If you have been on the same SIM only plan for a while and know roughly how much data you use, there is an easy way to pay less every month: commit to a longer term. A 24 month SIM only deal gives you the same data, calls and texts as a 30 day plan, but at a lower monthly price, because you agree to stay for two years.
This guide shows how much the longer term saves on each allowance, then looks at the five plans in detail so you can decide whether a two-year plan suits you.
How Much You Save Over Two Years
The table below compares the 24 month price with the standard price of the same allowance on a 30 day plan. The saving column shows how much less you pay over the full two years.
| Allowance | 24 month plan | 30 day plan (standard) | Saving per 30 days | Saving over 24 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB | £4.00 | £5 | £1 | £24 |
| 30GB | £8.00 | £10 | £2 | £48 |
| 75GB | £12.00 | £15 | £3 | £72 |
| 120GB | £16.00 | £20 | £4 | £96 |
| Unlimited | £20.00 | £25 | £5 | £120 |
The 30 day plans currently carry a first-month discount, but after that first month they renew at the standard price shown above. Over two years, the 2 year SIM only plan works out lower in every case.
The Five 24 Month Plans
UK Plan Smart 24 month
- 5GB of data for £4.00 per 30 days
- 1,000 UK calls and texts
- EU roaming included
- eSIM available
A neat choice for a second phone, a child’s first phone or anyone who mainly uses messaging apps. With EU roaming included, it still works on a family holiday in Spain or France, and it keeps the cost of a secondary line as low as possible for the whole two-year term.
National Plus 24 month
- 30GB of data for £8.00 per 30 days, boosted from the usual allowance with a 5GB extra offer
- Unlimited UK calls and texts
- 100 international minutes
- eSIM available
The sweet spot for everyday streaming, social media and navigation.
UK Plan Super Extra 24 month
- 75GB of data for £12.00 per 30 days
- Unlimited UK calls and texts
- EU, China and India data roaming included
- eSIM available
Ideal for heavy users who also travel to Europe, China or India during the year.
UK Plan Mega Plus 24 month
- 120GB of data for £16.00 per 30 days
- Unlimited UK calls and texts
- 100 international minutes
- eSIM available
Plenty of headroom for a shared hotspot or lots of video on the go.
UK Plan Unlimited 24 month
- Unlimited data for £20.00 per 30 days
- Unlimited UK calls and texts
- 100 international minutes
- eSIM available
The lowest monthly price for unlimited data in the range.
Switching to a 24 Month Plan
- Check your current usage in your phone settings so you pick the right allowance from the start.
- Text PAC to 65075 from your current number to get your Porting Authorisation Code if you want to keep your number.
- Choose your 24 month SIM plan and select a physical SIM or eSIM at checkout.
- Activate the new SIM or eSIM, then enter your PAC to move your number across.
- Keep your old SIM in the phone until the transfer completes, usually within one working day.
Is a Two-Year Plan Right for You?
A 24 month term makes the most sense if your data use is steady, you already own your phone outright and you value a predictable monthly cost. It also suits households that want to set up a reliable line for a family member and not think about it again. If your usage changes a lot from month to month, or you expect to move abroad soon, a 30 day plan keeps more flexibility. For everyone else, the longer term is simply the most efficient way to buy the same allowance.
The Bottom Line
Every 24 month plan costs less per 30 days than its 30 day equivalent at standard price, with savings from £24 to £120 over two years. Pick the allowance you already use and lock in a long term SIM only plan that keeps your monthly bill lower for the next two years.
All five plans are offered by Lyca Mobile, with eSIM available on each. Once your phone bill is sorted, plan the next getaway with ideas from holidayzguide.com.