How to Avoid Bill Shock

Navigating the world of phone contracts and payments can be a difficult task, and learning how to avoid bill shock is essential to ensure that you don't spend more than you've bargained for. 

To start with, what is bill shock? In simple terms, bill shock is caused by unexpected charges on your phone bill. Some examples include unknowingly exceeding your data allowance or using mobile features abroad if this is not included in your plan. Long story short, if you've ever opened your phone bill and felt unpleasantly surprised by your expenditure (did I really use that much data?) then you've been a victim of bill shock. 

A step-by-step guide to avoiding bill shock

Don't worry, bill shock isn't inevitable. There are plenty of ways to avoid those less-than-favourable extra costs, and we've compiled a few convenient tips to teach you how to do just that. 

Double check the term 'unlimited'

Unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited. For example, if you're using your mobile data whilst roaming (i.e. using your phone abroad), it's possible that you could be charged large amounts for anything over your allowance. Double-check your provider's policy regarding the use of roaming data to avoid a nasty surprise down the line. 

Bill caps and alerts keep you on the ball

Alerts and caps are the perfect way to make sure extra spending doesn't go unnoticed - or, even better, prevent unnecessary spending altogether. Certain providers can also cap entire business accounts, rather than just one individual device. At your Comms Group, we provide flexible bill caps so you can be sure to avoid bill shock. 

Not all 'free' messages are really free

When providers promise unlimited messages, they usually mean unlimited SMS, not MMS. SMS messages involve text only, whilst MMS messages include an image of some kind. If you're trying to figure out how to avoid bill shock, make sure you know the ins and outs of your provider's cost for MMS messages. 

Keep an eye on surprise call costs 

If making calls overseas is a priority for you, then it's important to get this included in your tariff. Even if a plan includes unlimited calls, that usually only means unlimited calls within the UK. Instead, get overseas calls included in your plan for a small cost and eliminate the risk of racking up the ££. 

Make sure your plan is right for your business

This might sound obvious, but making sure that you choose a plan that's right for you is the best way to eliminate bill shock altogether. For example, there's no point in getting a low data plan when you're a high data user. The cost might be cheaper upfront, but the long term and unexpected charges from exceeding your data balance will make everything a lot more expensive. 

The bottom line

if you're trying to find out how you can best avoid bill shock, there's no better choice than Your Comms Group. We offer complete transparency and bespoke business plans so you can get the right features for you and your team. Similarly, our multi-network IoT SIM cards are flexible and competitively priced. They can be kept on-site incase of lost SIMS or mobiles, meaning minimal business downtime and more time spent making your company the best it can be. 

Find your perfect tariff 

Choosing Your Comms Group brings you one step closer to eliminating bill shock for good. For more information, take a look at Your Mobile or contact us at sales@yourcommsgroup.com.