Essential Buyers Guide To Mobile Phone Sim Only Contracts

By Author: Lucy Carter
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In a nutshell, if you already have an unblocked mobile phone, by simply buying a SIM card from a network provider and entering into a contract with them, you could save a significant amount of money on your mobile tariffs. This is because other mobile contracts include the cost of the handset in your monthly fee, which bumps up the cost. SIM only deals have become increasingly popular since in effect they combine the flexibility of a pay-as-you-go tariff with the free benefits of a pay monthly contract.

The following guide will explore the ins and outs of SIM only contracts, so you can decide for yourself whether this is the right option for your needs.

SIM Only Contract Options

These days, all major mobile network providers offer SIM only contract deals, including Orange, 3 Mobile, Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2 and Virgin Mobile. Most of these network operators will give customers the choice between a one year or one-month rolling contract. Your decision on which contract to sign up for will depend on your individual lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you're the type who doesn't want the responsibility ...
... of a lengthy contract or who wants the flexibility of signing up for the most competitive deals as they arrive on the marketplace, then a one month rolling SIM only contract will be perfect for your needs. If on the other hand you prefer a longer contract which offers good value for money in terms of free calls, multimedia and other services, a 12 month deal will give you just that. There is also the alternative option of SIM only pay-as-you-go, where you top-up credit as you need it, but this will give you less free services than signing up for a contract.

Advantages of SIM Only Contracts

SIM only deals allow you to keep your existing mobile phone and number, plus receive a cheaper tariff and more free services for your money. Because this type of payment is often offered as a one month rolling contract which you can cancel at any time, you will be free to change to the best deals as they become available plus get the uninterrupted connectivity as well as free monthly calls, texts and other benefits not offered by top-up driven pay-as-you-go deals. Also, longer SIM only contracts tend only to be for 12 months, rather than the extended commitment of 18 or 24 months that traditional pay monthly contract enforce - again, this leaves you free to take advantage of better offers sooner than later.

Which SIM Only Contract Is Best For You?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your individual usage habits. As explained above, if you want the freedom of pay-as-you-go with the added free bonuses of a contract, then a 30 day rolling deal will be best for your needs. If you prefer a longer contract in return for extra free services, then a 12 month package will give you great value for money. Because there are so many SIM only contracts being offered on the UK marketplace these days, the best way forward is to jot down your mobile service preferences and usage habits so that you can narrow down your search. For example, are you a textaholic, a person who makes calls non-stop or a download die-hard? Secondly, take your time researching and comparing the suitable offers both online and at Highstreet retail outlets.

In conclusion, SIM only contracts are perfect if you're happy with your current mobile phone plus want to take advantage of the value for money it provides in terms of free monthly service allowances offered by contract type packages.
Peter Williams is a mobile communications consultant and retailer of SIM only contracts.