9 Things You Must Know About SIM-Only Plans in 2025 (Expert Guide)
Mobile Phone & Internet Blog | MATE | 29 September 2025
Have you ever really looked at your mobile bill and wondered where all that money’s actually going? Most Aussies haven’t, and the telcos like it that way.
Here’s the thing: when you’re comparing SIM-only plans for 2025 or plain old mobile plans, you’ve gotta look at what we call the Total Cost of Ownership. That’s not just the flashy monthly price they wave in front of you, but everything you’ll actually fork out for your mobile service over time.
SIM-only vs phone contract is where the real difference lies. SIM-only deals cut your costs because you’re not secretly paying off a phone every month. Sounds obvious, right? But most Aussies don’t realise they’re essentially taking out a loan every time they sign up for a plan with a bundled handset.
Let’s talk numbers. A basic mobile plan might cost you $40 a month. Fair enough. But chuck a new smartphone into the mix, and suddenly you’re looking at $152.90 monthly for two years. That’s nearly $4,000 over the contract term and you’re often paying interest on that phone without even knowing it.
Think about it: that’s like having a second car payment, except it fits in your pocket.
What’s even better about flexible SIM-only plans is the pricing transparency. No sneaky surprises, no “introductory rates” that triple after six months. Providers like MATE are upfront about this, what you see is what you pay, no hidden fees or nasty shocks when your bill arrives.
Plus, getting approved is a breeze. Month-to-month SIM-only plans need lighter credit checks than financing a handset, so you won’t get knocked back just because your credit history isn’t perfect.
Don’t get caught up in the marketing spin. Here’s what actually matters when you’re weighing up your options:
- The full-term cost: Multiply that monthly fee by however many months you’re stuck in the contract. Remember, the average Aussie phone bill sits around $240.05 monthly, which adds up fast.
- What the phone really costs: Compare buying the handset outright versus what you’d pay extra on a contract. The difference might shock you.
- Real-world example time: Take a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) from Telstra. Over 24 months, a 50GB SIM-only setup costs $1,680 total. The same thing with a handset plan? $3,348.96. That’s nearly $1,700 more.
- The sneaky extras: Late fees, international calls, roaming charges, activation fees, SIM delivery, and excess data costs — they all add up and smash your budget. Even cheap SIM-only plans in Australia can sting you if you don’t check the fine print.
Before you sign anything, ask yourself: does this plan actually fit your life? For transparent SIM-only options that won’t mess you around, check out MATE’s great value SIM-Only mobile plans. No tricks, no gotchas – just honest pricing that does what it says on the tin.
No Lock-In = Real Flexibility
SIM-only deals are the mobile world’s equivalent of renting instead of buying. You get all the benefits without being stuck with something that doesn’t work for you.
Traditional phone contracts? They’re like signing a 24-month gym membership when you might move cities next year. Flexible SIM-only plans let you stay flexible.
And because there are no lock-in mobile plans, you can walk away at any time.
Switch, pause, or change data tiers anytime
Life changes. Your mobile plan should be able to keep up.
Most providers now offer month-to-month arrangements that actually mean something [17]. Need more data because you’re travelling for work? Sorted. Kids moved out and you’re barely using your phone? Scale it back. No drama, no begging customer service.
Here’s what that flexibility actually looks like:
- Instant upgrades: More data when you need it, available straight away [4]
- Easy downgrades: Less data for next month’s bill if your usage drops [4]
- Data sharing: Some providers let you share across up to 20 different plans [1]
- App control: Make changes through your phone without calling anyone [8]
Pretty refreshing compared to being locked into the same plan whether it suits you or not.
Ditch the exit fees and long commitments
Remember those horror stories about people paying hundreds to get out of mobile contracts? SIM-only plans make that ancient history.
Month-to-month SIM-only arrangements mean you can leave without paying exit fees. Compare that to traditional contracts where you might cop 50% of your monthly plan fee times however many months are left, plus 100% of any remaining device payments.
Here’s a pro tip from industry experts: if you do need to cancel any plan, time it just before your billing cycle ends. You’ll have used all your inclusions and won’t be paying for service you can’t use.
For genuine flexibility without the runaround, check out MATE’s great value SIM-Only mobile plans at https://www.letsbemates.com.au/mobile/. No contracts, no penalties, no stress, just mobile service that adapts to your life.
There’s a bonus here that most people don’t think about. Keeping your current phone longer isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s better for the planet too. Less electronic waste, and you upgrade when YOU decide it’s time, not when some arbitrary contract says so.
That’s real freedom.
Your Phone, Your Choice, No Strings Attached
Here’s something the big telcos don’t want you to know: you can keep that phone you actually like and still get a ripper mobile plan.
Most Aussies don’t realise how much control they’ve been giving up. Traditional phone contracts basically dictate when you upgrade, what phone you get, and how much you pay for it. Considering a SIM-only vs phone contract flips this on its head.
Stick With What Works (Or Hunt for Bargains)
The beauty of SIM-only plans? Your current phone can keep doing its job for as long as you want it to. And given that modern smartphones typically last far longer than those artificial 12 or 24-month contract cycles, why not make the most of what you’ve already got?
When you do decide it’s time for an upgrade, the world opens up. You’re not stuck browsing through your provider’s tiny selection of overpriced handsets. Instead, you can:
- Grab any unlocked phone from any store that’s having a sale
- Go for a budget or mid-range model that actually suits your needs
- Hunt down refurbished devices for serious savings
- Time your purchase with actual sales, not when your contract says so
The maths backs this up too. Buying your phone outright usually works out cheaper in the long run. That’s because those bundled smartphone deals often come with premium pricing, while SIM-only options from smaller providers typically offer much better value.
eSIM: The Game-Changer You Didn’t Know You Needed
Now here’s where things get interesting. SIM-only plans have embraced eSIM technology, and it’s pretty much changed everything.
An eSIM is basically a digital SIM that’s built right into your device. No tiny plastic card, no waiting for delivery. Most phones from 2020 onwards support it, and the benefits are genuinely impressive:
- Instant connection: Scan a QR code and you’re online within minutes
- Multiple numbers: Store up to 8 different eSIMs on newer iPhones
- Work-life balance: Run separate personal and business lines on one device
- Travel freedom: Download temporary travel eSIMs without swapping cards
- Better for the planet: No plastic waste or courier deliveries
The dual SIM setup is particularly handy. Whether it’s two physical SIMs, one physical plus one eSIM, or dual eSIMs, your device can handle it. Perfect for keeping work and personal stuff separate, or managing international travel without juggling phones.
Bottom line: SIM-only plans give you complete control over your device choices. Upgrade when you want, buy what you want, and use whatever tech works best for your situation, all without contracts telling you what to do. MATE offers SIM-only plans with 5G and eSIM compatibility, so you can connect fast with the latest tech.
Bills That Actually Make Sense
Ever opened a mobile bill and needed a degree in accounting to figure out what you’re actually paying for? You’re not alone, mate.
Some of the best SIM-only plans strip away all the billing nonsense that makes traditional mobile contracts so frustrating. When you’re only paying for the service itself, your monthly bill becomes refreshingly straightforward.
Getting Approved Without the Drama
Here’s something most Aussies don’t realise: getting a SIM-only plan is way easier than financing a phone through a contract. Most providers either skip credit checks entirely or do much lighter ones. Makes sense when you think about it:
- You’re not asking them to lend you money for an expensive handset
- The commitment’s usually shorter – often less than six months
- There’s much less financial risk for the provider
One Bill, No Surprises
Remember that nightmare scenario where your bill shows up with random charges you never saw coming? SIM-only plans pretty much eliminate that drama.
Without handset repayments cluttering up your bill, you get one clean charge for your service. That’s it. No device payments, no interest charges, no “administration fees” that mysteriously appear.
This simplicity is a game-changer for avoiding bill shock. That’s a pretty different story from traditional contracts that can hit you with surprise charges when you least expect them.
Many SIM-only providers go prepaid or upfront payment, which kills bill surprises completely. Take MATE, they bill you on a postpaid monthly basis and billing you on your anniversary date. No surprises, no shock bills.
When you strip away all the complexity, SIM-only plans in Australia just make budgeting easier. You know exactly what you’re paying each month, when you’re paying it, and what you’re getting for your money.
Sounds pretty sensible, doesn’t it?
Getting Connected Fast (No Waiting Around)
Time is money, right? That’s especially true when you need your mobile service up and running yesterday, not next week.
But do you know how to switch to a SIM-only plan quickly and easily? It’s easier than most think. SIM-only plans have cracked the code on quick activation, especially with all the fancy tech that’s come along in recent years.
eSIM: Scan and You’re Done
Forget waiting for the postie. eSIM technology is digitally built right into your phone, so you can get connected faster than you can say “G’day”.
Most phones from 2020 onwards support this tech, though if you bought your device overseas, you might hit some compatibility snags here in Australia [1].
The process? Dead simple:
- Jump on Wi-Fi and scan a QR code
- Follow the prompts to install your digital profile
- Start using your service almost immediately
That’s it. You can buy a plan online and be connected within minutes. Perfect for when you need service in a hurry.
Your phone will walk you through the setup, usually just needing a confirmation code or QR scan. Just make sure you stay connected to Wi-Fi the whole time to avoid any hiccups.
Keep Your Number (No Store Drama Required)
Here’s something that trips people up: switching to a SIM-only plan while keeping your number is actually pretty straightforward. Your new provider handles the whole thing.
The porting process usually takes 1-4 hours for mobile numbers, though occasionally it might stretch to two business days. But here’s the catch, it only happens during business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8am-8pm
- Saturday: 10am-6pm
- Closed on public holidays
Your old service keeps working until the transfer goes through. When your phone briefly loses service, that’s your cue to pop in the new SIM or activate your eSIM. Pretty seamless, really.
Your current provider has to transfer your number if you ask them to, it’s the law. They’ll need to verify who you are first to prevent fraud, which is why you’ll need to provide personal details during setup.
One important thing: don’t cancel your existing service before the port. Only active numbers can be transferred. Just tick “keep my existing number” when you sign up, and your new provider sorts out cancelling the old service once everything’s moved across.
Pro tip? Try to time your port outside peak hours to avoid any potential delays.
Only Pay for What You Actually Use
Ever looked at your monthly bill and wondered why you’re paying for international roaming when you haven’t left the country all year? Yeah, us too. Not to mention hidden activation fees, SIM delivery costs, excess data charges, or out-of-plan usage penalties — those can all sneak in unexpectedly, even with the best SIM-only mobile plans.
Travel Packs That Don’t Rip You Off
Here’s what’s pretty sweet about SIM-only plans, you’re not locked into paying for overseas features 365 days a year when you might only travel twice.
Think about a family of four heading overseas for a couple of weeks. With traditional contracts, they’d be paying for international features all year round. With SIM-only plans? Activate travel packs for just those two weeks and save hundreds or better yet, get a local eSIM for the country you are travelling to – cheaper and easier..
Sounds like common sense, right? That’s exactly what SIM-only plans are all about, giving you control over your spending instead of forcing you to pay for features you might never touch.
Scale data up/down month to month
One of the best-kept secrets about SIM-only plans? You can actually adjust your data month by month without jumping through hoops or paying penalty fees. If your usage surges one month (say, when travelling or streaming more), scale up. If it drops, scale down. With MATE’s no lock-in mobile plans, there’s no long-term penalty for doing so.
This isn’t just handy, it’s a game-changer, especially when your data needs shift throughout the year.
Families Get the Best Bang for Their Buck
SIM-only plans are absolute gold for families and small businesses. Here’s why: instead of forcing everyone onto the same cookie-cutter plan, you can tailor each person’s service to match exactly what they need.
The real winner here is flexibility. Your teenager might burn through data streaming TikTok videos, while grandma and grandpa just need enough for the odd video call and checking the weather. Cheap SIM-only plans let you give each person exactly what they need without overpaying.
And because there’s no handset financing mucking up the numbers, families often save hundreds compared to traditional contracts. Bring your own phones or grab some refurbished ones, and you’re laughing.
Cut Through the Marketing Nonsense
Telcos love making things complicated. It’s how they make their money.
Traditional phone contracts are designed to confuse you. They bundle everything together so you can’t work out what you’re actually paying for what. SIM-only plans? They strip away all that rubbish and show you exactly where your money’s going.
No sneaky subsidies hiding in your monthly bill
Those “cheap” phones that come with contracts? They’re not cheap at all. The telcos just spread the real cost across your monthly payments, then bump up your plan fees to cover it. It’s called cross-subsidisation, and it’s basically a shell game with your wallet.
With traditional contracts, you might think you’re getting a bargain on that shiny new iPhone. Reality check: you’re probably paying more for the phone than if you’d bought it outright, plus extra fees baked into your monthly plan that you never see coming.
SIM-only plans put an end to this nonsense:
- You see exactly what you’re paying for mobile service
- No inflated monthly fees hiding phone costs
- No surprise balloon payments when your contract ends
- Everything’s upfront and honest
When you’re ready to upgrade your phone, you do it on your terms. No unexpected bills, no confusing payment structures, just straightforward choices.
Finally, plans you can actually compare
Ever tried comparing phone plans and felt like you needed a maths degree? That’s on purpose. Bundled plans are deliberately confusing because confused customers make bad decisions.
SIM-only plans change the game completely. You can actually compare:
- Data allowances without phone costs muddying the water
- Call and text inclusions side by side
- Network coverage without pricing tricks
- Extra features without bundle confusion
It’s mobile service shopping the way it should be, simple, clear, and honest.
The best part? You’re not just getting better value, you’re also doing the planet a favour. Keeping your current phone longer instead of upgrading every two years because your contract says so means less electronic waste and a smaller environmental footprint.
Doing Your Bit: Keep Your Phone Going Longer
Your phone’s probably got years left in it, even if your contract says otherwise. SIM-only plans let you hang onto it without the pressure to upgrade every couple of years and that’s actually a pretty big win for the planet.
Cut the waste, skip the guilt
Making one smartphone pumps out about 60kg of CO₂ emissions. That’s the same as charging your current phone every day for over a decade. Mad, right?
When you go SIM-only, you’re not locked into those artificial 24-month upgrade cycles that push perfectly good phones into landfill. Your iPhone 12 or Galaxy S21 isn’t suddenly useless just because a newer model exists. These devices are built to last way longer than the contracts that sell them.
The environmental mess goes deeper than just carbon emissions, too. Every new phone needs:
- Rare earth minerals that often come from dodgy mining operations
- Massive amounts of water during production
- Energy-intensive manufacturing and shipping across the globe
Stick with your current phone on a SIM-only plan, and you’re actively saying no to all that waste.
Fix it, don’t flick it
Traditional contracts create this weird pressure to replace rather than repair. Your screen cracks? Time for an upgrade! Battery getting sluggish? New phone time! SIM-only plans flip this thinking completely.
Without a contract timeline hanging over your head, you can:
- Get that cracked screen fixed instead of junking the whole device
- Replace the battery and add years to your phone’s life
- Upgrade only when your phone actually dies, not when the telco says so
It makes financial sense, too. Keeping your phone running well costs way less than monthly handset repayments, especially when your SIM-only plan keeps your service affordable.
The numbers add up across Australia as well. If just half of us kept our phones for one extra year, the reduction in electronic waste and manufacturing emissions would be huge.
This isn’t just about individual choice, it’s about changing how we think about technology. SIM-only plans give you the freedom to use your devices properly, not just cycle through them because that’s what the contract says you should do.
Quick Answers to Your SIM-Only Questions
Got questions about SIM-only plans? Fair dinkum, we get it. These arrangements might seem straightforward, but there are always a few things that make people scratch their heads.
When might a handset contract still make sense?
Look, we’re not going to pretend contracts are always rubbish. Sometimes they make sense, like if you’re trying to build up your credit history. Those handset contracts involve proper credit checks, so they can actually help your credit score if you’re starting from scratch.
Can’t afford to buy a phone outright? We hear you. Spreading the cost over time might seem like the only option. But here’s the thing, you’ll usually pay more in the long run because of those sneaky interest charges we talked about earlier.
For most Aussies though, MATE’s great value SIM-Only mobile plans offer the sweet spot of affordability without the contract hassles.
Can I keep my number when switching to SIM-only?
Absolutely! This one’s protected by law, your provider has to let you take your number with you. No arguments, no excuses.
The whole thing usually takes 1-4 hours during business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm). Just don’t cancel your old service first, only active numbers can be moved.
Simply tick “keep my existing number” when you sign up. Your new provider handles the rest, including telling your old provider to get stuffed. Your phone will go dead for a few minutes when the switch happens, that’s your cue to pop in the new SIM.
Do SIM-only plans get full 5G access?
Too right they do! SIM-only doesn’t mean second-class service. You get the same 5G network access as everyone else, assuming you’re in a coverage area and have a compatible device.
Telstra reckons their 5G reaches over 95% of Australians now, so you’re probably covered. Just remember that phones bought overseas might not play nice with Aussie 5G bands.
Check the coverage maps before you commit, there’s no point paying for 5G if you can’t actually use it where you live and work.
