Why a SIM Only deal could be your best option

February 9, 2023

Family with SIM only phone contract

Nowadays, we’ve all become accustomed to upgrading our phone to the next best thing as soon as our contract has ended, even if our phones are in perfectly good condition.

But think about it, if you like the phone you’ve got right now, and it’s serving you well, why pay to upgrade? Why not take advantage of the benefits of our SIM only deals?

Helpfully, we’ve decided to answer all the key questions people have about our SIM only plans so that you can decide if one of our SIM only deals is the right option for you.

What is a SIM only deal?

A SIM only plan is just that: a contract that’s just for your SIM card. Instead of getting a new phone as part of your plan, you’ll get a new SIM card with all the data, minutes and texts that you need. All you need to do is pop the SIM into your phone and you’re ready to go! 

Why get a SIM only deal?

If you already have a phone you love, but your current contract is up, then a SIM Only deal is perfect. It means you don’t need to get a new phone but can get a better deal on your minutes, texts and data. SIM only deals tend to be cheaper in the long run compared to regular contracts because you’re not paying for the cost of a new phone.

SIM only deals are much more flexible and give you the freedom to switch phones at any time since you aren't locked into a two-year contract. It also means that you don’t need to wait for your contract to end to upgrade to the latest phone model.

What's more, SIM only deals are actually more environmentally friendly. By sticking with your current phone, you are essentially reducing your electronic waste.

Is a SIM only deal right for you?

A SIM only deal is the perfect option for:

  • People who are happy with their current phone
  • People who want to purchase a refurbished or second-hand phone
  • People looking to save money
  • People who are worried about committing to a 24-month contract
  • People who want the flexibility to change phones whenever they like

If this sounds like you, then a SIM only deal could be your best choice.

What SIM only deals are on offer with Three?

There are two options when it comes to SIM only deals: you can opt for a Pay Monthly SIM Only plan or choose a Pay As You Go SIM. Our Pay Monthly SIM only plans give you the best deals on allowances whilst pay as you go offers flexibility to only pay for what you use.

Why get your SIM only plan from Three?

All of our SIM Only plans include unlimited minutes and texts. We also offer truly unlimited data plans, giving you all the data you could ever need. Plus, with Go Roam, you can unlock your UK allowance in 71 destinations around the world. What’s not to love?

Our combined 3G and 4G network covers 99% of the UK outdoor population, meaning you can use your Three SIM from almost anywhere. And we’re currently dedicating more spectrum to our 5G network than any other UK mobile operator. All of our SIMs are 5G ready at no extra cost. So, if you’re in a 5G zone you can enjoy our super-fast 5G internet with no speed limits or data caps. 

How much data allowance can I get with a SIM only plan?

That really depends on you and your data needs. We offer eight allowances on our Pay Monthly plans, allowing you to find the perfect fit. Right now, we can offer monthly allowances of 1GB, 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, 30GB, 100GB, 250GB and Unlimited data.

If you only do a little bit of browsing or use maps outside of your house, 1GB to 12GB should be more than enough. However, if you regularly stream your favourite shows or music on your morning commute, it might be worth getting a 30GB or 100GB data plan.

Our 250GB and Unlimited data SIM only deals are made for frequent streamers, social media enthusiasts, serial downloaders and diehard mobile gamers. Our larger data allowances are also useful if you’re looking to use your smartphone as a hotspot for your laptop or tablet, which makes it perfect for those working whilst on the move. 

How much does a SIM only deal cost?

Again, this will depend on which plan you go with and how much data you think you’ll need.

At Three, we offer 1-month, 12-month and 24-month SIM Only Pay Monthly plans to suit you, starting from £4 a month with 6 months half price.  With one of our best deals, you can get a 24-month SIM with unlimited texts, minutes and data for just £12 a month with the first 6 months half price.

With our Pay As You Go SIM Only Deals, you can request a free SIM from Three which you can top up as you use, or you can purchase a SIM with a data pack included on Amazon.  With data packs, you can choose your monthly data and get unlimited minutes and texts included. They’re valid for 1 month and start from £10. 

Can you get data only SIMS?

Yes, you can get your tablet or iPad, Mobile Broadband hub and other devices online with our data only SIMS. You can choose between our Pay As You Go Data SIMs and Pay Monthly Data SIMs. These data only SIMS come with a data allowance you can use as long as your device has 3G, 4G, or 5G connective.

So, if you’re looking for more flexibility, less commitment and cheaper mobile deals, our SIM Only deals might just be the best choice for you.