Mobile plan decision guide

Choose by need, not by the loudest offer.

Use this page to narrow the type of mobile plan that fits your handset, data habits, budget and preferred commitment.

SIM-onlyPhone + airtimeRolling plansUpgrades

Step 1

What are you trying to change?

Existing handset

SIM-only can separate the airtime plan from the device cost. Start with data, contract length, roaming needs and coverage.

New device

Compare upfront payment, device financing, airtime and the total amount payable across the minimum term.

Current customer

Eligibility can depend on your current agreement. Check remaining payments and trade-in conditions before changing device.

Step 2

Messaging, maps, email and occasional browsing—especially if you use Wi‑Fi often.

Regular social media, music, video clips and navigation away from Wi‑Fi.

Frequent video streaming, tethering, downloads or long periods without Wi‑Fi.

Useful when you do not want to monitor data, but read any speed or fair-use conditions.

Data allowance is not the whole plan. Coverage, speed policies, roaming, contract length and price changes can matter just as much.

Step 3

Before choosing, write down these five facts. If any one of them is unclear, check the final contract information before committing.

The amount you will actually pay at the start.

Any scheduled pounds-and-pence increase and the date it applies.

30-day rolling, 12, 24 or another contract length.

Data, speed, calls/texts, roaming and fair-use conditions.

What happens if you leave before the minimum term ends.