Mobile 3G Broadband

Sim Free Mobile Phones – Cheap Sim Free Mobiles

Overview

Sim Free mobile phones are phones that are not tied to a specific provider or contract.  Most phones are supplied branded by a mobile phone company such as Vodafone, Orange or O2 (in the UK) and the cost of the phone is subsidised from cost of the 12 or 18 month contract.

Advantages

Sim Free phones usually cost more than the same phone offered on contract as there is no “tie-in” to any provider, but a Sim free mobile phone can be very useful for a number of reasons:

• A Spare mobile phone – one sim free mobile can be used as a spare for a whole family or small business in case a mobile gets damaged, stops working or is lost.
• For children - a cheap sim free phone may be a better option as it could be lost or easily damaged and the cost of replacement can be better managed.
• Changing provider – if you want to be able to easily move mobile phone provider, a Sim free phone allows you to do this more easily.  No unlock codes are required and your existing number can be “ported” between most providers quite quickly and easily.
• Occasional use – If you have an expensive or bulky phone needed for every day use, you might prefer a smaller, lightweight or more robust mobile phone when on holiday, or going out for the day where a larger or more delicate expensive mobile would be a concern or distraction.

For these reasons, many people keep a sim free mobile phone as a spare or alternative phone.

Another advantage to consider is resale value.  Sim free phones are the most attractive second-hand telephones as they do not need unlocking to transfer between networks.  If you are considering upgrading to a newer phone when available, a Sim free phone may fetch far more second hand than one locked to a given provider.  Even “unlocked” phones are less attractive than Sim free ones as some unlocked phones are not as flexible as an original sim free device.

Purchasing

Many retail outlets are tied to one mobile phone company and do not have a good selection of sim free mobiles – or they are not attractively priced, as they prefer the higher returns and commissions from customers on 12 – 24 month contracts.

Many companies not tied to a given supplier do supply sim free phone on-line and usually offer much better pricing than high-street stores.  Beware of “to good to be true” offers on sites such as eBay, especially from non-UK vendors.  Stick to recognised and well-reviewed suppliers with a good reputation and you should have no problems.