Sign up for a 12-month SIM only deal and you’ll get all the data, minutes, and texts you need without having to top up credit or pay for a new mobile phone.
Uswitch tips
1. Choose your new deal
Select a deal below and click through to the network’s site.
2. Get your PAC code
You’ll need a special code to keep your number when you switch. It's quick and free:
Text PAC to 65075 to receive your code.
3. Give the code to your new network
Contact the new network after signing up to provide them with your PAC code, which will begin the process and will automatically cancel your previous plan. Alternatively, you can enter the PAC code when signing up on the network’s site.
£8.00 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
40 GBof 5G data
£9.99 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
80 GBof 5G data
£8.00 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by £1.
12 month contract
40 GBof 4G data
£6.99 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
10 GBof 5G data
£12.00 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
100 GBof 5G data
Uses Vodafone's Network
£3.98 a monthfor 3 months, then £7.95
12 month contract
50 GBof 5G data
£14.99 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
250 GBof 5G data
£8.00 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by £1.25.
12 month contract
40 GBof 5G data
Uses Three Mobile's Network
£2.00 a monthfor 3 months, then £8.00
12 month contract
50 GBof 5G data
£10.00 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by £1.25.
12 month contract
60 GBof 5G data
Uswitch services are provided at no cost to you, but we may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to. If a deal is "promoted" on Uswitch's tables, then it has been lent additional visibility as a result of us securing exclusivity on a great deal, or a commercial agreement to showcase what we believe to be market-leading value to consumers. Learn more about how our site works.
Until 2024, many mobile networks have increased contract prices in line with inflation. Starting in January 2025, Ofcom will introduce a ban on inflation-linked price hikes for new contracts. Future price changes will need to be set and fully disclosed in pounds and pence.
Author: Ray Ali | Last updated: 21 October 2024
A 12-month SIM only contract is a year-long SIM only mobile phone plan. In your contract, you will get a specific amount of minutes, data and texts each month for a set monthly fee.
This deal does not include a mobile phone, so you will need to use a phone you currently have or buy a new one outright.
Smartphones are expensive, and paying off the cost of one in a pay monthly plan can mean big monthly bills, especially if you get a new model like an iPhone 15 or a Samsung Galaxy S24.
But if you’re not bothered about getting the hottest new device and already have a mobile phone you’re happy to use for the foreseeable future, a 12-month SIM only plan is an ideal way to reduce your monthly outgoings.
That’s because with a SIM only plan you only pay for your data, calls and text allowance, there’s no pricey smartphone to pay off.
And unlike pay as you go, you don’t have to go through the hassle of topping up your phone credit.
Convenient and budget-friendly, a 12-month SIM only deal could be the perfect way to get the most out of your smartphone.
While it’s shorter than a typical two-year contract, a 12-month SIM only deal is still a long-term financial commitment. It’s important you choose a deal you’re completely happy with, that includes the right amount of data, calls, and texts – as well as any extras you may be interested in.
You may think getting the most data possible is the best bet. But have you considered how much you actually need? It’s easy to be drawn in by big data deals, but if you get way more than you use, you’ll end up overpaying.
It’s best to think about what you primarily use your mobile phone for. If you’re big on streaming shows and music, you should probably opt for a high-data or unlimited-data deal.
But if you’re just into casual surfing and browsing socials, you likely won't need more than 10GB at the most.
If you only use your smartphone for the odd email or instant message, you may need even less, like 5GB.
Networks often include added incentives, like discounts on streaming services and priority access to concert and event tickets. You may also get access to TV channels, like TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), included in your plan.
Keep an eye out for extras when you’re shopping around for the ideal 12-month SIM only deal.
Here’s a quick overview of what the networks offer:
Three offers SIM-only deals on 12-month contracts (as well as 1-month and 24-month). You can choose from plenty of data options as well as benefits and extras.
O2 is one of the UK’s biggest networks, so you can expect to find a wide range of 12-month SIM-only deals at various price points.
O2’s extras include its priority service which gets you early access to concert and event tickets.
Vodafone offers Red Entertainment and international roaming on some of its 12-month SIM only deals. You also get connected to one of the UK’s best mobile infrastructures with coverage all around the nation.
Tesco Mobile is an excellent option for people on a budget, as it offers 12-month SIM only deals at attractive price points. You can even get Tesco Clubcard points as part of the plans.
Sky Mobile offers affordable 12-month SIM only deals, comparable to providers like Tesco Mobile, iD Mobile, and giffgaff. It stands out for its perks, such as data rollover, which isn't common among larger networks. Using O2’s infrastructure, Sky Mobile ensures strong coverage across 99% of the UK and access to a fast 5G network.
On a 12-month contract you can access iD Mobile offers, such as a data rollover feature, allowing unused data to carry over to the next month so you don’t lose any. It uses Three's network infrastructure, providing nationwide coverage across 99% of the UK.
When you reach the end of a SIM only 12-month plan on a UK network like Vodafone, Three, O2, EE or most of the other providers, you’ll usually continue rolling on the previously agreed terms until you switch to a new plan or a new network.
Yes, you can keep your current phone. And it’s really easy to do. All you need is your PAC code, which you can easily get by texting PAC to 65075. Then, give your PAC code to your new network and they’ll be able to transfer over your existing number.
You can get a range of different SIM only deals, from 30-day rolling contracts to longer 24-month contracts, with all sorts of data packages across the board.
If you want to leave your SIM only deal before your contract is finished (if you’re on a contract), you may have to pay an early termination fee. If you think you’re likely to switch again within the next year, you may be suited to 30-day rolling deals.
Yes, a 12-month SIM only deal will typically be cheaper than a pay monthly deal, as you’re not paying for a smartphone. You’re only billed for data, calls and texts.
Yes, there are all sorts of data deals available on a 12-month SIM only package. Use our comparison tables to find an unlimited data deal that suits your needs.
