What is SIM-Only and What Are Its Benefits?

As the name suggests, with SIM-only plans, you only receive a SIM card. These contracts can range from month-to-month to 24 months or more. Additionally, there's a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) option, which is not a contract and allows you to top up credit at various shops, online, and through apps when available. Some PAYG SIMs also provide a monthly commitment, where you agree to spend a fixed amount, like £10 per month, until you decide to cancel. This can include packages offering 15 GB of data, 1,000 call minutes, and unlimited texts.

You might be curious about the benefits, and the truth is, there are plenty! First, if you choose the contract route, you’ll typically pay less since you’re not obtaining a new phone.

Depending on your selected deal, SIM-only options may also provide 1-month rolling contracts, allowing you to cancel if you find a better offer elsewhere. This flexibility is excellent when you come across a more appealing deal with another provider.

I want to emphasize the factors that can help you select the right provider. This is crucial because a good deal doesn’t always equate to suitable service for your needs.

Signal Strength

In the UK, there are four primary network providers: EE, 3, Vodafone, and O2. Other options exist, such as Tesco Mobile, Smarty, VOXI, and GiffGaff. These smaller providers often utilize the infrastructure of major networks. For instance, as of this writing, GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile operate on O2’s infrastructure, Smarty uses 3’s network, and VOXI relies on Vodafone’s services. These smaller providers often feature competitive deals, but it’s wise to utilize price comparison sites to ensure you’re getting the best offer.

When it comes to signal strength, it varies across different areas of the UK, so thorough research is essential before committing to a fixed-term contract. One effective method to assess signal strength is to check the provider’s signal map, usually available on their website.

For a more hands-on approach, consider purchasing a PAYG SIM and inserting it into your phone to evaluate the signal and speeds in your area and other frequently visited locations. The downside is you may need to spend on top-ups, generally around £10, but this allows you to test the provider’s performance.

Ensure Your Phone is Unlocked When Switching!

Historically, UK network providers would lock phones to their respective networks, making it challenging and costly to unlock them. However, since December 2021, Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has prohibited providers from selling locked phones. You can read more about this pivotal change here.

Your phone might still be locked to a provider, so it’s worth contacting them to check if they will unlock it at no charge.

To determine if your phone is locked, simply insert a SIM from a different provider. Many companies, like EE, offer free SIMs that they can send to your home, so it’s a good idea to explore that option. If your phone is indeed locked, you will typically be notified that the SIM and its services (data, SMS, and calling) are unavailable.

Data Speed

Apart from a solid signal, the next critical factor to consider is data speed, as some networks may limit it. This can be particularly frustrating while streaming videos or browsing the web.

Finding a Deal that Matches Your Needs

It’s crucial to ensure that the deal and service align with your requirements. A cheaper deal doesn’t always guarantee the best service.

One common issue I encountered is that, while providers claim to offer 5G, the actual performance is contingent on their infrastructure. I experienced full signal bars on 5G, but download speeds were only around 10MB, which fell short of my expectations.

Understand Your Usage

Receiving 100GB of data per month doesn’t automatically make it a favorable deal, especially if you typically use only 4GB. While it’s useful as a backup when your home broadband is down, this is where you can potentially save a considerable amount of money!

To gauge your average usage, log in to your current mobile provider’s account, which should provide an overview of your usage patterns. The same applies to call minutes and texts—if you don’t use them much, there’s no need to overspend.

Explore Network Perks

Networks often provide special perks simply for being a customer. These could be additional services like Wi-Fi Calling and visual voicemail, or external perks like complimentary coffee—who doesn’t appreciate free coffee, especially if it’s good? You may also enjoy exclusive discounts and other benefits!

Summary

In conclusion, selecting a new network provider can be challenging, and there are numerous factors to consider. When I first switched at the end of my contract, I was dissatisfied with the signal, prompting me to change providers again. Although I received a better signal, the internet speed was disappointing, leading to a total of four switches before I found a provider I was truly satisfied with.

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener on the Other Side!

Keep in mind that switching providers can have drawbacks. I experienced this when I changed from my original provider, only to find the signal was significantly weaker than before, necessitating yet another switch.

Thus, one of the most valuable pieces of advice I can offer is to conduct thorough research. If you opt for a fixed contract, mark your calendar for the end of the 14-day cancellation period to avoid any extra charges.

I hope you found this article helpful! If you did, feel free to comment below and subscribe to my newsletter for a behind-the-scenes summary every two weeks—no spam, I promise!