Contract ending - advice needed

[OneLungAmy]

Hello everyone,

I’m hoping for some advice. My 24-month contract is ending on the 25th October 2024, and I’m starting to consider my options. I usually upgrade to a newer phone model, but I’m unsure if I want to switch from my iPhone 12 just yet. 

Is it possible to do nothing for now and decide whether to upgrade in, say, 3-6 months from now, or is that not an option? Are there any other alternatives I should consider? I’m not planning to leave EE. 

Thanks in advance!

Amy 

[Matt_124]

You could upgrade to a SIM Only deal to lower your cost until you decide on a new phone.

These come with a new 24 month contract usually but have the caveat that you are able to upgrade anytime after the first billing cycle to a new phone plan and new contract (provided you don't miss any payments etc.) Essentially SIM Only is like 'the waiting room' for a phone upgrade.

[bristolian]

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@Matt_124 wrote:

You could upgrade to a SIM Only deal to lower your cost until you decide on a new phone.

These come with a new 24 month contract usually but have the caveat that you are able to upgrade anytime after the first billing cycle

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If moving from a phone-plan to a SIM-only plan, there is no lockout before moving back to a phone-plan. The billing cycle is irrelevant - the price guide PDF refers to "at any time".

SIM-only plans come in 30day, 12month & 24month variations, but these minimum terms relate to EE network service not the individual plan. In your case, you could therefore safely choose a 24month as these tend to give maximum value. You can request the move upto 30days before your current minimum-term end, and the change will take effect on your minimum-term end.

If you do nothing, your current plan will be discounted by 10% after 3months.

[Matt_124]

Well aware of this thanks.

Just referring to/repeating the official policy that's been advised before on the matter, but yes it can be done at any time in my experience. 

[bristolian]

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@Matt_124 wrote:

Well aware of this thanks.

Just referring to/repeating the official policy that's been advised before on the matter, but yes it can be done at any time in my experience. 

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The official policy is outlined in the price guide - PDF linked from here 

[Matt_124]

Cool.

Wasn't aware it was reflected as "any time" in the T&Cs, had always been told in the past it was next billing cycle, but my experience was always aligned more with "at any time".

Said the former to avoid the doubt.

Just bear in mind that part charges would apply when changing in the middle of a billing cycle due to pro-rata billing.

[Rockabillychick]

HI, I am been with EE since 2007 and I didn't ever plan to leave. But my contract is ending soon with 2 phones on it. We were given quotes which seemed quite steep to me at the time. I searched other providers and found that EE were charging over twice as much for my phone and plan contract and near enough double for my daughter. I liked EE, didn't want to leave but I am not going to pay double. My advice is to shop around.

[bristolian]

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@Rockabillychick wrote:

I liked EE, didn't want to leave but I am not going to pay double. My advice is to shop around.

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Absolutely valid comment, but this needs to apply to network coverage & service also.

Make sure any proposed new network is tested using PAYG SIMs before committing to a move. Service varies wildly between the 4 operators, the same level of coverage can never be taken for granted!

If nothing else, then knowledge of alternate providers gives some negotiating power with EE-CS.

[OneLungAmy · Accepted solution]

Thanks to everyone who’s commented and offered advice. I could probably get a better deal elsewhere, but I’ve decided to stay with EE because the service is extremely reliable, and the coverage is excellent in my area. I tend to be risk-averse in these situations.

Based on your suggestions, I'm very likely going to go with a 24-month SIM-only pay-monthly plan (Unlimited Full Works for iPhone) and then upgrade to a phone plan a few months later. This seems like the best option for me, plus I'll be paying less than half of my current bill each month, which is especially helpful right now since I don’t have a job and am living off my savings. Once I find a new job, I can reassess and switch back if needed.

Thank you, wise people 🙏🏻