The rising cost of mobile phone plans in the UK has urged many users to look at cheaper ways to connect to data when out and about, with many switching to SIM-only plans to avoid mid-contract price hikes. Now, GiffGaff is offering users the flexibility to change how much they pay midway through their contract.
It means customers will be able to join an 18-month contract at GiffGaff but change their data usage each month if they're looking to cut down on spending or need more data than they originally planned.
SIM-only deals have been popular for phone users since the rising cost of living but its unusual to be able to swap between data amounts. Unlike standard provider contracts with the likes of Vodafone, EE, O2 and Sky Mobile, it cuts out users having to add on extra usage, which often comes at a pricey cost.
Prices start at £8 a month which would give customers the lowest amount of data on offer, 6GB, closely followed by GiffGaff's £15 40GB deal and its £20 120GB plan. The highest amount on offer is its £35 a month unlimited data package, which users would be able to swap if they no longer feel the need for such a large amount.
All of its plans include up to 5GB of fair usage data roaming, meaning customers can use that amount of their plan whilst on holiday in the EU, at no extra charge. Combined with the average rise in phone bills, steep EU roaming charges have been a concern for many users since Brexit, and it has left billpayers now paying for a service that was originally included.
We've chosen the Giffgaff deals purely down to their flexibility which would save customers money in the long run if they need to end up switching, it's a perk we believe is weighed out by the slightly more expensive price. For instance, network provider O2 offers an unlimited plan for £16 a month but customers would have to commit to this for a set two years.
Those who take out GiffGaff's flexible 18-month contract will still be faced with a termination fee if they choose to opt out of the plan before the specified time. Customers would pay 50% of the price left on the plan if they were to pull out of the contract completely, but there are no hidden costs for swapping the amount of data mid-plan.
GiffGaff's othother monthly rolling plans are not subject to any termination fees, which may be a better option for customers looking for a free exit if needs be. Despite the 50% termination fee on the 18-month flexibile contracts it still works out cheaper to other mainstream providers.
Vodafone's termination fee is 98% of the remaining contract length. Let's say you're six months into a 24-month unlimited plan (at £18 a month) customers would be billed £317.52 upfront in order to leave.
