SIM Only Contracts

How to Compare SIM Only Contracts

Looking at the various SIM only contracts available can actually be quite confusing and if you've just came from a monthly contract or a pay as you go one, you're probably thinking that they seem pretty similar in terms of prices. While that may be true, there are subtle differences between the various pay monthly SIM only contracts which can mean the difference between getting a deal that's good for the network, or getting one that's good for your wallet.

Check the duration of the various SIM only contracts

When looking at all the available offers from providers such as T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone, it's important to take a look at the price you pay compared to the length of the contract. While a 12, 18 or even 24 month contract is the norm for standard pay monthly deals, the difference is that they include a handset which eventually you are forced to pay for because of the duration. With SIM only contracts, the only thing you owe the network is for airtime and any other services you've used. As a result, you can get 30 day rolling contracts most of the time.

Look at how many minutes you use and find the deal that suits you

Once you find a provider that's not going to lumber you with a 6 month long contract simply because they can, you can start to look at the various packages they offer. Take a look at your existing call time / SMS messages used per month and then look at the various SIM only contracts to find something that fits. At the same time it's important to check for hidden charges such as what you'd pay per minute to other networks over and above your included talk time. Be sure to check these out in advance, and find something that's not too expensive and right for you rather than the network.

Compare SIM only contracts and look at the bonuses available

Bonuses are great, but they're often a deal sweetener for a reason. Free Bluetooth headsets, unlimited Internet and free inter-network calling all sound great, but these are all things which cost the network very little. When looking for the best SIM only contracts, be sure to find something that looks good without the bonuses! If you can find the right deal and it has bonuses too, then that's even better! Whatever you do, don't be forced into a SIM only contract just because you wanted that Bluetooth headset.

Remember the cost of the handset is also an expense

Ultimately, something many of us like to forget is the cost of the handset. A top of the range model costs in excess of £300, so remember to include this in your calculations and monthly budget. It's great to walk around with an IPhone, but if it costs you £300 for the phone and £30 for the SIM only contract with unlimited Internet, is it really worth it?