New Mobile network

Mobile phone users have been warned to watch out for extra charges if they switch to another network.

From next month, phone owners will be able to join a new network and keep their old number.

The council said phone companies were obliged to allow users to take their number with them, and had no right to charge them a fee for it.

Phone owners were also warned to check the terms of the agreement with their current company, as fees might be imposed if the contract was for a set period and they wanted to opt out early.