Mobile phones are sometimes treated as a luxury but we know differently. We know these devices are an essential lifeline. According to Citizens Advice, 40% of people prefer to use their phones for accessing the internet. Moreover, those in low-income households are four times more likely than others to use a mobile as their only form of telecommunication.
Therefore, having a phone disconnection due to non-payment is more than an annoyance. Arguably, it can be completely isolating.
A mobile phone bill is treated as a priority debt. This means the consequences of non-repayment are stricter for other lesser debts. For example, credit cards. This means, should your account fall into arrears, it’s best to pay the debt as soon as possible.
If you don’t pay your phone contract, the provider will usually contact you to secure payment. If this isn’t possible, they generally disconnect the mobile and start legal proceedings to get the bill resolved.
It’s common for a debt collection agency to get involved quickly when it comes to phone bill debts. Fortunately, bailiffs won’t appear immediately without notice and you’ll receive a warning before they’re due to arrive.
Alternatively, it’s also common for mobile phone companies to seek repayment through actions such as a county court judgement. In extreme cases, they might also apply to make you bankrupt.
When agreeing a phone contract, there are several aspects which you might not have considered at the time. From premium rate services to abroad charges, this might have led to bills which you just weren’t expecting.
Fortunately, you might be able to reduce the cost of your bill by:
Contacting your provider
By contacting your phone provider, you may be able to negotiate a change in payments. Potentially, you could make smaller repayments in exchange for lengthening the contract.
If necessary, switching your provider
If your current contract is coming to an end, but was too expensive, you might be able to switch to a competitor in exchange for a reduced rate.
Putting a cap on your allowances
You can speak to your phone provider and request they implement a cap on your phone, text, and mobile data downloads. This ensures you won’t go over your usage limits and won’t lead to any surprises next time your bill is due.
If you want to cancel your phone contract, you’ll usually be asked to repay the outstanding balance in full. There may also be cancellation fees associated with this. Therefore, for many people struggling with mobile phone debt, cancelling an expensive contract isn’t a viable option.
If you’re struggling to repay previous phone providers, then we’re available to help you get on top of this situation. Many of our clients come to us with a disconnected phone service or accounts in arrears and we’ve helped them back on the path to debt freedom.
Click the apply button below and complete the application form (it takes less than one minute) we could use this to identify a possible debt solution at no cost to you.
Get in touch today, you really have nothing to lose!
A phone bill is classed as a utility bill as it’s part of services for running a household.
If you can’t pay your phone bill, and you won’t have any money to do so for the foreseeable future, you should get in touch with us as soon as possible. This is a sign you may need debt help and we’ll be happy to discuss your circumstances.
Fortunately, you cannot go to prison for not paying a phone bill. However, you may still face serious consequences – such as having your mobile disconnected or debt collectors confiscating your assets.
