With the recession biting and more and more of us having to think twice about what we spend, it will come as no surprise that the way we pay for our mobile phone usage is being affected.

Already more than half of all mobile phone users prefer to stick to a Pay As You Go plan rather than signing a contract. However, right now a staggering 6.5 million of us are thinking of changing and almost a further three quarters of a million are currently in the throes of changing.

The figures released recently in a report by Post Office Telecoms suggest that the present market share could increase to 65% in the near future. The Post Office is the second largest provider of mobile phone top-ups and some Post Offices are reporting an increase of a hundred percent in sales.

There are various reasons for people preferring a Pay As You Go plan to a contract and the top five mentioned in the survey were as follows:

1. 69% - you only have to pay for what you use
2. 59% - it allows more control over your spending
3. 58% - being tied to a contract adds pressure to your finances
4. 21% - it does not matter what your credit rating is
5. 15% - it is easier to understand than a contract

Those thinking of making the switch are in good company. Earlier this week President Obama promised that his administration would revert to “pay as you go rules” which families all over America use to manage their household budget. In his words "You don't spend what you don't have".