Mobiles

MoneySavingExpert.com is today calling for new rules to force mobile phone providers to display clear APRs on smartphone contracts to ensure users understand that by signing up to a mobile phone contract they're effectively taking out a loan to pay for the handset.

Mobile phone users who send a smiley or sad face, or any type of picture icon, in a text could be stung with massive charges – with one user billed more than £200 as a result of using these emojis.

Thousands of Three Mobile customers who are out-of-contract will be moved off their current deal to a "similar" plan next year as the provider phases out old tariffs – but whether you're a winner or a loser depends on your current package.

If you're planning to buy a latest model phone from O2, be aware that you'll actually be taking out a loan for the handset, which will appear on your credit file and could impact your ability to get credit elsewhere.

Ofcom has fined mobile network Three £250,000 for poor handling of customer complaints.

The telecoms regulator has fined insurer Ageas £10,000 for making abandoned calls to UK consumers.

Mobile phone users with a pre-owned handset may struggle to get cover for unauthorised calls or a speedy replacement for broken, lost or stolen phones due to a gap in the standalone mobile phone insurance market.

People looking to cash-in their old mobile phones as they upgrade to the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus or any other device could find themselves up to £79 out of pocket if they don't compare prices, MoneySavingExpert.com has found.

Mobile network Giffgaff is cutting both the inclusive data allowance and the price of some of its goodybag bundles from 24 September – but whether you're a winner or a loser depends if you're a new or existing customer.