SIM-only, bill pay or prepay: which suits you

Mobile plans in Ireland come in three main types: a bill pay contract with a phone included, a SIM-only plan where you bring your own phone, and prepay where you top up as you go. Many people stay on a plan that no longer suits them simply because they never looked again. This guide helps you work out which type fits how you actually use your phone.

The three types in plain terms

• Bill pay with a phone: you sign a contract for a minimum term and pay monthly. Part of the monthly bill pays for the phone. You may also pay something upfront.
• SIM-only bill pay: you use a phone you already own and pay monthly for calls, texts and data. Terms are often shorter, and some plans are month to month.
• Prepay: you top up credit, often buying a bundle that lasts a set period. No contract, no credit check, and you can stop whenever you like.

You can compare all three on our mobile page, or narrow to bill pay or prepay.

How much data do you really use?

Most people pay for more data than they use, or worry about running out and buy the biggest bundle. Check before you choose.

• On an iPhone, look under Settings, then Mobile Data, for the usage since the last reset.
• On Android, look under Settings, then Network or Connections, for data usage by month.
• Your current network's app or online account usually shows your monthly usage too.

Look at a few normal months, not just one. If you are on Wi-Fi at home and at work, your mobile data use may be quite low. If you stream video or use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop, it will be much higher. Choose a plan a little above your typical month, not the highest you can imagine.

Also check calls and texts. Most plans now include unlimited calls and texts within Ireland, but calls to other countries are often charged separately.

Minimum terms and exit fees

A bill pay contract has a minimum term, which is the period you agree to stay. If you leave early, you may have to pay an exit fee. With a phone included, that fee may cover the remaining cost of the handset.

Before you sign, ask:

• How long is the minimum term?
• What happens to the price after any introductory period?
• What is the exit fee if I leave early, and how is it worked out?
• Can the provider change the price during the contract, and what are my rights if it does?
• What happens at the end of the term: does the price stay the same, go up, or drop?

Your contract must set out these terms clearly. ComReg explains your rights on contracts, price changes and switching. The CCPC covers contracts and consumer rights more widely.

Worth knowing: when your minimum term ends, you are usually free to leave without an exit fee. That is a good moment to compare plans again.

Keeping your number

You can keep your number when you change network. This is called porting, and it is free. Sign up with the new provider and ask to port your number. The new provider handles the move, and it is usually quick.

Before you port:

• Check whether you are still in a minimum term, as leaving early may mean an exit fee from the old provider.
• On prepay, use up or accept losing any remaining credit, as it does not usually transfer.
• If you use an eSIM, check how the new provider issues one.

ComReg sets the rules on number porting, and has guidance if something goes wrong.

Coverage where you live and work

A cheap plan is no use if the signal is poor at home. Coverage in Ireland varies a lot, especially in rural areas and inside some buildings.

• Use the coverage maps on ComReg to see signal by network in your area.
• Ask neighbours or colleagues which network works well for them.
• Many smaller providers use one of the main networks, so check which network a provider runs on.
• If your home signal is weak, check your phone supports Wi-Fi calling and whether the plan includes it.

Roaming in the EU

Under EU rules, you can use your phone in other EU and EEA countries on the same terms as at home, so your calls, texts and data are generally included. There are fair use limits, particularly on data for some cheaper plans, and the rules do not cover countries outside the EU. The UK is outside the EU, so check your provider's terms for the UK. Citizens Information and ComReg explain roaming rules.

Buying the phone outright or on contract

The biggest choice is often whether to buy the phone with your plan or separately.

Getting a phone on contract spreads the cost and means less money upfront. But you are tied in for the term, and over the whole contract you may pay more than buying the same phone outright and pairing it with a SIM-only plan. To find out, add up:

1. Any upfront cost.
2. The monthly price times the number of months in the term.
3. Then compare with the outright price of the phone plus a SIM-only plan for the same period.

Buying outright gives you an unlocked phone that works on any network, so you are free to switch whenever a better plan appears. You can buy new, or save more with a refurbished model. Compare handset prices on our phone prices page.

Phones sold in Ireland are generally unlocked now, but if you have an older handset from a network, check it is unlocked before buying a SIM elsewhere.

Which suits you?

• Prepay suits you if your use is light or varies a lot, you want no contract, or you are buying for a child or an older relative and want spending under control.
• SIM-only suits you if you already own a good phone, or want to buy one outright, and want a lower monthly bill and the freedom to switch.
• Bill pay with a phone suits you if you want a new phone without paying for it upfront, and you are happy to stay with one provider for the term.

Many people find SIM-only with a phone they own is the best balance, but it depends on your numbers. Providers such as Three, Tesco Mobile, GoMo, Lidl Connect and An Post Mobile offer different mixes of these, so compare like with like.

A quick plan

1. Check your data use over a few months.
2. Check coverage at home and work on the ComReg maps.
3. Check when your current minimum term ends.
4. Compare plans on our mobile page.
5. If you need a phone, compare the outright price against a contract over the full term.
6. Switch, keeping your number, and set a reminder to look again when the new term ends.