Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives, and most of us now rely on them to stay connected to friends, family, local businesses, workplaces, and the rest of the world. Mobile contracts are a popular way to get a mobile phone and an allowance of minutes, texts, and data. But when a mobile contract ends, it can be confusing to determine what happens next and what your next steps are. Keep reading as we explore what happens at the end of a mobile contract, including what you need to do, and what options are available to you.
When My Phone Contract Ends, What Happens?
When your mobile phone contract ends, you are no longer contractually obliged to continue making monthly payments to your provider. This means that you can continue to use your current phone on a rolling contract, switch to a new SIM-only deal, or upgrade to a new phone and sign up for a new contract with the same provider. You can also stop using your current provider altogether, too. This could mean applying for a new contract phone and deal with another provider, or buying a new handset outright and pairing it with a SIM-only deal like Lebara’s 30-day bundles. Or, if your current handset is unlocked, you can continue using it with a new provider.
If you choose to keep your current phone, you should contact your mobile network provider and let them know. This is because your current SIM card will be tied to your old contract. It may no longer work once the contract has ended, or you could end up paying the same amount each month even though you’re no longer tied in, missing an opportunity to save money.
Alternatively, you can contact your old provider to let them know that you no longer require their services and to close the contract completely. If you do this and want to switch to a new provider, be sure to request a PAC code, so you can bring your existing number over to your new provider with you.
If you decide to upgrade to a new phone, there are a few options available. These include:
- Upgrade with your current provider: Contact your current provider and let them know which phone you would like to upgrade to. This will usually start a new 24-month contract.
- Purchase a new phone outright: Purchase a new phone outright, and use a SIM-only deal, either from your current provider or a new provider.
- Purchase a refurbished or second-hand smartphone: If you want a new phone, but don’t want to be tied into a lengthy contract or pay expensive prices for brand-new, refurbished, or second-hand is ideal. This allows you to get a used phone in great condition, that you can pair with a new SIM-only contract.
What Happens at the End of a Phone Contract?
When your phone contract is coming to an end, your mobile provider will usually contact you to let you know. They will also let you know what options are available to you, such as upgrading to a new phone. If you don’t hear from your mobile provider and know that your contract is ending soon, it’s worth getting in touch with them to see what your options are.
If you are coming to the end of your contract and know that you want to switch to a new provider, it might be worth contacting your network provider to see if you can get out of the contract early. This will usually involve paying an early termination fee for your contract, which is usually calculated by multiplying the monthly fee by the number of months you have left in the contract. For example, if you pay £40 per month and have two months left in your contract, you may be able to pay £80 to end it now. Some providers also offer a discount.
If you decide to upgrade to a new phone with your current provider, you will usually be offered a range of deals to choose from. Bear in mind that upgrading means signing a brand-new contract with your provider, which will usually last for a minimum of 24 months. You may end up paying more than you were paying previously, depending on the handset and allowances you choose. You will then be tied into this new contract for its duration and will be required to pay a termination fee if you wish to exit early.
What Other Options Do I Have When My Contract Ends?
There is no obligation for you to stay with your current mobile network provider when your contract ends. Switching to a new provider can often be the best option in terms of saving money and getting the best deals. Some options to consider include:
- Keeping your current phone: If your phone was brand-new when you first got it and is now only two years old, it might not make financial sense to get a new one. Many of the latest iPhones, Samsung phones, and other top-of-the-range models last for a very long time and boast plenty of innovative features that aren’t going to go out of date any time soon. If this is the case for you, then it’s worth keeping your phone and switching to a SIM-only deal. With Lebara, you can get 30-day rolling SIM-only deals offering the flexibility to switch allowances and prices each month based on your needs. What’s more, there are no credit checks involved.
- Buying a refurbished phone: If you want a new phone but don’t like the idea of paying expensive, brand-new phone prices or being tied in for another lengthy contract, there is another option available: refurbished handsets. These are phones that have been used before but are generally in good nick. As long as you buy from a reputable seller or directly from the manufacturer, you can expect your refurbished handset to look and perform like a brand-new phone. This can be an excellent way to save money if you want one of the latest handsets. And even better – most refurbished phones are unlocked, meaning you can start using them on any network you choose right away.
- SIM-only contracts and deals: A SIM-only contract or a monthly rolling SIM card deal like those offered by Lebara is a great way to get more flexibility and save money at the same time. Since you’re only getting the SIM and allowance, they are much cheaper as there’s no phone to pay for – leaving you with the option to choose to continue using your existing phone or buy a new one whenever you like. With Lebara, you can get set 12-month SIM-only deals, or for extra flexibility, go for a 30-day deal that you can change as you please each month.
If your phone contract is coming to an end and you’re wondering what is next the good news is that there are plenty of options available. From upgrading to switching networks, you’ll have the freedom to make the best choices for you based on your needs and requirements. Carefully consider your options, circumstances, budget, and handset requirements to determine the best choice for you.