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SIM only vs. contracts
What is a SIM only deal?
A SIM only deal gives you an allowance of data, minutes and texts, all on one SIM card. You can change your plan each month. We don't tie you down. You're free to leave when you want, but we'd love it if you stay.
SIM only deals offer short term agreements at cheap costs as a mobile handset is not included. Attractive tariffs are offered by the network providers offering more minutes, data and texts.
Usually those that are looking for these types of deals already have a mobile phone. This can be if the current contract has expired or they are looking to activate an old phone with a new line.
With the sheer competition amongs phone service providers today allows users to get some fantastic packages.
Why SIM only vs. contracts?
They offer you better value for money, then pay as you go rates with no hidden costs. Packed with UK data, minutes and texts to be used at your leisure. Just pop a giffgaff SIM into your phone and away you go.
SIM Deals vs Pay as you go SIM (PAYG)
SIM card deals frequently offer more texts and more call minutes compared to a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) or mobile phone contract. Usually, users are permitted to call on the same network at no cost on some connections while calling to other network only charge a standard flat rate.
A SIM-only is suitable for users who:
- Already own a handset. Users who want to get a SIM only service must have their phone unlocked first, or they may switch to a SIM only deal that is offered by an existing phone service provider.
- Do not want to be tied to a long-term agreement. A SIM only contract is available for 30 days, although there are longer contracts that can range between 3 to 12 months. On a 30-day contract, a user is given one month’s notice to terminate the deal if he/she wants to switch to another service provider.
- Those who want to try a different provider with little risk. Try a different network to check for better coverage for calls and mobile broadband downloads.
- Are looking to reduce their monthly phone bills. Cheaper tariffs are available as the network provider is not subsidising the cost of the handset allowing for better budgeting with the flexibility to end the contract early on the 30 day contracts.
- Have the difficulty in getting a mobile contract deal. With less stringent credit checks as provider do not have to recoup the cost of the handset. Individuals can find it easier to go SIM-only than a contract with handset.
- Want a great way to have a second mobile connection. Imagine having a second line where you can keep your business and personal contacts separate.
- Are SIM free mobile users that often change their handsets, and prefer SIM card deals and as they don’t want to be tied down. In addition mobile phone numbers can be transferred when switching tariffs. Mobile users have to contact their existing provider to obtain a PUK code.
- These types of contracts offer many benefits. With this option, one can enjoy cheaper SMS texts, calls and other mobile phone services unlike with a full contract since the price does not include the cost of the mobile phone.
- Mobile phone users are not tied to a long-term binding contract and thus, in case of problems with services, it will be easier to switch to another provider. It offers flexibility for those that are looking for a short agreement.
- Smartphone users and iPhone users will prefer these packages as iPhone SIM only deals come with more bundled data than with a contract phone.
- Many of the disadvantages with SIM only plans are that there is no chance of acquiring the latest smartphones with one of these deals. In addition you are required to have a phone where you can activate the SIM card.
- The end user is required to have a phone for this type of service to work. If a phone is locked to particular provider it must be unlocked to work with a different network. Once on the plan the allowance is not carried over if it is not used.
Which SIM size do I need?
There are three SIM sizes to choose from. Standard SIM, micro SIM and nano SIM.
Some non-smartphones do still take a standard SIM though. Our brilliantly-designed triple SIM means that it will fit any phone, whether you need a standard, micro or nano SIM.
Can I get a 4G SIM only plan?
Absolutely. Our new goodybags include 4G data as standard. Get in. Choose the goodybag with the best mix of UK data, minutes and texts to suit you. A 4G ready phone and coverage is required to access 4G data speeds.
