Rolling 30-day plans are flexible, but that flexibility has a price. If you already know you are happy with your network and do not plan to switch any time soon, committing to a longer term is one of the simplest ways to bring your monthly bill down. A 24-month SIM only plan keeps the same allowances you would get on a 30-day plan, but at a noticeably lower price every month for two years.
Below we compare the 24-month prices with the 30-day ones, explain who gets the most out of a longer term, and list what to check before you sign up for 24 month SIM only deals.
Thirty Days Versus Twenty-Four Months
The tiers are the same on both terms, from a light 5GB plan to unlimited data. The difference is what you pay each month.
| Plan | Data | 30-day price | 24-month price | Monthly saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Plan Smart | 5GB | £5 | £4.00 | £1.00 |
| National Plus | 30GB | £10 | £8.00 | £2.00 |
| UK Plan Super Extra | 75GB | £15 | £12.00 | £3.00 |
| UK Plan Mega Plus | 120GB | £20 | £16.00 | £4.00 |
| UK Plan Unlimited | Unlimited | £25 | £20.00 | £5.00 |
Over two years those savings add up. On UK Plan Unlimited, for example, paying £20 instead of £25 every 30 days saves well over £100 across the term. The 30-day plans do offer a discounted first month, but after that they renew at the standard price, while the 24-month price stays the same throughout.
What You Get on Each 24-Month Plan
- UK Plan Smart 24 month, £4.00: 5GB of data, 1000 UK calls and texts and EU roaming. A low-cost option for light users or a second line.
- National Plus 24 month, £8.00: 30GB of data, unlimited UK calls and texts and 100 international minutes. This tier currently carries a “5GB Extra, now get 30GB” badge.
- UK Plan Super Extra 24 month, £12.00: 75GB of data, unlimited UK calls and texts and data roaming in the EU, China and India.
- UK Plan Mega Plus 24 month, £16.00: 120GB of data, unlimited UK calls and texts and 100 international minutes.
- UK Plan Unlimited 24 month, £20.00: unlimited data, unlimited UK calls and texts and 100 international minutes.
All of these plans are available as an eSIM as well as a physical SIM, so you can be up and running without waiting for the post if your phone supports it.
Who a Longer Term Suits Best
A 24-month plan makes most sense for people whose phone use is steady. If your data use barely changes from month to month, you are unlikely to need the freedom to switch tiers, and you might as well take the lower price. It also suits people who own their handset outright and plan to keep it for a couple of years, since a SIM only plan leaves the phone completely separate from the airtime.
Households looking to cut fixed costs often find these long term SIM only plans helpful, because the price is predictable and does not jump after an introductory period. That makes budgeting easier, especially when several family members each have a line.
When a 30-Day Plan Is the Better Choice
If you expect your needs to change, for example because you are moving, starting a new job or planning long trips abroad, a 30-day plan gives you room to adjust. There is also a 12-month option that sits between the two, with prices of £4.50, £9.00, £13.50, £18.00 and £22.50 across the same five tiers.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
- How much data do I really use each month? Check your phone’s usage statistics before choosing a tier.
- Do I travel often? Super Extra adds data roaming in the EU, China and India on the longer terms.
- Is my phone unlocked and eSIM compatible?
- Will I want to keep my current number? If so, request a PAC code from your current provider.
Our Take
A two-year term is a straightforward trade: you give up the option to switch each month and get a lower price in return. With savings of up to £5 every 30 days and allowances from 5GB to unlimited data, a 2 year SIM only plan is a smart move for anyone who knows what they need and wants to pay less for it.
These 24-month plans are offered by Lyca Mobile. Looking for more money-saving tips and lifestyle reads? Explore the latest on DressGlamour.