Mobile Network Comparison

Fast-growing mobile phone operator Three Mobile is now arguing in favour of consolidation of Britain’s main mobile networks. In a statement David Dyson – the CEO of the network – suggested that the number of operators could fall from four to three.

This marks quite a rapid turnaround as previously, Three have been adamant that consolidation should not happen in the UK market. They are the smallest of the main mobile networks with only 10% of the market from their 8 million customers but rapidly growing and have hefty financial backing from Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa.

The most obvious benefit from reducing the number of operators running mobile networks in Britain is that it would drastically cut down the amount of superfluous infrastructure required to cover the UK population. With fewer mobile networks having to provide expensive cell towers and data backbones, unnecessary redundancy can be reduced. It would also mean that each of the remaining networks would have a greater market share and therefore greater revenues to invest in improving their networks.

Despite this, in 2010 Three strongly oppose the merger of the Orange and T-Mobile networks to form the first 4G super network, Everything Everywhere (later to be renamed EE). This produced a massive new entity with a dominating amount of market share and Three were understandably against it.

This was likely because Three has always been the new upstart in the UK market and, indeed, they had to apply for special protection from the regulator Ofcom in order to ensure that it was not outbid by its bigger rivals in the recent 4G spectrum auction.

All mobile network operators are struggling with reduced revenues in light of the general shift to internet protocol-based communication rather than standard voice calls and text messages. Traditionally, SMS was especially lucrative for mobile networks as they made unfathomable profit margins on each text sent. However, nowadays platform such as WhatsApp, Google Hangouts and Facebook are largely usurping text messages on people’s mobile phones.

Three is now arguing that 2014 will be the year of consolidation across the European markets. And they are backed up by research analysts’ reports that there will soon be a wave of mega-mergers of various mobile phone networks in Europe. In fact, a very strong prediction is that Three would acquire O₂. Just how much weight we should put on this prediction is another matter entirely as the director of the main insight firm suggesting this will happen has a less-than-stellar track record in his predictions.

O₂ is thought to be up for grabs because its parent company has racked up a huge amount of debt which it desperately needs to take a chunk out of. it is drowning in owing of about €50 billion(!) so selling its UK network to Three would be very helpful in achieving this goal. We would also be happy with this deal as it would entrench its position and make it one of the biggest operators in Europe as it already has a strong presence in Austria and several other countries.

With this knowledge, it is only right to be sceptical of Three’s about turn. Hutchison Whampoa has already bought out out O₂ in Ireland and is looking to merge the networks. And it would ostensibly appear that their rapid change of tack merely has been inspired by self-interest.

Indeed, it is easy to argue that a reduction of the number of mobile networks in the UK and have a vast the negative effects on the markets. By edging closer to a monopoly and by putting more power into the remaining mobile networks, customers would surely suffer. It’s hard to see how reducing the competition would do anything but make the worst deals for consumers an easy way the new mega-networks to force through price rises. Having said that, it would also mean that we’d see fewer adverts like this in the future.

What you think of this news? Do you think it’s a good idea for Three Mobile to buy out O₂? Do you trust David Dyson’s reasoning why your little bit sceptical? And how lucky you think this is can happen in 2014?

Continue Reading

Last week we looked at the best accessories for the new iPhone 5C but don’t worry, we weren’t neglecting Apple’s flagship, the iPhone 5S. As many of the accessories for the 5C can also be used on by 5S, we thought we would take a slightly different tack and concentrate just on protective cases.

Even though the build quality of all iPhones is excellent, many all of you will know from experience that they are not indestructible. After you spent hundreds of pounds on the latest and greatest mobile technology, it only makes to spend little bit more to make sure you keep it protected at all times.

Today we round up the best five cases on the market for the five best whether you want a sleek and stylish model that can pop in your pocket or the toughest case available for active lifestyles in all weather conditions.

1. Case Mate Tough Xtreme

Was £39.99 Now only £17.99

The Case Mate Tough Xtreme is a military grade case which offers the best protection for your treasured iPhone. It is specifically intended for people with very active lifestyles and will keep your phone safe from harm the matter what you’re doing.

It looks great on the phone and includes a snap on screen protector to save your Gorilla Glass display from scratches. There is a choice of colours and, despite its hardiness, it is especially designed to keep the overall form factor slim and not too bulky.

This is certainly one of the highest quality cases available and offers really practical protection and even the most jarring of bumps and scrapes.

Protection
Grip
STyle
Value

2. OtterBox Commuter

Was £29.99 Now only £11.99

The OtterBox Commuter is a flip case for the back of the iPhone 5S. It includes an impact-absorbing rubber layer which protects the phone from sharp impacts should you drop it on a hard surface. As it only attaches to the back of the phone, you have full access to all the functions and using the phone and making calls is simple when using it. It also has generous cut-outs on the back to accommodate the camera and flash.

A nice touch about the OtterBox Commuter is that it offers silicon covers that keep dust and other débris out of the various plugs and ports on the iPhone 5S. It also includes a screen protector to prevent damage to the screen.

The only flaw is that, as it is open in design, there is no protection against water damage although this does mean that it is rather more sleek than some cases. And if you use the silicon port protectors, this can prevent water getting inside the phone to damage it.

The case looks great and, despite not being very chunky-looking, it’s very practical and provides effective protection of the phone. OtterBox are well-known for making quality cases and this is no different. It’s a small price to pay for preventing your iPhone 5S from getting scratched or damaged.

Protection
Grip
STyle
Value

3. SPIGEN Ultra Flip Case

Only £24.99

The SPIGEN Ultra Flip Case is a beautiful piece of kit. It’s a sleek and stylish flip cover for the iPhone 5S and looks gorgeous on the outside and even better with its lovely microfibre Chamude lining. The case fits absolutely perfectly for the new iPhone five arrests.

The build quality is high and, although it isn’t the most rugged case in the world, it will certainly offer ample protection from slips and drops. The price is a little dear compared to other compatible cases, but if you want the good looks that come with this flip covers, you’ll find it’s money well spent.

Protection
Grip
STyle
Value

4. Griffin Survivor + Catalyst

Was £59.99 Now only £38.73

Even though it is heavily discounted, the Griffin Survivor + Catalyst is by far the most expensive of the cases that made it to our top five. However, Griffin is effectively giving you two cases for your money and this level of protection is completely unprecedented and unmatched elsewhere.

The case is advertised as being waterproof to 3m of pressure and is especially designed for people who are involved in watersports but still need to keep their phone with them. The special gasketed design not only keeps out water but other things that can damage your phone as well such as dust, sand and grease.

Of course, as with any worthwhile phone case, it also offers impact protection and should protect your iPhone from even the highest of accidental drops with its shock absorbing bumpers. We found that the case really looks the part with its bulky protective polycarbonate frame. But despite its protective powers, you can still use all the features on your phone.

This is a great case that works exactly as advertised. If you lead a rough-and-tumble life or are often out on the water or on the ski slopes, it is an excellent choice that provides all the protection you could need.

Protection
Grip
STyle
Value

5. Snugg iPhone 5S Leather Case

Was £35.98 Now only £17.99

The Snugg Leather Case is a sleek looking pouch perfect for any professional to keep their phone safe whether at work or on the weekends. It comes with a practical slots to hold onto your oyster card, credit cards or even to popping some business cards bring going to meetings.

The case looks great no matter which colour you choose and holds the phone perfectly. You might even say it is a “snug” fit. While the protection cannot match some of the sturdy cases, the build quality is excellent and it comes the lifetime guarantee.

We especially liked the elasticated strap and magnetic tip which makes it easy for your phone out when in a hurry. This case has a classy look at has now been reduced to have a much lower price tag than you would you expect – a great buy.

Protection
Grip
STyle
Value

Continue Reading

Great news – virtual network Giffgaff have just announced they are increase their goodybag allowances. So now you get even better value on their rolling deals.

The £15 goodybag has been bumped up from 400 minutes to 500 minutes. And amazingly, the £20 goodybag has leapt up by 800 minutes to a whopping total of 2,000 minutes every month. Even ignoring the unlimited texts and data, that works out at just 1p/minute! Seems hard to do better than that…

To take advantage of this offer and start using the new goodybags, click the banner below.

As usual, we’re offering all our readers a sign-up bonus of £5 free credit when they order a new Giffgaff SIM through our link. So that means you can get a free SIM card and once you activate it and get your £5 bonus, you’ll have a total of £15. That’s enough to buy a goodybag giving you 500 UK minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited internet!

These new allowances mean that you’re getting an unparalleled amount for your money if you go for Giffgaff’s goodybags. Not bad and just in time for Christmas 🙂 For the full run-down of their current offering, see below:

Giffgaff runs on the O₂ network with exactly the same signal and speeds. And switching is really easy – you can even keep your mobile number.

We’ve also seen some great deals on Giffgaff SIMs on eBay. In fact, for less than £7 it seems you can buy a pre-activated SIM with £15 credit already on it ready to use. Unlike other SIMs being sold on eBay, it’s claimed that this credit is active and ready to use and there are no limitations or restrictions on what you spend the credit on. So once you buy the SIM, you don’t have to pay a penny to start using it.

What do you think of these new monthly bundles? Are there any better offers currently available? And if you have Giffgaff, which goodybag do you use?

Continue Reading