Four Considerations To Make Before Purchasing A SIM-Only Plan

Entering a mobile contract is like getting into a relationship. It needs to be right for you. With the uptake of SIM-only plans rising, and with a growing number of providers on the market, what are the considerations that should be made when purchasing a plan? In this article, SIM only mobile provider spusu, discusses what to consider before signing up.

Network reliability

First and foremost, it’s crucial to consider the coverage and network quality of the provider. There’s no use in paying for something if it doesn’t work, right?

It’s important to be aware that the UK’s ‘big four’ — EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 — all have varying network coverage across the UK. Before purchasing a SIM only plan, make sure the network has good coverage in the area where you regularly use your phone, which you can find out by checking the providers’ individual websites.

If you’re considering a smaller network provider, it’s important to be aware that the mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) piggyback on the infrastructure of larger providers. So, understanding the network coverage and quality of the big four can help to also inform the expected quality of a smaller provider.

Usage habits

Next, consider your usage habits when it comes to data, minutes and texts. Choose a plan that offers enough of each to meet your needs without overpaying for services you don't use. For instance, if you don’t use text messages, consider choosing a plan with more data allowance to enable messaging via social media and WhatsApp.

Today, where people understandably want to save as much money as possible, ensuring you don’t overspend is key, and assessing usage habits is one of the easiest ways to maintain this. Ensure you shop around and compare what each plan offers before committing to the agreement.

Contract flexibility and cost

Always consider how long you want to commit to a plan before making a decision. One of the biggest benefits of SIM-only plans is that the contract lengths are much more flexible compared to rolling contracts that include the cost of the device.

Unlike device contracts, which can last up to four years until the cost of the device is paid off, SIM-only contracts can run for as little as one month, up to one year. This is ideal if you’re someone who doesn’t want to be tied down by a lengthy contract, where you can also face a penalty fee if you decide you want to cancel early.

A report from Uswitch revealed that 48 per cent of SIM-only plans have a minimum term of twelve months, whereas 65 per cent of handset plans have a minimum length of 24 months.

The length of the contract is what also impacts the monthly cost of the plan, so ensure you shop around to get the best deal, using a comparison site like Uswitch, which compares all of the SIM-only plans available on the market.

Roaming restrictions

If you’re a frequent flyer, don’t get caught out with roaming charges. In some cases it can be unavoidable, especially if you use your phone a lot while abroad, but it’s beneficial to check how much each provider charges for roaming abroad. As of June 2024, Vodafone, Three and EE all charge around £2 per day, whereas spusu offers free EU roaming on all plans.

As the benefits of SIM-only plans become realised, the uptake of these plans is increasing. With careful comparison and consideration of network quality, data allowance, contract flexibility and roaming charges, you can be sure to enter an agreement that ultimately serves your needs and is the right one for you.