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What you need to know with a SIM-Only deal

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With the official release of Apple’s two new upgraded devices, many consumers are considering the option of investing in a new iPhone 5S or 5C handset and pairing it with a SIM-only deal.

PAYG or Contract?

Service providers are continuously and proactively researching what consumers want. A recent survey undertaken by giffgaff shows that texting is still alive and well and being ‘misused’ in the funniest of ways. Texting, judging from some of the messages sent will always remain popular; however, according to surveys carried out by giffgaff and other providers, instant messaging and VoIP is becoming increasingly popular.

The downside to a contract is that you can be fixed in place with little flexibility as your preferred method of staying in touch evolves and changes. So what should you look for when choosing a SIM-only tariff and what makes a good deal as opposed to one that is merely average?

Choosing a SIM-only deal, you will need to decide whether you want a pay as you go offer or an offer which operates on a contract. The difference between the two can be confusing for some, but for those of you who are undecided, it would be worthy to note that there are always hybrids available. These hybrid deals are such that you can take advantage of the benefits of a SIM-only deal, but you can also get the best of a contract.

To differentiate between the two, however, PAYG offers more freedom and lets you control your mobile spend, since you will only be charged when you use your phone and can put as much or as little credit onto your account as you require.

A contract can be better value for heavy users, particularly when it comes to data. If you are willing to commit for a yearlong SIM only deal, rather than one which has a 30 day rolling renewal process attached to it, then the amount you have to pay each month will probably be lower, although comparing prices and tariffs is worthwhile.

SIM Card Size

When getting a SIM-only deal, you must not forget that not all mobiles are built with the same specifications, and different-sized SIM cards are required by different devices.

Apple, for example, is a difficult manufacturer that has switched to Nano SIMs well before many of its rivals, so you need to let your potential provider know whether you have an iPhone or another handset if you want to avoid disappointment.

You can trim down SIMs manually, but it is better to get a pre-cut card to steer clear of any hassle this may cause.

Inclusive Features

Price is important, but you also need to get a SIM-only deal which has the right kind of inclusive features that will meet your needs, particularly if you are going for a contract offer.

Voice minutes and messages are important, but with the growth of smartphone ownership, you will also need to work out how much data you will get through in a typical month.

It is always possible to shift to a different tariff or provider if you are not happy with your package, but it is better to get this right at the start rather than having to mess around with things further down the line.

If you are armed with the right information and a willingness to sniff out a good deal, it should be relatively easy to get a SIM-only deal or a hybrid deal which is affordable, flexible, and suitable for your purposes, which is all that you can reasonably expect. Deals like the ones offered by giffgaff.com are gaining in popularity as they include bundled extras when you spend a certain amount each month.


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