New data shows a 25% increase in people going for SIM-only mobile contracts
Comparison Site Go.Compare sees a 25% increase in consumers opting for SIM only deals over longer-term contracts
New data from Go.Compare’s mobile phone comparison service has revealed that, during 2023, 25% more customers opted for SIM only contracts over those including a handset.*
The year-on-year increase shows that more people are searching for SIM-only deals, which do not come with a handset/device, meaning their monthly cost is notably much lower.
Sim-only contracts are not only cheaper contracts but also shorter in length. They range from 1-month rolling contracts, suitable for those who don’t want to be tied into a long-term contract, to 12-month contracts and longer.
Manon Jones, mobile phone expert at Go.Compare, commented, “This increase in the number of people opting for the cheaper SIM-only option could be a sign that the cost-of-living crisis is starting to impact people’s choice of mobile phone contract - and opting for SIM only options is one of the ways consumers are saving costs.
“And with most SIM-only products, credit checks aren’t normally performed, meaning that those with a lower than average credit, or poorer credit history can still stay connected with their friends and family. It could also suggest that people are holding on to their mobile phones for longer, perhaps because of the cost of a new handset or because they don’t feel the need to upgrade them."
Manon added,“Whether you are opting for a SIM-only contract to save money, or your previous contract has come to an end and you are keeping your phone, there is a whole range of options to look into. If 4G or 5G data are a priority for you, or perhaps unlimited data, minutes and texts are a must, comparing your options is key to getting a deal at the right price for your needs.”
For those looking to start a new contract, Manon offered a few tips, “If you are opting for a contract that includes a mobile phone, think carefully about your needs to keep the cost down. While 5G phones are popular, there are plenty of 4G mobile phones which can still get you online quickly.
“When you search for a deal, think about what you need your phone for. If you already have a phone you like, and you just want more data or minutes then SIM-only might be the right option."
For more tips on how to find good deals on mobile phones, visit here: https://www.gocompare.com/mobile-phone/
Contact Information
Rubie Barker
Notes to editors
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden or Kath Chadwick at Go.compare on lynsey.walden@gocompare.com or kathryn.chadwick@gocompare.com. Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on Twitter; @GoCompare
Notes to Editor
*Data obtained from Stickee for Go.Compare comparing the volume of consumer searches from January 2022 to November 2022 and January 2023 to November 2023, revealing a 25% increase.
About Go.Compare
Go.Compare is a comparison website that enables people to compare the costs and features of a wide variety of insurance policies, financial products and energy tariffs.
It does not charge people to use its services and does not accept advertising or sponsored listings, so all product comparisons are unbiased. Go.Compare makes its money through fees paid by the providers of products that appear on its various comparison services when a customer buys through the site.
When it launched in 2006, it was the first comparison site to focus on displaying policy details rather than just listing prices, with the aim of helping people to make better-informed decisions when buying their insurance. It is this approach to comparing products that secured the company an invitation to join the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) in 2008, and it is still the only comparison site to be a member of this organisation.
Go.Compare has remained dedicated to helping people choose the most appropriate products rather than just the cheapest and works with Defaqto, the independent financial researcher, to integrate additional policy information into a number of its insurance comparison services. This allows people to compare up to an extra 30 features of cover.
Go.Compare is part of Future Plc and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). More information can be found here www.gocompare.com or here https://www.futureplc.com/brands/.