Are you looking for a mobile plan that allows you to communicate freely, while controlling your budget? Unlimited and low-cost mobile plan offers are multiplying on the market, but they are not all 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 take into account when choosing the unlimited and low-cost mobile plan that suits you best.
1. The price
The price is obviously an essential criterion to take into account before choosing an unlimited and low-cost mobile plan.
The goal is to save money, while benefiting from quality service. The prices of unlimited and low-cost mobile plans vary depending on the operators, the services included, and the duration of the commitment.
You must therefore compare the offers according to the quality-price ratio, and the budget that you are prepared to devote to your package. You should also be attentive to possible promotions, which can allow you to benefit from reduced prices for a limited period, or discounts on the purchase of a phone.
However, you must 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 at the moment?
An unlimited and low-cost mobile plan can be a good solution for communicating without limits, while saving money. But you have to be vigilant, and compare the offers according to the network, the services included, the price, calls and SMS, mobile data, the duration of commitment, and the cancellation conditions.
To help you make your choice, you can consult this comparison of the best mobile plans , which presents the characteristics and prices of the main offers on the market.
2. The network
The network is the first element to check before choosing an unlimited and low-cost mobile plan. Indeed, there is no point in having an unlimited plan if you don't receive good reception, or if you experience cuts 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 rent to virtual operators or MVNOs (such as NRJ Mobile, Cdiscount Mobile, Prixtel, etc.).
The network of each operator may vary according to geographical areas, and it is therefore advisable to check the network coverage of the operator you are considering choosing, depending on your place of residence, work, or frequent travel.
You can consult the 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 requested service by users of unlimited and low-cost mobile plans.
They allow you to enjoy the internet on your smartphone, whether to check your emails, your social networks, your favorite sites, or to use applications like WhatsApp, Spotify, Netflix, etc.
Unlimited and low-cost mobile plans offer more or less significant mobile data envelopes, which range from a few MB to several GB, or even unlimited. You must therefore choose your plan according to your mobile data consumption and the connection speed you want.
You should also check the conditions of use of mobile data, such as reduced speed beyond a certain threshold, or roaming , which allows you to use your plan in other countries, without additional costs.
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4. Calls and texts
Calls and SMS are the basic services of an unlimited and low-cost mobile plan. They allow you to communicate with your loved ones, your colleagues, or your customers, without worrying about time or the number of messages.
Most unlimited and low-cost mobile plans include unlimited calls and SMS in mainland France , but not necessarily to the French Overseas Territories or abroad.
You must check the destinations included in your plan, and possible additional costs if you call or send SMS to countries outside your plan.
Also pay attention to the quality of calls and SMS, which may 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 commitment
The duration of commitment is another criterion to take into account before choosing an unlimited and low-cost mobile plan. In fact, some unlimited plans are non-binding , which means that you can cancel them at any time, without fees or penalties.
Other unlimited plans come with a commitment, usually 12 or 24 months , meaning you must stay with the carrier for that period or face termination fees.
No-commitment plans are more flexible, because they allow you to change operator easily, if you find a better deal, or if you are not satisfied with the service.
Commitment plans are often more advantageous, because they give you preferential rates or promotions on the purchase of a phone. You must therefore weigh the pros and cons between freedom and price, before choosing an unlimited plan with or without commitment.
6. Services included
The services included are another important point to check before choosing an unlimited and low-cost mobile plan.
In fact, not all unlimited plans offer the same services, and you must therefore compare the offers according to your needs and your uses.
For example, some unlimited plans include calls, SMS and MMS in mainland France, but not to the French Overseas Territories or abroad .
Other unlimited plans include a more or less significant amount of mobile data (or data), 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.
You must therefore carefully check the services included in the package you choose, and compare them with those of other available offers.
