SIM Only Deals

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Read information & FAQs about SIM only deals.
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SIM only deals

A SIM only plan provides a bundle of minutes, texts, and mobile data for a monthly fee, similar to conventional mobile phone contracts. The key distinction is that with a SIM only deal, you receive only the SIM card without a new phone included in the package.

Choosing a SIM only deal is a wise option if you're satisfied with your existing phone or prefer to purchase a new one separately, avoiding the constraints of a long-term mobile phone contract. Many SIM only plans operate on a monthly rolling basis, allowing you the freedom to modify or cancel your plan whenever necessary. Additionally, there are numerous cost-effective plans available, sometimes with monthly payments starting as low as £1. Furthermore, buying a phone outright and opting for a budget-friendly SIM only deal can result in greater savings compared to committing to a mobile phone contract, although not always.

SIM only deals are straightforward. You simply choose your network and sign up to a bundle of minutes, texts, and data that works for you. Upon receiving the SIM card, insert it into your phone, and you're good to go.
FAQs

What are the benefits of SIM only deals?

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Flexibility: Many SIM only deals offer one-month rolling plans, providing the freedom to adjust your plan at any time instead of being locked into a 12 to 24-month phone contract.

Option to keep or upgrade your phone: With a SIM only contract, you have the flexibility to keep your current phone or purchase a new one separately, eliminating the need to wait until your mobile phone contract is paid off before upgrading.

Simplified credit check process or no credit check at all: Since mobile phone networks are not providing you with a handset on credit, you may not need to undergo a credit check when signing up for a SIM only plan. Even if a credit check is required, it is typically easier to get approved for a SIM only plan.

Cost-effectiveness: Purchasing a new handset with traditional contracts can be costly. By opting for a SIM only contract, where you only pay for the SIM card, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses. Some of the cheapest SIM only plans are available for as little as £1.

How does SIM only work?

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SIM only deals are straightforward. You simply choose your network and sign up to a bundle of minutes, texts, and data that works for you. Upon receiving the SIM card, insert it into your phone, and you're good to go.

How easy is it to switch networks?

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If you're considering switching networks for a better deal, the first step is to determine how much time remains on your current contract. You can easily find this information by logging into your network's app or website, contacting their customer service team, or texting INFO to 85075. If you're still within the contract period, you'll typically need to wait until it expires before transitioning to a SIM-only plan, unless you're prepared to pay an early cancellation fee. As you approach the end of your contract, your network is now required to send you an end-of-contract notification.

Once your contract has concluded, switching networks is simplified, thanks to the introduction of text-to-switch legislation, allowing you to make the transition with just a text message. Just text PAC to 65075 to get your code.

Can I keep my mobile number if I change to SIM only?

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Certainly! You can retain your mobile number. Simply request a PAC code from your current network by texting PAC to 65075, which you must then furnish to your new network within a 30-day window.

How do I get my PAC code?

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Reach out to your previous/current network to obtain your PAC code, which can typically be done via phone or online. Alternatively, utilise Ofcom's Text to Switch service by simply texting PAC to 65075 to receive your PAC code directly to your device. After obtaining your PAC code, give it to your new network to facilitate the transfer of your number.

Will I need to unlock my phone to use it with a new SIM only deal?

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As of December 2021, regulations prohibit networks from selling locked phones. Therefore, if you acquired your phone after this date, it should already be unlocked. A locked phone is restricted to use only on the network from which it was purchased, although this can vary depending on factors such as network, handset, and plan. However, there's a straightforward method to determine if your phone is unlocked.

For iPhone users, navigate to: Settings > General > About, and scroll down until you locate Network Provider Lock. If it displays 'No SIM restrictions', your phone is unlocked. If a network's name appears, then it is locked.

For Android device users, the process is similar. Proceed to: Settings > Connections > Network and internet > Mobile network > Choose network. If multiple networks are visible, your phone is unlocked. However, if only one network is displayed, your phone is locked to that provider.

Once you've confirmed that your phone is unlocked, you're free to obtain a new SIM card. Your next step is to find a SIM only deal that meets your requirements.

Will there be a credit check for a SIM only deal?

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While a credit check might be required, the eligibility criteria are generally less rigorous compared to those for a handset contract deal. When signing up for a 12, 18 or 24-month SIM only contract with a new network, you will usually need to pass a credit check. For rolling 1 month plans the credit check isn't as strict or there is no check at all.

Which mobile network has the best coverage?

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To find out what the latest coverage you can get across the networks is, you can enter your postcode into Ofcom's Coverage Checker. There are currently 4 networks in the UK: O2, EE, Vodafone and Three. All other operators 'piggy back' on one of these networks.

Vodafone Network: Asda Mobile, Lebara, Talkmobile, VOXI.

EE Network: BT Mobile, Lyca Mobile.

O2 Network: Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Media.

Three Network: iD Mobile, SMARTY Mobile.