Unlike traditional annual contracts, rolling monthly contracts offer greater flexibility and freedom for consumers who want to change their service providers or plans frequently. In this blog post, we will guide you through everything you need to know about rolling monthly contracts, including what they are, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the best rolling monthly contract for your needs.
What Are Rolling Contracts?
A rolling monthly contract is a type of cell phone contract that doesn’t tie you into a fixed term, unlike traditional annual contracts. This means that you can switch providers or plans whenever you want without the fear of being charged any cancellation fees. Rolling monthly contracts typically offer similar benefits to annual contracts, such as unlimited calls and texts, as well as a certain amount of data that can lead to savings in the long run.
How Do Monthly Rolling Contracts Work?
These contracts work on a month-to-month basis, which means that you pay for your cell phone plan monthly, normally on a pay date of your choice. This gives you greater control over your cell expenses because you can adjust your plan to fit your needs and budget. And, if you decide to switch to another provider or plan, you simply need to cancel your current contract and sign up for a new one, making this an extremely attractive option for people whose needs are often changing.
Advantages of Rolling Monthly Contracts
One of the biggest advantages of rolling monthly contracts is their flexibility. Since you are not tied to a fixed term, you can switch providers or plans as often as you like without being charged any fees. This makes rolling monthly contracts ideal for people who want to try out different service providers or plans before committing to a long-term contract. Another advantage of this kind of contract is its affordability. Since you only pay for what you use, you can save money by choosing a plan that fits your needs and budget. To entice customers to sign up for their rolling monthly contracts, most providers, ourselves included, also offer incentives such as discounts or cashback, so be sure to keep an eye out for these deals.
Disadvantages of Rolling Monthly Contracts
While these types of contracts offer many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, since you are not tied to a fixed term, some providers may offer less value and fewer benefits compared to annual contracts. You may also suffer from bad customer service with monthly providers whose only goal is to keep their annual subscribers happy. Here at Lebara, our monthly users get the same great service as our annual subscribers, so you will always have the benefit of the experience of our trained advisors. Another potential disadvantage is that most monthly contracts are SIM-only deals, meaning that you will have to buy your device rather than have it bundled into your deal.
Rolling Contract Length
While rolling monthly contracts are best for the flexibility they offer, some providers might have certain requirements or penalties related to contract length. That’s why it’s important to check the terms and conditions of the contract before signing up to ensure that you understand any requirements or penalties that may apply. Here at Lebara, we are upfront with all our deals, so you always know what is expected of you, what you are getting, and what your commitments are. And, if you’ve tested out one of our monthly SIM-only deals and are ready to sign up for an annual contract, which can offer you better value and the same great service, we’ve made that process hassle-free and quick so you don’t have to suffer any downtime when making the switch.
Data Roaming on Rolling Contracts
Data roaming refers to the ability to use your phone’s data and internet capabilities outside of your home country. So, if you travel frequently or plan to use your phone abroad, it’s important to consider data roaming when choosing a rolling monthly contract because some providers may charge extra fees for using data abroad, while others may offer a certain amount of free data roaming each month. Make sure to choose a provider that offers rates that you can afford if you plan to use your phone while traveling. It’s also important to check whether the provider has good coverage and network quality in the countries you plan to visit, as this can impact your ability to use your phone while abroad.
Upgrade Options
If you like to have the latest and greatest phone models, know that most rolling monthly contracts fall into the SIM-only category, meaning you will have to bring your device. However, this does give you more flexibility in terms of what phone you want to use, as you will not be limited to specials and deals that a provider is offering when you are looking to sign up. Buying a cell phone outright, as cash or on your own credit, also often works out much cheaper than signing up for a contract that may or may not end before your phone stops working, which is another benefit to the monthly model. When looking into your device upgrade options, be sure to take into account the kind of SIM card the device needs, what its connectivity options are, and if there are any restrictions on it, such as roaming limitations. Also, consider that some devices are locked to specific networks, so make sure to read all the terms and conditions when purchasing a new cell phone.
Choosing the Best Rolling Monthly Contract
When choosing a rolling monthly contract, there are several things you need to consider. First, look at your usage and budget, so you can choose a plan that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Next, look for deals that offer good value, such as unlimited calls and texts, and a generous amount of data. Also consider any incentives or discounts that you can make use of, such as free data, referral bonuses, or cashback. Lastly, be sure to read the terms and conditions of the contract carefully, to ensure that you fully understand your rights and obligations, which includes any fees or charges that may apply, as well as any restrictions or limitations on the plan.
Changing From an Annual to a Monthly Contract
If you already have an annual contract and are thinking of changing to one of our rolling monthly contracts, switching is super easy. Once you’ve picked the best deal for your needs, simply complete the sign-up process, no tedious credit checks are required, and your new plan will be ready to go in less than a minute. And, if you want to save money but keep your same cell phone number, there is a simple 3-step process that you can follow to move it onto our network.
At the end of the day, rolling monthly contracts offer a flexible and affordable option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a cellphone contract without being tied down to a fixed term or paying excessive fees. By understanding how rolling monthly contracts work and choosing the best plan for your needs, you can enjoy greater control over your expenses and the ability to switch providers or plans whenever you like.