How to spot misleading promotional offers

The big number is often the lowest price in the contract. Ask what you pay in total across the whole term, then divide by the number of months. That is the real monthly cost, and it is the fairer figure to compare.

Look for the number of months the introductory price applies. A promotion that covers only a few months of a long contract affects the total much less than one that covers most of it.

Phrases such as "from" a price, "up to" a speed, or "free for" a number of months describe the best case. Find the standard price and the typical conditions behind them.

Activation, installation and equipment fees are often charged once and not shown in the headline. Add them to the total before you compare.

A credit only lowers your cost if it is guaranteed. If it depends on something you might not do, such as claiming it by a deadline, treat it as uncertain until you have it.

Some contracts allow the price to change during the term. Check the provider's terms. A rolling contract has no fixed end, so any total over a set period is an estimate.

Find the intro price and how many months it lasts. Find the standard price. Add every one-off fee. Subtract only guaranteed credits. Check the contract length and exit fee. Divide the total by the months. If the provider's page does not make any of these clear, ask before you sign.