Brits waste money on texts and minutes never used

The average Brit wastes almost half (45 per cent) of their mobile tariff's minutes and text allowance each month, raking in £13bn every year for the mobile industry, according to the Mobile Money Report from moneysupermarket.com.

The study by the UK's leading price comparison website shows that contract customers are the most profligate with their allowance, wasting 137 minutes every month, equating to 27 hours a year for the average pay monthly mobile user.

As the mobile market has developed in the last few years the situation seems to be getting worse with Brits losing out more than ever. Compared to the 2007 Mobile Money Report, adults are now wasting up to 40 per cent more minutes and twice as many texts.

Mike Wilson, manager of mobiles and broadband at moneysupermarket.com said:"With a rise in the popularity of the iPhone and other smartphones with increased capabilities and internet access, the allowance of texts and minutes on a tariff has become less important. With these other considerations taking priority, people are wasting more texts and minutes than ever before.

"It's great that consumers are under their monthly allowance to avoid any extra costs, but it's also important to get the most out of your contract for what you pay each month. One of the best ways to do this is to asses what your monthly usage is and find a contract that suits you best. You may find a much lower, cheaper tariff meets your needs, or T-Mobile Flext offers a flexible option."