In these austere times, with household bills going up every month, it would be logical to think that people would be trying to make savings wherever possible. A survey by YouGov and Recombu, a price comparison service seems to indicate that at least with mobile phone contracts, only 7% of Brits will change mobile phone network in order to get the best deal.

The thing that makes this all the more surprising is that in the same survey, over three quarters of the 2000 people polled cited price as being the most important factor when deciding on a new mobile. Coupled with this is the rising number of mobile phone contracts that run for 24 months. This is due to networks trying to offset customer’s initial outgoing by spreading the cost of expensive smartphones over the contract period, while still appearing to offer a low price.

1. Price 76%
2. Number minutes/texts 49%
3. Contract length 28%
4. Network coverage 26%
5. Phone brand 21%

With Number of minutes/texts and Contract length also cited as important factors when looking into new contracts, it appears that when it comes down to actually doing it, people can’t be bothered with the hassle of moving to another network.

According to Hannah Bouckley, editor at Recombu: “The economic downturn is making it even more important for people to get the most from their money on items like mobile phones, so it’s really surprising to see that so few consumers are changing network get the best deal.”

Recombu’s report can be seen here.