Looking for a mobile plan that lets you communicate without limits, while staying within your budget? Unlimited and low-cost mobile plans are proliferating on the market, but they're not all created equal…
Before subscribing, it is important to check certain essential points, such as the network, the services included, the duration of the commitment, or the cancellation conditions.
Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing the unlimited and low-cost mobile plan that best suits you.
1. The price
Price is obviously a key criterion to consider before choosing an unlimited and low-cost mobile plan.
The goal is to save money while still enjoying quality service. Prices for unlimited and low-cost mobile plans vary depending on the operator, the included services, and the contract length.
Therefore, you should compare offers based on value for money and the budget you're willing to allocate to your plan. You should also pay attention to any promotions, which may offer reduced rates for a limited time or discounts on phone purchases.
However, you should check the conditions of these promotions, and the price of the package after the end of the promotional period.
What are the best mobile plans currently available?
An unlimited, low-cost mobile plan can be a good solution for unlimited communication while saving money. However, you need to be careful and compare offers based on the network, included services, price, calls and texts, mobile data, contract length, and cancellation terms.
To help you make your choice, you can consult this comparison of the best mobile plans , which presents the features and prices of the main offers on the market.
2. The network
Network coverage is the first thing to check before choosing an unlimited, low-cost mobile plan. Indeed, there's no point in having an unlimited plan if you don't have good reception, or if you experience dropouts or slowdowns.
There are four main operators in France: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile .
These operators have their own network, which they sometimes lease to virtual operators or MVNOs (such as NRJ Mobile, Cdiscount Mobile, Prixtel, etc.).
Each operator's network coverage can vary depending on the geographical area, so it is advisable to check the network coverage of the operator you are considering choosing, depending on where you live, work, or where you travel frequently.
You can consult network coverage maps on the operators' websites , or on the website of Arcep , the telecoms regulator.
3. Mobile data
Mobile data is the most used and most requested service by users of unlimited and low-cost mobile plans.
They allow you to enjoy the internet on your smartphone, whether it's to check your emails, social networks, favorite websites, or to use applications like WhatsApp, Spotify, Netflix, etc.
Unlimited and low-cost mobile plans offer varying data allowances, ranging from a few MB to several GB, or even unlimited. Therefore, you should choose your plan based on your mobile data usage and desired connection speed.
You should also check the terms of use for mobile data, such as reduced speed beyond a certain threshold, or roaming , which allows you to use your plan in other countries without additional charges.
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4. Calls and SMS
Calls and text messages are the basic services included in an unlimited, low-cost mobile plan. They allow you to communicate with loved ones, colleagues, or clients without worrying about time or the number of messages.
Most unlimited and low-cost mobile plans include unlimited calls and SMS in metropolitan France , but not necessarily to overseas departments or abroad.
You need to check the destinations included in your plan, and any potential extra charges if you call or send SMS messages to countries outside your plan.
Also pay attention to the quality of calls and SMS, which can depend on the network, compatibility with 4G or 5G, or the presence of services such as Wi-Fi Calling or VoLTE, which improve sound quality and call continuity.
5. The duration of the commitment
The contract length is another criterion to consider before choosing an unlimited, low-cost mobile plan. Indeed, some unlimited plans are contract-free , meaning you can cancel them at any time without fees or penalties.
Other unlimited plans come with a commitment, usually of 12 or 24 months , which means you must stay with the operator for that period, or you will have to pay termination fees.
No-commitment plans are more flexible, as they allow you to easily switch providers if you find a better offer, or if you are not satisfied with the service.
Contract plans are often more advantageous because they offer preferential rates or promotions on phone purchases. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of freedom versus price before choosing an unlimited plan with or without a contract.
6. Included services
The included services are another important point to check before choosing an unlimited and low-cost mobile plan.
Indeed, not all unlimited plans offer the same services, so you need to compare offers based on your needs and usage.
For example, some unlimited plans include calls, SMS and MMS in mainland France, but not to overseas departments or abroad .
Other unlimited plans include a more or less large mobile data allowance, which allows you to surf the internet, use applications, or watch streaming videos.
Some unlimited plans also offer additional services, such as access to television channels, music or video-on-demand platforms, or personalization options.
Therefore, you should carefully check the services included in the package you choose, and compare them with those of other available offers.
