SIM Only, PAYG, PAC codes, annual price rises, and Ofcom rights — all clearly explained.
A SIM Only plan provides data, calls, and texts — no handset. You use your existing unlocked phone. SIM Only is typically £10–£20/month cheaper than a Pay Monthly contract for the same data. 5G is included free on all major UK SIM Only plans.
Two structures: 30-day rolling (cancel with 30 days' notice, most flexible) and 12-month fixed (lower monthly price, one-year commitment). Start rolling if you're uncertain about a network.
A Pay Monthly contract bundles a new handset with airtime at 0% interest over 24 months. Maximum contract term: 24 months under Ofcom rules. At contract end, switching to SIM Only saves £10–£20/month — the most financially valuable moment in any phone contract.
PAYG requires no commitment and no credit check. Top up credit as needed, or buy 30-day bundles. O2 PAYG includes free EU roaming up to 25GB/month with data rollover. Three PAYG is speed-capped at 25 Mbps from April 2026.
Text PAC to 65075. Free 9-character code within 60 seconds. Valid 30 days. Give it to your new network when signing up. Number transfers within one working day. Old contract auto-cancelled. Free and legally guaranteed — cannot be refused or delayed. To leave without keeping your number: text STAC to 75075.
Under Ofcom's January 2025 rule, the exact monetary rise must be stated in £/p at sign-up. You have a 30-day penalty-free exit window if a rise was not disclosed. April 2026 rises: EE SIM Only voice +£2.50/month (March); O2 Airtime +£2.50/month (April). Tesco Mobile Clubcard Price plans have frozen prices — no annual rise at all.
An eSIM is a SIM built into your device. Activate digitally via QR code — no store visit. All major UK networks support eSIM on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 3+. Dual SIM: a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously — keep UK number while using a local data eSIM when travelling internationally.
Maximum 24-month contract; phones unlocked at full payment (mandatory since December 2021); price rises stated in £/p at sign-up; PAC/STAC codes free within 60 seconds; 30-day exit window if rise was undisclosed. Escalate unresolved complaints to Ombudsman Services: Communications after 8 weeks.