Mobile phones--luxury or necessity?

Johno100

Ames wrote: »

Firstly, I don't think it's cool to bring criticism of a vulnerable poster into DT when they're probably not even aware of it to defend themselves.

As I said on that thread, you're assuming that stopping the phones and internet would save the amount that they cost each month. But not having them would increase costs in other areas. Having to travel to shops, not saving money by buying online, not being able to shop around for deals on insurance/utilities/etc, not being able to get cashback. The internet saves me a fortune - getting rid of phones and internet would quite possibly lead to an overall increase in outgoings.

And I'm not even sure how you'd go about running a household without the internet. No internet banking, no online payment facilities, not being able to check bill accounts (paper bills - another cost as most places charge for this). Do utility companies even accept cheques or posted direct debit mandates anymore?

And that's all for healthy people, disabled people who can't get out to the shops/banks/post office are going to find it nigh on impossible.

Even the benefit system is going digital - under Universal Credit an internet connection is essential, as all communication is done online.

Are you on the right thread?

This thread isn't about internet access, something which most of us would agree is almost an essential these days for many of the reasons you have quoted, but about the necessity of having a mobile phone.

Money_maker

Yes you can run a household without internet, thousands of non computer savvy people and pensioners manage to quite happily.

Prinzessilein

This thread has presumably been started in order for the OP to justify some quite nasty comments on a different thread. (and different MSE forum)


The comments they made on that thread were less than helpful - and now they are continuing it over here on DT

For some people a mobile IS a necessity.

You might have it as a source of internet for jobseeking.
You might need it for claiming UC (can only be done online
You might have it as the main contact with a vulnerable family member.
You might use it as help in running a household.

I am disabled...I cannot use a landline...my mobile is a point of contact with my Mum/Carer.

OP...until you know ALL a person's circumstances you shouldn't make judgements.

batg

Prinzessilein wrote: »

This thread has presumably been started in order for the OP to justify some quite nasty comments on a different thread. (and different MSE forum)


The comments they made on that thread were less than helpful - and now they are continuing it over here on DT

For some people a mobile IS a necessity.

You might have it as a source of internet for jobseeking.
You might need it for claiming UC (can only be done online
You might have it as the main contact with a vulnerable family member.
You might use it as help in running a household.

I am disabled...I cannot use a landline...my mobile is a point of contact with my Mum/Carer.

OP...until you know ALL a person's circumstances you shouldn't make judgements.

I am asking a question, isn't that what forums are all about?
Until you know ALL an OP's reasons as to why they are asking a question, you shouldn't make judgements.

Ames

Johno100 wrote: »

Are you on the right thread?

This thread isn't about internet access, something which most of us would agree is almost an essential these days for many of the reasons you have quoted, but about the necessity of having a mobile phone.

BIB yes, I am on the right thread:

batg wrote: »

as title says
are mobiles a luxury or necessity?
If for example a person says they are struggling with debt, and spends say, £50+ per month on internet access, is that access deemed to be a luxury or necessity?

I say luxury, what say ou?

The OP was also clear on the other thread that they're talking about internet access as well as the (old) phones.

Gloomendoom

I'd agree that hat these days a mobile phone is probably necessary, particularly if job hunting. Certainly more necessary than subscription TV.

However, a cheap phone on PAYG is all that is needed. I currently manage on less than £10 credit a year. Job hunting I might need to spend a bit more.

elsien

Necessity if you don't have broadband at home. There are so many things that need internet access nowadays. Try applying to UC without an online account and see how far you get. And if your phone is your only means of getting online then it needs to be a reasonable size to be able to see the websites properly. My work phone is a (presumably cheap) doogee and it is the bane of my life.
I only pay a tenner a month but I have a low data allowance because I have broadband and wifi. If I didn't then it would be more because of needing the data allowance. If you then add in that the poster you've been having a go at was looking at phones for two people for their £50 then it doesn't look quite so high as your initial post makes it seem.

batg

elsien wrote: »

Necessity if you don't have broadband at home. There are so many things that need internet access nowadays. Try applying to UC without an online account and see how far you get. And if your phone is your only means of getting online then it needs to be a reasonable size to be able to see the websites properly.
I only pay a tenner a month but I have a low data allowance because I have broadband and wifi. If I didn't then it would be more because of needing the data allowance. If you then add in that the poster you've been having a go at was looking at phones for two people for their £50 then it doesn't look quite so high as your initial post makes it seem.

not having a go at anyone, i am asking a question. And it is mentioned the figures I quoted are for TWO, not one. Nearer to £60 than £50 but hey ho

suki1964

£50 a month is too much for anyone IMHO

Both me and he have iPhones, His costs £9.50 a month and mine is £11.50, gives us all the minutes and texts anyone would ever need and 500mb data, of which is rarely used as we log on wifi foc wherever we go

However we also have internet at home which is £35 a month and nope, Id not be without it

Its our entertainment, our bank access and our shopping plus much more

As for a smartphone need, mine is my everything in one package, thats all I carry with me other then car keys. No way would I want to go back to notepads, purses, wallets, diaries etc

I am on a limited income, I can afford it, I choose to have one

redux

batg wrote: »

not having a go at anyone, i am asking a question. And it is mentioned the figures I quoted are for TWO, not one. Nearer to £60 than £50 but hey ho, it's not like it's earned at work money is it?

I've just read the other thread.

In context, few of us will be interested in being voyeurs let alone taking sides in your argument.

You could try following your own advice, just above here, about not making judgements. Instead, at the moment you indeed are picking personally on someone.