I have noticed recently that Ofcom have told mobile networks to reintroduce 12month contracts. O2 have now changed their tariffs, making them more expensive.

I have been looking at the following mobile phones:

Blackberry Bold 9780
HTC Desire S and HD
HTC Incredible S
Samsung Galaxy 2

I would like to have a monthly tariff price of £30-£35 p/m.

I would also (if possible) to have a free or the least up front cost of the phone.

What network? I wouldn''t need Orange Wednesdays.

Data included as part of the tariff, so no extra cost.

Would prefer an 18 month contract. But do a lot of people think that a 24 month contract is too long?

If i needed to get the contract through carphonewarehouse, what are they like to deal with?

Anyone used mobiles.co.uk, any problems? I wouldn't want to just get the phone online, if there are any problems with it.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

WRT the OP, I have been with 3 for a long time now and can definitely recommend them. The process of finding a phone is going to be a bit laborious im afraid. If you wanted a 12 month contract look at Tesco mobile as they are the only carrier Im aware of that currently offer them (although I could be wrong). If you get a 12 month contract expect to pay a decent chunk of the phones value upfront though.

On 3's One Plan, you get plenty of everything and the upfront costs for top-end smartphones are usually nil. (iPhone 4 is £69 - most others e.g. Samsung Omnia 7, Desire HD are nil).

it's important that you realise that the phones you are talking about cost ~£450, £30 x 18 months is £540 leaving only £5pcm for calls and texts etc.

i'm just saying this to give you a realistic expectation. but as for the actual tariff and network, they each have their merits and are broadly competitive with each other, so you just have to do the leg work.