The choice of mobile phone networks is farly limited, and set to become more so if Orange and T-Mobile UK merge. If you fall out with one and have limited coverage on another you are going to have little choice where you can arrange your contract and limited tariffs.

However, there seems to be a rise in "virtual" mobile phone networks offered by MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) which will give you a better choice. For instance Virgin Mobile does not have its own infrastructure or masts, it utilises the T-Mobile network but can offer a range of different phones and tariffs.

Other virtual mobile phone networks include BT mobile and Tesco mobile, and new ones that we could see soon include Red Bull mobile and GiffGaff.

So if your best coverage is with T-Mobile, you don't have to restrict yourself to their tariffs, check out Virgin Mobile, Fresh or Easy, all of whom piggy-back on the T-Mobile network. They might have better tariffs or the handset you want, lower prices or shorter contracts.

Wise advice for consumers is always to shop around and don't jump at the first deal you see. For business mobile users the choice of network is much more limited.

The MVNOs above focus only on individual consumers with one handset. For business users the best plan is to utilise the services of a business mobile specialist who can find you the best deal. Their services are usually free of charge and they are likely to save you money on your mobile bills, adding profit to your bottom line.