What Is a SIM Only Deal?

A SIM only deal is a phone contract where you only get the SIM card. In every phone, you will need to have a SIM card in order to connect to a mobile network.

A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card functions a little bit like a key that grants your device access to mobile networks for calls, texts, and browsing.

What Is a SIM Card?

There are several types of SIM cards available:

  • Standard SIM: The original, large SIM cards now uncommon in modern devices
  • Micro SIM: Smaller than standard SIM but now mostly obsolete
  • Nano SIM: The most common type of SIM card around today
  • eSIM: Built inside phones and tablets, allowing plan changes via QR code scanning

Do I Get a New Phone Number with a SIM Only Deal?

When you take out a SIM only deal, you usually get a new phone number. However, you can request to keep your existing number via a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) when switching providers.

What Types of SIM Only Deals Are There?

There are several types of SIM only deals to choose from:

  • Bill Pay Plan: Standard yearly contracts where you just get the SIM card instead of a phone and SIM bundle. These are fixed-term agreements, typically lasting 12 months.
  • 30 Day Rolling: Similar to bill pay plans but instead of a fixed period of a year, these are rolling contracts that update every month. You can usually cancel these whenever you want.
  • Pay As You Go: With Pay As You Go SIMs, you can top up when you need it so you are not locked into a contract.
  • Data Only: Data only SIMs are typically either bill pay or 30 day rolling and only include data — just the access to the internet without call minutes or texts.

The live consumer SIM-only mobile plans currently in our back office are listed below, sorted from cheapest promotional price to highest.

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SIM Only Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Cost-effective: SIM only deals are generally cheaper since you are not paying for a handset
  • Flexibility: Many plans offer rolling monthly contracts so you can switch easily
  • Keep your existing phone: No need to upgrade your device if it still works well
  • Easy to switch providers: Shorter contracts mean more freedom to move between networks
  • Control over costs: You can choose exactly the plan that matches your usage

Disadvantages

  • No new handset: You will not receive a new phone with a SIM only deal
  • Credit check: Bill pay SIM only deals may still require a credit check
  • Network locked phones: Your current phone may be locked to a specific provider
  • Coverage limitations: Lesser-known providers might have limited coverage
  • Out-of-plan charges: Going over your allowance can result in additional costs

Can I Use a SIM Only Deal with My Mobile Broadband?

If you are using a mobile broadband or a MiFi device, a SIM only deal is one of the best ways to go when you want to start a new contract with your phone.

How Do I Use a SIM Only Plan with My Mobile Broadband?

If you have a mobile broadband device, you will need to make sure that it is unlocked before you switch the SIM around. When you buy a phone, it is typically locked to a specific provider. Unlocking your device is important if you want to start switching mobile providers.

What Is the Cheapest SIM Only Contract?

Currently, the cheapest SIM only rolling contract is offered by Clear Mobile at €12.99/month (after a free first month) with unlimited 5G data. GoMo offers a competitive €14.99/month rolling deal. The cheapest 12-month fixed contract is Tesco Mobile's Elevate SIM at €10/month for the first six months.

Before switching to a SIM only deal, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the network you want to use. You can request a PAC code from your current provider to keep your existing phone number.

Find the Best Broadband Deal in Your Area!

Our broadband experts at Selectra can help you secure a fast, affordable plan in your area - completely free.

Ad - Selectra Service
This is a free call from Ireland. Selectra agents can assist you with comparing and switching energy providers on weekdays between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions About SIM Only Deals

A SIM only deal is a mobile phone contract where you receive only the SIM card without a handset. You insert the SIM into your existing phone to connect to the mobile network for calls, texts, and data. These deals are typically cheaper than contracts that include a phone.

The cheapest SIM only rolling contract is Clear Mobile at €12.99 per month (after a free first month) with unlimited 5G data. GoMo also offers unlimited 5G data for €14.99/month. For a 12-month fixed contract, Tesco Mobile's Elevate SIM at €10/month for six months is the cheapest option.

Yes, you can keep your existing phone number when switching to a SIM only deal. Simply request a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your current provider and give it to your new provider. They will transfer your number to the new SIM card.

If your phone is locked to a specific network, you will need to unlock it before using a SIM from another provider. Contact your current provider to request an unlock. Most providers will unlock your phone for free once your contract has ended.

There are four main types: Bill Pay (fixed yearly contracts), 30-Day Rolling (flexible monthly contracts), Pay As You Go (top-up when needed), and Data Only (internet access without calls or texts). Compare options across broadband and mobile providers to find the best fit.

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