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What does SIM stand for?Īs is usual for popular pieces of tech, SIM stands for something that sounds complicated but is quite simple.
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Read our full SIM card storage guide to find out more. In other words, a SIM card identifies your phone number and the SIM plan that you've subscribed to. Most importantly, it is used to identify the phone contract you've signed up for, fulfilling your data, calls and texts plan.Ī SIM plan also provides two numbers with overly complicated names - the ICCID serial number, International Mobile Subscriber Identity number (IMSI) and the Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network number (MSISDN), the later of which is the user's telephone number. (Image credit: Daniel Kaesler / EyeEm) What does a SIM card do and what's stored on one?Ī SIM card has a couple of purposes. If you already know you want a SIM plan and even know the data cap, network and more, then this should be easy! Simply use our SIM comparison chart above to find your perfect option.Įntering a daunting new world? Want to know what a SIM is and what it stores? Or just not sure what you really need? That's where we step in with a complete guide below to get you set up! SIM only deals: top 5 this week 1. Along with value, flexibility is the name of the game when you go SIM only. While Voxi and GiffGaff are among those that can supply you with 1-month rolling contracts allowing you to leave at any time.
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Three, EE and Vodafone SIMs can shower you in data. No longer is it just the usual names of EE, O2, Three and Vodafone - there's a wide range of options to choose from.Ĭheap SIM providers like iD Mobile, Smarty and Lebara can keep your costs low - perfect for cheap SIM-free phones. The sheer variety of SIM only deals available has broadened over the years with new networks entering the market, the introduction of 5G SIMs, and plenty of competition that all helps to drive your costs way down.
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