Easy Guide to SIM Only Contracts for Mobile Phones
SIM only contracts have increased in popularity recently because in contrast to normal monthly contracts where the price of your tariff includes the cost of the handset they give you with your package, SIM only is much cheaper. The crux of the matter is that you already have an unblocked mobile phone – if you prefer to get a new mobile with every contract renewal then SIM only would not be for you.
The way it works is that you simply buy a SIM card from your chosen network provider and enter into a contract with them in return for a package which offers free minutes, texts and other multimedia services. In essence, SIM only deals combine the flexibility of a pay-as-you-go tariff with the free benefits of a pay monthly contract.
Use the following guide to understand what a SIM only contract entails so that you can decide whether it’s the right way forward for you
Benefits of SIM Only Contracts
Choosing a SIM only package means you get to use your existing mobile phone and number, plus receive a cheaper tariff than a pay monthly contract (which as explained includes the price of a mobile handset). It also gives you greater flexibility to take advantage of the latest deals as they become available on the marketplace because SIM only contracts are often offered as a one-month-rolling contract which you can cancel at any time. In this way they are similar to the pay-as-you-go option, but with the added benefit of uninterrupted connectivity and extra free services. Longer SIM only contracts generally only span 12 months instead of the extended commitment of 18 to 24 months that pay monthly contract tie you into – again, this gives you the flexibility to take advantage of better offers as they arise.
Types of SIM Only Tariffs
These days, all major UK mobile network providers offer SIM only contracts, including O2, Orange, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone, 3 and T-Mobile. Most of these networks will give you the choice between a one-month-rolling or one year contract. These days they also offer SIM only pay-as-you-go, where you top-up credit as you need it. Deciding which option will best suit you depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you want the best value for your money and tend to use your phone extensively, a 12 month contract will offer you the best deal on free calls, multimedia and other services. On the other hand if you’re the type who doesn’t want to be tied down to a lengthy contract so you can be free to sign up to the most competitive offers as they arrive on the marketplace, then a one-month-rolling SIM only contract will be best suited to you. Lastly, if you have a mobile phone but don’t use it alot, a SIM only pay-as-you-go package (where you top-up credit as you need it) will be the cheapest tariff you can get.
Choosing the Right SIM Only Deal
Finding the SIM only package that suits you best depends on your individual usage habits. As explained above, if you want the flexibility of a pay-as-you-go deal combined with the free services of a contract, then a 30 day rolling contract will be ideal. If however you prefer a longer contract in return for extra free call, texts etc, then a 12 month package will give you great value for your money. Because there are so many SIM only contracts offered by different network providers on the UK marketplace these days, it’s a good idea to make a list of your mobile service preferences and usage habits so that you can target the right deal. For example, are you a textaholic, a person who makes frequent calls or a download fanatic? Also make sure to take your time researching and comparing suitable offers both online and at High Street retail outlets.
Conclusion
All in all, SIM only contracts will be best suited to you if you’re happy with your current mobile phone, want the freedom to choose the best tariff deals as they become available and want the added benefit of free monthly services. If you understand your usage habits and match them with thorough research of what’s currently available, choosing SIM only can offer great value for money.
About the Author: Peter C. Williams is a mobile communications consultant and retailer of SIM only contracts.
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