These days you can get a range of competitive deals when it comes to mobile phone contracts, and there is certainly no shortage of choice for those eligible to opt for a mobile phone contract. However, it is important to remember that you need to get the right deal, otherwise you could find yourself tied into an unsuitable contract for a fairly long period, which can prove frustrating and costly.

There are a number of things to look out for when you are looking for a suitable mobile phone contract to help ensure that you get the right one for your needs. This includes:

1. Price: Of course, one of the most important things that you will need to consider is the monthly cost for your contract. You need to ensure that you find a competitive deal with affordable monthly costs, and don't forget that on top of the monthly charges you will also have any applicable call charges to pay, so make sure that you look for something that fits in with your budget.

2. Offers on calls and texts: The world of contract mobile phones is a highly competitive one these days, and in order to entice new customers many providers offer special deals on texts and calls, with packages that include a number of free texts, free calls during certain times of the day, and more. Look out for these packages, and find one that suits your mobile needs, as this could save you a packet each month.

3. Phones: Of course, the most common freebie that you get with a mobile phone contract is the phone itself, and many providers offer the latest state of the art mobile phones with all the bells and whistles. Keep your eyes peeled for special offers on new phones on the market, and you could enjoy sporting the latest hi-tech phone as well as getting a great deal on your contract.

4. The contract term: As with any other type of contract, getting tied into a mobile phone contract for too long can prove to be a bad idea, as there are always new, improved deals coming onto the market. Try not to sign up to an excessively long term wherever possible, as this could ultimately end up costing you when you could be switching over to a better deal or more suitable packaged with another provider.

5. Transferring information: The last thing that you want with your mobile phone is cost and hassle when it comes to transferring your existing number, and at the same time most people do not want the hassle of having to change their number. Check to see whether you are able to transfer your number with ease and whether this is free of charge.

6. Choosing the right provider: Another thing that is important when selecting a mobile phone contract is finding a reliable provider. Find out which network provider offers the best signal strengths and coverage for your area before you make any commitment.

7. Check out the regulator website: Before you commit to any particular network or package, it is worth checking the website of the Office of Telecommunications, Oftel, which regulates mobile phone services and providers. Here you can learn more about the phones that offer the best coverage for your area, as well as other important information.

8. Consider whether you may be better with prepay: The suitability of a contract phone will be largely dependant on your needs and when you tend to use the phone, as well as how often you use it. Some people, such as those that do not use the phone much and those with bad credit, may find that they are better with a prepay mobile.

9. Compare the different packages: There are many different mobile contract deals on offer out there today, and in order to find the best one you need to compare. This means looking at the bigger picture and not just one aspect, so compare everything from the price to the free minutes and texts, and make sure that you know exactly what is included in the package.

10. Account for true cost: Many people base their decision to take on a contract phone on the cost of the monthly line rental, which may not seem too expensive. However, when you add on other costs, such as call charges, insurance, etc. this can quickly add up. To ensure that you don't end up paying a monthly rental for a mobile phone that you cannot actually afford to use factor in all of the potential costs before you make your decision.