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Mobile guide

SIM only: keep your phone, cut your bill

If your phone still works well, a SIM-only plan is usually the cheapest way to stay connected. You just pay for calls, texts and data, with no phone cost baked in.

Photo: Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Popular SIM-only brands

Check the network each one uses, then check coverage for that network at your postcode.

SIM only · Monthly rolling

giffgaff

A SIM-only brand with monthly “goodybags” and no long contract, running on O2.

Uses network
O2
Contracts
Mainly 30-day rolling
Owner
Virgin Media O2
Type
MVNO

SIM only

Smarty

A SIM-only brand from Three with straightforward data plans, running on the Three network.

Uses network
Three
Contracts
1-month & longer
Owner
VodafoneThree
Type
MVNO

Phones · SIM only

Tesco Mobile

A joint venture between Tesco and Virgin Media O2, running on the O2 network.

Uses network
O2
Sells
Phones & SIM only
Owner
Tesco / VMO2
Type
MVNO

SIM only

VOXI

Vodafone’s SIM-only brand aimed at younger users, running on the Vodafone network.

Uses network
Vodafone
Contracts
30-day rolling
Owner
VodafoneThree
Type
MVNO

Phones · SIM only

iD Mobile

The Currys-owned mobile brand, running on the Three network.

Uses network
Three
Sells
Phones & SIM only
Owner
Currys
Type
MVNO

SIM only · International

Lebara

A SIM-only brand known for international calling bundles, running on Vodafone.

Uses network
Vodafone
Focus
Calls abroad
Contracts
30-day rolling
Type
MVNO

Going SIM only in four steps

  1. Check your contract

    Has your phone been paid off? If your contract has ended, you may be paying for a phone you already own.

  2. Check your phone is unlocked

    Phones sold in the UK since December 2021 are sold unlocked. Older phones may need unlocking by your network.

  3. Pick a network, then a plan

    Choose coverage first, then the brand and data amount that suit you.

  4. Keep your number

    Text PAC to 65075 and give the code to your new provider. The switch happens within one working day.

30-day rolling vs 12-month plans

30-day plans let you leave or change with a month’s notice: great for flexibility and for trying a network. 12-month plans can be cheaper per month but tie you in, and some include price rises during the term. Always read the contract summary.

How much data do you need?

  • Light: messaging, maps and email, mostly on wi-fi. A small allowance is often enough.
  • Medium: social media, music streaming and some video away from wi-fi.
  • Heavy: video streaming, hotspotting a laptop or working on the go. Consider a large or unlimited plan.

Check your phone’s settings for your average monthly use over the last few months. That’s your best guide.

Extras worth checking

  • EU roaming: many plans now charge daily fees abroad. See our roaming guide.
  • 5G and speed caps: some cheap plans cap speeds or exclude 5G.
  • Wi-fi calling and eSIM: useful if indoor signal is weak, or for dual-SIM phones.
  • Data rollover: some brands let unused data carry over.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

Will a SIM-only deal work in my phone?
Yes, if your phone is unlocked and supports the network’s bands (almost all modern phones do). Check whether you need a physical SIM or can use an eSIM.
Can I keep my number on a SIM-only plan?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone, then give the code to your new provider when you order.

Find the right connection