Frequently Asked Questions

Can I damage my phone by changing the sim card?

Yes but it unlikely. Changing the sim card usually involves taking the back off the phone, removing the battery, removing the old sim card, inserting the new and putting it all back together. It is possible to damage the phone during this process, I have changed the sim card in many phones and so far I have not damaged one yet.

Will a new sim card work with a mobile locked to a particular network?

It is not guaranteed, but if the sim card is free you have not got much to lose. On this site it tells you which sim cards use which networks. If you use a sim card that uses the locked network it should work.

Will a different sim card save me money when I use my mobile abroad?

Most probably. Using a contract mobile abroad is a good way of running up a big bill. Not only are the tariffs much higher but you are usually charged for receiving calls. You can save a lot of money by leaving your contract sim card at home and getting a free or cheep roaming sim card. Just give the new number to close family and friends, contact everyone else when you get home.

Can I keep my old number when I change to a new sim card?

Yes, all phone companies are obliged to let you transfer the number to a new provider. Some companies are more helpful than others and it may take a day or two to complete the process. Provided you are persistent it is not too difficult, your new provider will help you.

Will I be able to connect to the Internet?

Usually there needs to be some changes to your connection settings but your new service provider will be happy to sort this out for you.

Contract or ‘Pay as you go’?

If you are a low or moderate mobile user ‘pay as you go’ will most probably be cheaper than a contract. If you lack self discipline, a contract is an easy way to run up big bills.

I get a free phone with contract does not that make it cheaper?

It depends how often you use your phone and how you use your phone (voice, text, Internet, abroad etc). You have to multiply the monthly payment by the number of months you are locked into the contract, this amount pays for the phone. Then ask, can you stay with in the free talk time, sms’s etc? If you use more than the free allowance, how much are you charged (this is where the phone company makes their money).

Why do ‘pay as you go’ phone prices vary depending which network they are locked to?

‘Pay as you go’ Phones that are locked to networks are cheaper because the company expects to make money as you use the phone.

What are virtual networks?

Mobile Virtual network Operators (MVNO) are companies that do not have their own physical network, they use another company’s network. The MVNO provides billing and support for their sim cards. From the money they make they pay for the use of the physical network.

Why would you use the virtual network sim?

• Because they are cheaper, they focus on the customer side of things at which they become very efficient. They do not have to worry about maintaining and updating a communications network.
• They may focus on a niche in the market e.g. people who frequently use their mobiles abroad and provide a tariff that suits them.