Mobile Contract Ending? Save £180/yr. by switching to SIM-only deals
December 6th, 2009
If you are approaching the end of your mobile contract and you are happy with your phone, you can save a huge amount by switching to a SIM-only tariff. Typically, you could save £180/yr. and you’d get more minutes and texts too.
What are SIM-only tariffs?
photo: NightRPStar
Traditionally, mobile phone contracts give you a free mobile phone and a certain amount of airtime every month to use. Typically, you might be on an 18 month contract. You get a “free” phone but in fact the phone is paid for out of a surcharge on your monthly charge.
In contrast, SIM-only contracts don’t provide a phone – they only provide airtime. This makes them fantastic deals for anybody who doesn’t want a new phone.
The people who can most easily benefit from these tariffs are people who are currently on a contract but have completed the original 12/18/24 months of the contract. Once you have completed this initial period, you can switch to a different tariff and stop paying the additional surcharge for the phone.
How do prices compare?
On O2, a standard mobile tariff offering 600 minutes, 1,000 texts and a free phone will set you back £35/mo.
With an equivalent O2 Simplicity (SIM-only) deal, you can get 800 minutes and 1,600 texts for just £20/mo. This equates to a cost saving of £180/yr and you get more minutes and texts too!
What changes will I experience?
Typically, you’ll get a lot more minutes & texts and you’ll notice a huge cut in your monthly fee. Your mobile phone number stays the same and you can keep the same account with your operator. Essentially, nothing changes except from what you pay and how much you get for it!
Which networks offer SIM-only deals?
photo: doug88888
All of the major networks offer SIM-only deals:
- 3: SIM-only tariffs
- O2: Simplicity
- Orange: SIM-only tariffs
- T-Mobile: SIM-only tariffs
- Vodafone: SIM-only tariffs
See our list of the SIM-only deals available on the market. You can input information such as how many minutes you need and whether you have a smartphone and it’ll list all of the suitable tariffs.
Remember if you switch network: your phone needs to be unlocked and you’ll have to ask for a PAC code to transfer your number.
What are the best value SIM-only tariffs?
See our guides to the best value SIM-only tariffs or the best value SIM-only tariffs for smartphones.
What are the alternatives to switching to SIM-only?
photo: E01
If you decide not to switch to a SIM-only deal, you can usually get a new phone for free by renewing your contract for another 18 months. Be aware that you pay for the free phone in the form of a more expensive tariff and if you don’t want the upgrade, you’re much better off with a SIM-only deal.
How about Pay As You Go deals?
If you don’t make many calls – if you mainly text and use the internet then you could find it even cheaper to switch to Pay As You Go. Have a look at our guide on the Pay As You Go tariffs offering free internet access (most of these offer free texts as well as free internet).
Where can I find details and reviews of the best value SIM-only tariffs?
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| About Ken | |
 | My mission is to demystify the world of mobile technology for general audiences and to communicate how mobile technology can enhance every aspect of our daily lives. I've been maintaining the Ken's Tech Tips website since 2004. I have experience communicating mobile technology and presenting new mobile products both online and offline, including at various trade shows and events. You can check out my profile or drop me an e-mail. |
