personal information, such mobile numbers and your address on the public areas of social networking sites
- Back-up regularly, so that you don’t lose valuable content, such as photographs, if your mobile is lost or damaged
- Never reveal any passwords or PINs when asked to do so by phone or by e-mail
- Make sure any Wi-fi network you use is secure (password protected)
- Use strong passwords, change them from time to time, and don’t tell anyone what they are.
- Do not open e-mails with unknown links or attachments (even from people you know). They may contain viruses or malware.
For more information go to: https://www.getsafeonline.org/
Protect your children
Mobile operators offer an Internet filters to protect customers under the age of 18 from age inappropriate content. The mobile operator sets its filter in accordance with a framework prepared by the British Board of Film Classification ("BBFC").
If you are passing an old mobile device to a child, remember to check that the content filter is in place.
The mobile operators, in partnership with the banking industry provide resource for schools that teach children how to protect themselves from bullying, identity theft and how to behave responsibly when first acquiring a mobile. http://www.outofyourhands.com/
Report a stolen mobile
If your mobile is stolen, always report it as soon as you can to your mobile operator. Providing the phone is reported promptly, your liability for unauthorised use is limited.
Your mobile operator will block your SIM card and ensure that the device cannot be used other UK networks.
Customers can also make use of the Immobilise database https://www.immobilise.com/
Customers can register any electronic device, so that, if the police recover your stolen goods, they will know how to contact you.
More information from Ofcom about how you can minimize the impact of loss or theft can be read here.
Further details and contact information from the Mobile Network Operators can be found below:
EE
Three
Virgin Media O2
Vodafone
Advice from the manufacturers if your phone is lost or stolen:
Android
Apple
Samsung
Services for the disabled consumer
The mobile operators work with a number of organisations supporting services for accessibility. Information can be readily found on their individual websites or guidance given from the in-store teams.
Safety awareness for children online has become front of mind for the industry, partnerships with children’s online safety organisations and charities are helping inform the public on how to adapt to changing technology in relation to their child’s welfare.
Notes:
[1] Ofcom Communication Market Reports
