It is suggested that the Clerk be provided with a mobile phone and call package to make and receive calls. This would allow the council to have a permanent mobile number to contact the Clerk. This would also allow the mobile phone to be passed onto other members or staff if the Clerk is not available for a period of time.
This is a comparison of buying a phone outright with a sim only contract, versus buying a complete phone and sim package:
Buying phone outright with monthly sim
A sim only monthly contract (can be cancelled on a monthly basis) is available at £6 per month. For example ID mobile offer unlimited calls and texts and limited data for £6 per month.
A samsung galaxy 12 phone currently costs £149.99 to buy outright at argos, or £140 on amazon. (Prices subject to change).
A £6 per month monthly contract would cost £144 over 24 months.
Total equivalent costs over 24 months to buy a phone outright and add a monthly sim only contract would be £149.99 + £144 = £293.99
Buying a phone with sim package
For both a phone and a sim card, a phone with call plan contract for 24 months starts at £13.99 for a basic samsung galaxy A12. (ID mobile plan) Total cost over 24 months is £335.76
Conclusion
This comparison has only used ID mobile with their cheapest monthly phone contract for this comparison, there are other phones and providers, but this gives the sense of the costs and comparison.
The cost of £293.99 to buy a phone outright with a monthly sim only contract is marginally cheaper and not tied into a 24 month contract of buying a phone contract for £335.76
For consideration
To authorise the Clerk to purchase and pay for a phone up to £200 using a council credit card or banking payment.
To authorise the Clerk to purchase and pay for a monthly sim only contract up to £6 per month using a council credit card or banking payment.
The Clerk to decide the best phone and call package at the time of purchase.
- Posted: 7th January 2022