For a lot of people, the phone is still mainly a phone. Long catch-ups with friends, calls to family, quick messages to arrange plans and endless group chats all add up, and nobody wants to worry about running out of minutes halfway through the month. That is where pay as you go plans with unlimited UK calls and texts come in: you get the freedom of a no-contract SIM with none of the counting.
Here we look at which pay as you go SIM deals include unlimited UK minutes and texts, how much data comes with each, and what else is bundled in.
Why Unlimited Minutes Still Matter
Messaging apps have not replaced calling. Many people still prefer a proper call for anything important, and some situations, such as calling a doctor’s surgery, a bank or a delivery driver, only work over a normal phone line. Texts are also the default for verification codes and appointment reminders. With unlimited UK calls and texts you can use your phone the way you want without keeping an eye on a minute counter.
The Plans That Include Unlimited UK Calls and Texts
National Plus
National Plus is the most affordable way to get unlimited UK calls and texts. It costs £10 for 30 days, with the first month at £5, and comes with 30GB of data, 100 international minutes and EU roaming up to 12GB. For most people who call and text a lot but use data at a moderate level, this tier covers everything.
UK Plan Super Extra
UK Plan Super Extra adds a lot more data for streaming and social media. It lists at £15, with the first month at £7.50, and includes 75GB of data alongside unlimited UK calls and texts, 100 international minutes and roaming in the EU and India up to 12GB.
UK Plan Mega Plus
UK Plan Mega Plus is built for heavy data users who still want unlimited calling. It costs £20, with £10 for the first month, and gives you 120GB of data, 100 international minutes and the same EU and India roaming allowance.
UK Plan Unlimited
If you want to stop thinking about allowances altogether, UK Plan Unlimited pairs unlimited data with unlimited UK calls and texts. It costs £25, with £12.50 for the first month, and has the largest roaming allowance, up to 35GB in the EU and India.
What About the Entry Plan?
The entry-level UK Plan Smart is the only tier without unlimited calling. At £5, or £3.50 for the first month, it includes 1000 UK minutes and texts with 5GB of data. That is a generous amount for most light users, but if you regularly make long calls, the step up to National Plus is worth it for the peace of mind.
Prefer a Longer Term?
The same unlimited-calling tiers are also available on a 12-month term at a lower monthly price: £9.00 for National Plus, £13.50 for Super Extra, £18.00 for Mega Plus and £22.50 for Unlimited. These 12 month SIM plans suit people who know they will stay put and want to save a little every month, while the 30-day versions keep you free to change tier whenever you like.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Plan
- Use the 100 international minutes for calls abroad instead of paying per minute.
- Keep your existing number by requesting a PAC code by text before you switch.
- Pick the data tier first, since unlimited calls and texts are included from National Plus upwards.
- Check your monthly data usage and adjust your tier after the first month if needed.
Final Word
If you spend a lot of time on the phone, a plan with unlimited UK calls and texts removes one more thing to worry about. National Plus is the most affordable route at £10, while Super Extra, Mega Plus and Unlimited add more data for streaming and travel. With a SIM only plan with unlimited minutes on a 30-day term, you get all the talk time you need with the freedom to change your mind.
All of these plans come from Lyca Mobile. Want more practical guides for everyday life? Browse the latest stories on DressGlamour.