Cheap SIM Only Deals - From £1.00 a month

What is SIM Only?

A SIM Only contract is one which includes a SIM card but no phone. As with a phone contract you’ll be tied in for a number of months (usually 1 or 12 but sometimes as many as 24) and have an allowance of minutes, texts, and data each month.

Why choose a SIM Only contract?

There are a number of reasons to choose a SIM Only deal over a Pay Monthly phone contract. For one thing, they tend to be a lot cheaper, as you’re just paying for your allowances rather than also paying for a phone. This makes them ideal if you’re happy with your current phone or want to buy a new handset outright.

They’re also usually shorter term, as they tend to be 12 months, and in many cases are just 1 month, while phone contracts are almost always 24 months. That means you’re not locked in for as long and are free to change your tariff after a shorter period.

Even if you want to stay with your current network, you should definitely switch to SIM Only if you don’t want a new phone, as you could save a lot of money.

Which networks offer SIM Only deals?

All the major UK networks offer SIM Only deals, as do a number of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). We offer deals from the following networks:

Do I have to stick with my current network?

No. Assuming you’re out of contract you’re free to switch to any network. If you’re not sure whether you’re out of contract or not just text ‘INFO’ to 85075 or give your current network a call to check, and while you’re on, also ask them if your phone is unlocked, and ask them to unlock it if it isn’t – this is important, as your new SIM card will only work in an unlocked phone or one locked to the same network. Fortunately, these days almost all new phones come unlocked already.

How do I keep my number?

Keeping your number is easy. Once you’ve ordered your new SIM Only deal just text 'PAC' (from your old number) to 65075 or ask your current network for your PAC code, then give it to the network you’re joining. Assuming you do this within 30 days of the PAC code being issued, your number will be ported, usually within the next working day. Find out more.

Will I lose service if switching network?

Yes, assuming you’re porting your number, but only for a very short amount of time while the transfer is actually happening.

Can I switch from a Pay Monthly phone contract to a SIM Only contract?

Yes, the process is essentially the same as moving from one SIM Only contract to another. Assuming you’re out of contract you simply have to order the new SIM Only deal then – assuming you’re also changing network – inform your old network that you’re leaving. If you transfer your number then your old account will automatically be closed at the end of that process anyway, so you don’t have to personally inform your old network that you want to leave.

Which network should I choose?

When picking a network there are a number of things to consider beyond price and allowances. Key factors include whether you can tether (use your phone’s internet connection to get other devices online), where you can use your allowances abroad, and what the network’s coverage is like. You’ll find information on all of these things below.

Tethering

At the time of writing, all UK networks allow you to tether on SIM Only.

Roaming

Some UK networks – such as O2 – let you use your allowance across the EU at no extra cost, while others will charge – though the fee is usually low. Some networks such as EE, Three and Vodafone meanwhile allow roaming at no extra cost on select plans, but not on all.

If you want to roam at no or little extra cost beyond Europe then your options become more limited, but the big four networks (EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone) all allow either free or cheap roaming in select additional locations.

MVNOs meanwhile are mostly limited to European roaming unless you want a large bill, but some of them are actually cheaper for European roaming than many of the big four. So it’s worth considering how often you’ll want to roam and in which countries when choosing a network.

Coverage

4G coverage is now widespread on all UK networks, with them all offering at least 99% UK population coverage, while 2G and 3G coverage is comprehensive.

Most networks now also offer 5G, with coverage growing rapidly. However, 5G isn’t yet available everywhere, so your best bet is to use each network’s coverage checker to check their coverage in your area.

Which networks offer unlimited data SIMs?

At the time of writing, Three, Vodafone, O2, EE, Smarty Mobile, iD Mobile, VOXI, Lyca Mobile, Giffgaff, Virgin Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Talkmobile, and Lebara Mobile all offer SIM Only plans with truly unlimited data to all customers.

Think about whether you actually need unlimited data or not though, as some other networks still have very high allowances of in some cases up to 200GB.

What SIM card size do I need?

SIM cards come in three sizes. There are standard SIMs, which are usually only used in very old handsets. Then there are Micro SIM cards, which are smaller and are generally used by a number of phones from seven or more years ago – so if you have a smartphone but haven’t upgraded in a long time you may need one of these.

Finally, there are Nano SIM cards, these are smaller still and are used by the vast majority of new phones, so this is the one you’re most likely to need.

However, most networks provide a trio, multi or combi SIM, which has all three sizes in one. Then you just tear out the correct size for your phone.

If in doubt you can always Google your handset or check with the manufacturer, and if you ever need a new SIM card size (for example if you change phone) you can just give your network a call and request one.

Will I get a new phone with a SIM Only deal?

No. SIM Only deals only give you a SIM card and a monthly allowance of minutes, texts, and data – plus whatever other perks your network of choice offers, such as tethering and free roaming.

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