why choose a sim only deal?

        A SIM only deal is perfect if you already have a phone that you’re happy to carry on using, or if you’d rather just pay for a handset outright without a long-term contract commitment.

        It’s also worth noting that they’re usually a lot cheaper per month than a handset & SIM plan, so you’ll be paying much lower monthly fees over the length of your contract.

        Compare our best SIM only deals today to find the perfect plan for your personal mobile phone needs.

        Will I have to change my mobile number when I move to a new provider with sim only ?

        No, You can port your number to the new provider. When you decide on a SIM only deal and click through from themobilesstore.com to network or retailer’s website to purchase it.

        You can provide the PAC code at the time of signing up or provide it to the new provider after signing up.

        What is a PAC code ?

        A Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) allows you to take your old number with you when you change service providers. You’ll be asked for your PAC when you want to transfer your number to a new provider.

        How much data should i choose?

        Do not pay for data that you do not use. Your current provider or your recent bill or your networks app should provide you information on average amount of data you use.

        According to Ofcom, the average is around 6GB and signing up to an unlimited data might mean money down the drain. Less data that you use , cheaper the deal.

        How long should i sign up for ?

        The length of contract you choose comes down to your personal preference. You can choose from 12/18/24 or 1 Month contracts

        30-day deals: These short-term plans are perfect for those who want a SIM deal without long-term commitments. You can keep the plan for as long as you like or cancel and switch to a new one anytime after the first 30 days. Smaller networks like Lebara or SMARTY often offer the most affordable 30-day deals Lebara or SMARTY

        12-month deals: Choosing this type of plan commits you to using it for a year. After the year is up, you can either continue with the same plan or switch to a new one at any time..

        18/24-month deals: These plans are perfect if you prefer a SIM-only deal that you can stick with for an extended period without the hassle of frequently searching for a new one. Longer-term deals are often offered by major networks like Vodafone and O2.

        How easy is it to switch networks?

        If you want to switch networks for a better deal, start by checking how much time is left on your current contract. You can find this information by logging into your network’s app or website, contacting customer service, or texting INFO to 85075.

        If you’re still under contract, you’ll need to wait until it ends before switching to a SIM-only plan, unless you’re willing to pay a cancellation fee.

        As your contract nears its end, your network is required to send you an end-of-contract notification. Once your contract is over, switching networks is straightforward thanks to the text-to-switch legislation, which allows you to switch simply by sending a text

        Which network should I choose?

        We offer deals from most major UK mobile networks, allowing you to compare SIM-only contracts from providers such as O2, SMARTY, and Lebara.

        While brands like Smarty and Lebara might not be as well-known as names like Three and O2, they are reliable.

        This is because they operate on the larger providers’ networks, paying a fee to use their infrastructure.

        For example, Smarty uses Vodafone’s network. So despite having a different name, plans, and prices, Smarty’s coverage, speed, and quality match Vodafone’s.

        Smaller networks often provide competitive call rates and data deals, making them more affordable than bigger networks.

        However, larger networks typically provide more benefits and customer support. Some smaller networks keep prices low by offering online support only, without a call center.

        In contrast, big-name networks generally ensure you can speak to a person for account assistance. In addition, benefits like O2 Priority Tickets and Vodafone’s VeryMe app are not exclusive to major providers. Smaller networks also offer incentives, such as Smarty’s data rollover or Lebara’s free international calls.

        For detailed information on each network’s perks and features, visit our dedicated network pages for Lebara Mobile, O2 Mobile, and Smarty Mobile.