Getting a SIM-only mobile phone plan can be a great way to save money each month and give you greater flexibility in your options. Often, you will get a lot more for your money with SIM-only deals, making them popular among many cross-sections, young and old, student and professional, of the UK.
Sim and phone. Photo: Justyle/Shutterstock
Photo: Justyle/Shutterstock
When selecting a SIM-only plan, it is essential to do your research and find the best deal. This should include finding out about the reliability of a provider, ensuring you’re getting the best price and that you will have all of the extra elements you may need, such as extensive coverage and data.
Consider Your Needs
The first thing to consider is your specific needs. SIM-only plans come in all shapes and sizes, so you will likely be able to find the perfect fit for you. Consider how much mobile data you will use each month, how long you spend on phone calls and how often you send texts.
If you use your mobile phone primarily to communicate through social media platforms, finding a plan with a generous internet allowance is a must. Likewise, if you spend a lot of time on phone calls, it may be best to find a plan that offers unlimited minutes and texts.
Research The Company’s Reputation
When signing up for any plan, it is crucial that you know that you are putting your money in good hands. Our mobile phones are often a lifeline when we need them most and our way of connecting with loved ones. The company you choose should, therefore, be reputable and trustworthy. One of the easiest ways to do this is through a simple Google search. You can then review the hits you find, including any recent news articles. Some internet sleuthing can also help you find out if a business is legit.
Look Out For Welcome Offers
Plenty of companies offer great welcome offers to entice customers to choose them. These can be a great way to save extra money on a plan, so it’s worth comparing the various offers available. You might also find welcome incentives in the form of subscriptions to streaming services or other perks.
Always Read The Small Print
It is vital that you read the fine print and fully understand the cost of any financial agreement. It is also worth checking out any conditions attached to a welcome offer. This is a crucial step to help ensure that the plan you are choosing is right for you and will still be the best for you throughout the time you use it.
Decide How Long You Want To Be Tied In
It is a good idea to know how long you want to be tied into a SIM-only plan. It is common for networks to offer long-term plans lasting from 12 to 36 months. This can work for some, but it is worth noting that the cost of SIM-only plans may change over time, and the best deal now might not remain so for long.
You could consider a rolling contract that allows you to cancel at any time. This offers greater freedom and flexibility and is a popular choice for many. Take a look at these excellent SIM-only deals from Lebara that operate on 30-day rolling plans, allowing you to change or cancel when it suits you.
Look Into Spending Caps
Going over your plan’s allowances can sometimes cost you money. It is a good idea to find a company like Lebara that offers a cap of zero, meaning that you can’t overspend. When you reach your spending cap, you will be unable to go over so that you won’t get any unpleasant surprises in your bill. It is best to ensure you are comfortable with the spending cap a company provides to keep you and your money safe.
Weigh Up The Cost Of Devices
With a SIM-only plan, you won’t get a mobile phone included. Many people choose SIM-only plans because their old plan has expired, and they want to keep using their current mobile phone. Switching to SIM-only with a fully functional phone can be a fantastic way to save money.
If you don’t already have a mobile phone, getting a new device may be costly depending on what kind of phone you want or need. It is a good idea to shop around and find out how much you can expect to pay for a new phone. There are plenty of options out there, from top of the range to cheap and cheerful. Again, consider your needs when deciding on a new phone.
Find The Right Network Coverage
You will need a good level of network coverage to ensure you can use your phone at all times. It is worth looking into the network provider for the SIM-only plan that you choose. You can find out about the level of coverage you can expect using network coverage maps.
Get The Best Customer Service Experience
Customer service is crucial to help you make the most of your mobile plan. If something goes wrong, you will need to know you can get in touch with the company if you need them. It is worth looking into the customer service of each company you are considering. Check to see how you can get in touch with them and look for contact details like phone numbers and email addresses. You could also check how responsive they are to customer issues on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Check Out Reviews From Other Users
Online reviews can be a great way to get an overview of how a company operates and the customer experience of people who have used them before. It can help to check out review aggregators like Trustpilot and Google Reviews. While it’s essential to be sceptical to a degree with whatever you read on the internet, online reviews can still be a great way to find out about the experiences of others and find out how reliable a company may be.
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