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Mobile Phones

The UK market for mobile phones is one of the most advanced on the planet. While over 30 nations have over 100% mobile phone subscription, the UK is one of a select few to edge over 110%. This is for a number of reasons. One definite reason is that the UK is one of the oldest mobile phone markets. The 110% takes into account some phones which were purchased many years ago. Another reason is the comparative wealth of the UK when held against other nations around the world.

The UK market is split between three major types of phone owner - those with a contract phone, those on a Pay As You Go (prepay) service and those with business phones such as the Nokia E90. Contract phones are generally popular with people who make calls on a more regular basis than PAYG customers, for whom each minute is generally more expensive but there is no monthly charge. PAYG phones are often bought by parents for children as an introduction into the world of mobile phones. Business phones are usually lacking in the features which make mobile phones fun but come loaded with useful facilities such as email, 3G compatibility and, increasingly, wi-fi.

A number of manufacturers have dominated the handset market for years. Nokia phones are the world's most popular handsets as a result of having the most user-friendly operating system. The Nokia range includes everything from high-end business phones, such as the aforementioned E90, to basic handsets aimed at the rapidly-developing markets in Asia and Latin America. The kind of mobile phone offer necessary for the developing world is different to that necessary for oversubscribed existing markets, where the main incentive for purchasing a new phone is to have the latest handset.

Sony Ericsson mobile phones have also been popular since the dawn of the mobile phone market. Previously two separate concerns. Ericsson phones were often viewed as functional but dull while Sony phones were feature-packed but notoriously awkward to use. The joint venture has brought with it a great deal of success and Sony Ericsson is one of the leading players in the mobile market. Once upon a time, Samsung phones were also seen as being difficult to use, although they are now among the most popular and stylish handsets.

Different handsets are available on different networks. One handset which can be purchased as an o2 mobile phone, for example, might not be available as an Orange mobile phone. The best way to find a great mobile phone offer is to search the internet, where prices can be compared in a matter of minutes.