£13bn wasted mobile phone texts and minutes annually

British consumers waste an estimated £13 billion a year on unconsumed mobile phone tariff’s minutes and text allowances, according to the fourth annual Mobile Money Report from moneysupermarket.com. On the average, each adult wastes 45 percent each month on their mobile allowance, or over £250 per year.

The study indicates that contract customers are the most wasteful with their allowance, wasting 137 minutes every month, equating to 27 hours a year for the average pay monthly mobile user.

Ironically, the amount of wastage on mobile allowance has risen despite the improvement in the mobile market sector.  This means more consumers are losing out. Compared to the 2007 Mobile Money Report, adults are now wasting up to 40 percent more minutes and twice as many texts.

Moneysupermarket.com manager of mobiles and broadband Mike Wilson said, “With a rise in the popularity of the iPhone and other smartphones with increased capabilities and internet access, the allowance of texts and minutes on a tariff has become less important. With these other considerations taking priority, people are wasting more texts and minutes than ever before.”

Wilson suggests that consumers need to assess their monthly usage and find a contract that suits that need. He said that consumers can find a much lower, cheaper tariff that meets their demand, or check out the T-Mobile Flext flexible options.

“It’s great that consumers are under their monthly allowance to avoid any extra costs, but it’s also important to get the most out of your contract for what you pay each month,” he said.

Users can also check comparison web sites to check out the best mobile phone contract.