Mobile Contract vs SIM Only

Updated October 6, 2023
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Mobiles have long ago evolved from a luxurious item for the rich to a daily necessity for everybody. However, when you calculate how much you spend on your mobile, you just shake your head in disbelief. There are many ways in which you can optimize the money you spend on your mobile and your contract is one of the major money savers. Learn how to choose the best contract for your needs.

mobile vs sim only

Basically, there are three options for consumers: Pay monthly, Pay As You Go (PAYG), and SIM only. Traditionally, monthly phone contracts were the most popular ones and many mobile users went with them either because they had no choice, or because they didn’t know about the choices they had. However, times are changing and being locked on a mobile contract nowadays is not the only alternative anymore.

When you sign for a monthly contract, this means commitment on your side for 12, 18, or 24 months. If the service is poor, or if a better deal pops up (and you can bet this will happen, especially if you have 24 months contract – 2 years in the mobile industry can lead to lots of improvement and a big drop in prices), you are stuck.

What is more, a mobile plan usually includes a subsidized phone handset. If the model of the handset is not what you want, you will pay for it anyway. Well, sometimes the model of the mobile is a bargain – i.e. you get all the latest and greatest for a fraction of its cost but very often, when you want a particular model and it is not available with a monthly contract from your provider, your options are either to switch providers, or to buy the handset elsewhere and pick a PAYG or a SIM only contract.

Usually monthly contracts are cheaper for the same amount of minutes, texts, and data transfer than PAYG but more expensive than SIM only contracts. However, this varies widely, so before you decide, make sure to check what’s available on the market. Monthly contracts are great, if the monthly fee is affordable and if you don’t plan to switch providers and/or get a new handset before the contract ends. They are also good for heavy mobile users because they offer a lower per minute rate than PAYG, though again, this varies a lot among providers.

In all other cases a monthly contract is a rip-off. If you aren’t a heavy user, than PAYG might be an option but if you can’t live without your sweet mobile, then you should consider a SIM only contract. A SIM only contract doesn’t have the limitations of monthly plans and gives you more freedom.

While there are SIM only contracts that require your commitment for between one month and 12 months, generally they are less binding than the standard monthly contracts. Additionally, a SIM only contract usually includes more minutes and texts for the same fee than a monthly one would and if you take the time to search the available offers, you can find great deals. There are unlimited SIM only plans, if you need really a lot of minutes, texts, GB of data transfer, or landline calls, so search the available offers and pick the best one for you.

Author Bio:- For more details, visit SIM Only Contracts and search for deals. Here is an interesting comparison of cheap SIM Only plans under £10.

3 comments

  • I just got the new iPhone 4s and bought it unlocked so going to get a SIM contract for it. Much better value for money and cheaper in the long term too. The only disadvantage for me is the expensive cost of the phone but I’m an Apple fanboy so I had to!

  • SIM Only

    More often than not SIM only contracts are the better choice but you need to consider this on a case by case basis.

  • Mind The News

    Nice share. So are you recommending SIM only contracts?

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