Category Archives: SIM only mobile

How to choose a SIM-only service

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When you’re choosing a SIM-only service, you should try and find out as much as you can about the different tariff rates on offer. Work out how many minutes you spend on the phone each month, how many texts you send and receive, and whether you use additional services, such as internet access, social networking sites or downloading music.

Some SIM-only deals offer free calls to people who are on the same network, so if you make a lot of calls to people who share a network, it may be worth choosing this one.

If you decide to change mobile phone service providers, you should also check that there will be adequate network coverage in your area. Most service providers have an online search tool which allows you to check coverage in your area.

What does a SIM-only deal offer?

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A SIM-only contract lasts a minimum of 30 days. If you choose this option, you only need to give one month’s notice to cancel the deal if you want to switch to another provider or end the service. You also get to keep your own phone number. There are longer SIM-only contracts on offer, which can range from 12 to 18 months but you can face paying a penalty if you end the service early.
The advantages of a SIM-only deal are:

  • they usually work out cheaper than mobile phone contracts because you’re not paying for the cost of the phone by paying a higher line rental
  • you’re not locked into a tariff which may become expensive compared with other mobile phone deals after a few months
  • they usually offer more call minutes and more texts than a mobile phone contract or Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) service and you don’t have to spend time topping up your phone like you do with a PAYG service
  • you can call other networks at a flat rate, so you don’t have to pay premium call charges. You may also be allowed to call people on the same network as yourself for free
  • many service providers allow you to get itemised billing and some allow you to manage your bills online for free
  • you can often get extras such as internet access or access to social networking sites included as part of the monthly fee.

If you want to go for a SIM-only service, you may have to get your phone unlocked first unless you are switching to a SIM-only deal offered by your existing mobile phone service provider.

Compare all SIM-only offers