What is a SIM only deal? A SIM only deal lets you pay just for what you use: minutes, texts, and mobile data.

It’s pretty similar to your standard mobile phone contract, only you don’t need to worry about buying a new phone.

They’re pretty simple really. All you need to do is pick a deal, based on how much data and minutes you want each month, 

Then you either move to the new plan with your existing SIM card when your current contract is up, or ask for a new SIM card to be sent out to you in the post. Easy as that!

There’s a few different things you’ll want to consider when signing up to any new phone or sim contract. The main ones being, the price, contract length, and how much data you’ll need.

Contract vs Pay As You Go

You have the option of choosing a SIM only deal on contract, or going for a Pay As You Go (PAYG) SIM plan. This will generally depend on your circumstances and how much you use the phone.

Those that really don’t use a phone often, just in case of emergencies, should consider a Pay As You Go SIM plan, which will help keep the costs down.

Those of you who’ll be using your phone most days for calls, texts, and using internet data, will probably be more suited to a contract SIM only deal.

Mobile Data

Knowing how much data you need will vary depending on everyone’s usage patterns.

If you only really use your phone for calls, texts, and checking the odd email, a super low data allowance, around 1-2 Gb, might be all you need.

If you watch a lot of videos, stream music, or can’t get away from scrolling Asos, TikTok, and anything else to procrastinate with, you will probably need to go for a much higher allowance. Consider options above 25 Gb or above, or maybe even unlimited data sim only deals.

If you can, it might be worth checking your current data usage in your current network providers account. This will give you an idea of what you are using, and the amount of data allowance you should choose.

Call Minutes

Knowing how many call minutes you need will also vary depending on your usage patterns.

There will be some of you out there that only use your phone to call people every now and again, and will only rack up an hour or two’s worth of minutes every month. So you can save a bit of money by going for a low minutes contract. You can always call people on Whatsapp, and use your wifi connection or mobile data, to save yourself on minutes and money.

For those of you that love a chinwag though, the great news is, many contracts will include ‘unlimited minutes’ deals. Data plans that are just above the lowest levels tend to have these offers included, so if you want the safety of not going over your allowance, consider leaning towards one of these options. The price difference is surprisingly not that much.

Contract Length

SIM only deals are available on all sorts of contract lengths, everything from 30 days, 6 months, 12, 24, or 36 month contracts.

If you’re happy to commit to a longer term contract, you can save yourself a lot of money. The longer the contract, the cheaper they normally are. If you’re not so keen on committing to a long term contract, you can get yourself a 1 month rolling SIM contract.

SIM only deals might suit some better than others. There are several factors that will come into play when choosing the right SIM deal for you.

What Are The Benefits of Sim Only Plans?

What Are The Downsides of Sim Only Plans?

First things first, if you’re currently on a contract deal, you might have to wait for it to end. You’ll avoid having to pay any early cancellation fees.

Once you’re out of your contract period, you can then shop around and sign up to a SIM only deal that suits you best.

If you’re looking at a deal from a different network to your current one, you might need to get your handset unlocked. Then you simply insert your new SIM card, and you’re ready to go!

Yes you can keep your mobile number, whether you stay on the same mobile network, and even if you change to a new network. All you have to do is ask your old network for a PAC code, which you need to send to your new network, and they’ll look after the rest for you.

Switching networks is really simple and super quick to do. The great news is, you can switch networks, and still keep your existing phone number! All you have to do is request a PAC code from your current network provider, and send it to your new one to switch over.

All you have to do is text ‘PAC’ to 65075 to begin the process.

Your mobile provider will reply by text, sending you a switching code, called a ‘PAC’, which is valid for 30 days. This is the code you’ll give your new network provider, who will be able to seamlessly move everything over for you.

For more info, check out the Ofcom article on 

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To see if a SIM card from a different network provider will work in your current handset, you can simply try a different SIM, try to make a call, and see if it works!

Borrow a SIM card from a different network from a member of your family or a friend, and give it a try in your phone. If you get any signal, try calling someone. If it goes through, great news, your phone is unlocked, or at least compatible with that network provider.

If you don’t get any signal, your phone is likely to be locked. It’s pretty easy to unlock your phone, just contact your current network provider and ask them to unlock the device. They’ll walk you through the process to unlock the phone, and you’ll be ready to use your new SIM.