Choosing Your Mobile Operator

Customer options - mobile phones in Ireland

In Ireland, there are five competing mobile network operators. These operators are 3, Meteor, O2 , Vodafone and Tescomobile. If you wish to visit the above sites, please click on the relevant link.

Which one should I choose?

This is entirely up to you. You should review your call pattern and establish what are the important criteria for your needs.

The following will need to be considered when choosing your mobile operator:

Network coverage
Discount Schemes
Travel abroad (roaming agreements)
Tariff options
Payment schemes
Additional services available

Before deciding on a mobile phone operator, you should inform yourself by asking the mobile phone company any questions that are particular to your needs. Remember, you have the right to call your operator and ask them for your terms and conditions to be sent to you.

Tariff options

Mobile Tariff Plans

Each mobile operator offers a range of tariff plans, which are designed to meet consumers needs. Depending on the type of calls you make and the time of day you most frequently use your mobile phone, you should determine which tariff option best matches your needs.

Check your operator's website as sometimes they offer discounts for topping up on-line. Ask your service provider what tariff schemes are available. There are generally two schemes on offer:

Pre-pay

This method is also referred to as 'top up' or pay as you go. Customers choose to pre-pay by topping up their credit in advance of making calls. This payment method can provide more control over the amount that is spent using the phone on an ongoing basis. It is important to note however, that some tariffs for pre-pay services can be higher than those charged on post pay.

Post-Pay

Using this method, the customer will receive a bill, usually on a monthly basis. You may also be able to view your bill online.

Contract Terms & Conditions

You should familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions prior to signing a contract of service with your service provider. In particular you should check how long the minimum contract period lasts; whether a minimum spend is required and penalties, if any, apply for ending the contract early.

Terms and Conditions would typically cover some of the following elements:

Connection charges,
Monthly rental fees,
Call costs (usually per minute or per second rates),
Disconnection and Reconnection charges,
Contract Termination fees,
International Roaming charges

Using your mobile phone abroad

If you wish to use your mobile phone abroad you should confirm with your mobile phone operator that your particular payment scheme allows international roaming. The operator's website usually contains information on roaming and what steps you may need to take to facilitate it. You should also be able to find information on their website on which countries and operators your mobile operator has roaming agreements with and the roaming charges abroad. Click here for further information on international roaming.