I’ve always thought buying a new mobile was unnecessarily complicated, but things just seem to be getting worse! I’m currently with T-Mobile on a monthly contract for a SIM with Web n Walk Plus, which I use in my unlocked Nokia E90. I love my E90, but it’s become slow, doesn’t have a touchscreen, and, worst of all, has started to act – flaky! It no longer sends individual texts – it sends three at a time. It refuses to call out, and doesn’t like accepting calls too much either.

Now, all of this could be due to the network rather than the phone (though that’s unlikely, as my girlfriend’s also on T-Mobile, and she has no problems), but even if it is, it’s got e thinking that I want a new mobile, even if I don’t need one!

So, I went shopping – and ended up with a headache! Here’s why after the jump.

Firstly, I wanted to upgrade from my E90 on T-Mobile to the T-Mobile G1 Android phone. First stop, my local T-Mobile shop.

“Sorry, Sir, you can’t upgrade.” said the sales assistant.

“But you phoned me up yesterday and said I could. I was even offered several different phones.”

“They were mistaken, Sir.”

“But I’m on a contract that’s about to expire.”

“No you’re not.”

“I am”

“You’re not”

“But I signed a piece of paper saying I was on a contract.”

“We don’t know what paper that was, Sir, but you’re not on a contract with us. You’re not entitled to an upgrade.”

Annoyed, I went home and looked online to see what deals were around. First problem: where to look?

Oh, sure, there are tonnes of mobile phone sites and affiliate sites out there, but you want one that’s going to bring you the best deals.

But what is a best deal? One that offers me a free gift? Do I need more texts than free voice calls? Do I want a gift, or a cashback thrown in, and if I do, is it stilla good deal?

Why can’t I just buy a mobile phone!!

Eventually, I decided on a shop called BuyMobilePhones.net (don’t worry, the link’s not an affiliate link!). I went to place my order.

“Would you like to port a number?” asked the Web site.

“Good idea,” I thought; “don’t want a different number!”

I click yes. I click buy. I get the message “It is not possible to port a T Mobile contract mobile number to another T Mobile contract!”

What!? WTF?! Why? So the only way I get to keep my number is if I go through T-Mobile themselves. Yet they won’t let me upgrade, and will charge me £10 more a month for the phone than if I bought it through one of their affiliates (worse, T-Mobile want to lock me in on an 18 month contract, against BuyMobilePhones’ 12 month contract).

I JUST WANT A MOBILE PHONE, DAMN YOU!!

There must be an easier way than this! Stay tuned for a guide on how to buy a mobile phone, as one is sorely needed!