When the minimum term ends, the service usually continues until you change or cancel it. What does not follow automatically is equally important: the monthly charge may not fall, a separate device plan may still be running, and handset ownership depends on the agreement you accepted.
In brief: check three dates — airtime, device payments and promotional pricing — then compare the cost of staying, moving to SIM-only, switching provider or replacing the handset.
What normally changes and what may continue
| Item | At the end of its minimum term | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Airtime service | Usually continues on a rolling basis until changed or ended | That the account closes automatically |
| Device instalments | May finish, continue or require a final payment | That the airtime end date proves the phone is paid off |
| Promotional discount | May expire on a separate date | That the old monthly total will remain |
| Insurance or extras | May renew independently | That cancelling airtime cancels every add-on |
| Handset ownership | Depends on the sale, finance or return-and-upgrade terms | That every handset-inclusive offer transfers ownership in the same way |
Use the end-of-contract notification properly
Your provider should tell you when the minimum term is approaching its end, what you pay and what happens if you take no action. Customers who stay out of contract should also receive best-tariff information at least annually.
Read the notice alongside your current bill. Look for:
- the service covered by the notice;
- the exact minimum-term end date;
- the price after that date;
- notice or switching information;
- the provider's own alternative tariffs;
- any separate device balance not included in the notice.
Your four practical options
Stay on the current arrangement
This can be reasonable where the price remains competitive and the allowance still fits. Compare it with the provider's SIM-only options rather than paying an old handset-inclusive amount through inertia.
Move to SIM-only and keep the phone
This is often the simplest route where the handset remains supported and reliable. Check battery condition, storage and remaining security support before committing to a long SIM term.
Switch provider
Use a PAC if you want to keep the number or a STAC if you do not. Do not separately cancel first when you intend to use the automatic switching process. The switching guide explains the sequence.
Upgrade or replace the device
Compare the new agreement with buying outright and taking SIM-only. A lower monthly figure can still produce a higher total cost or restart a long commitment before the old device balance has ended.
Before agreeing to a retention offer
- Ask for the offer in writing.
- Confirm whether it changes airtime only or also adds device finance.
- Check the new minimum term and any scheduled price rises.
- Confirm ownership, return and early-settlement terms.
- Calculate the total amount payable, not merely the first monthly charge.
Where you are unsure whether a device plan is still active, ask for a settlement figure before switching. Moving airtime provider does not automatically erase a separate obligation to the device lender.
Related guidance: For neighbouring questions, go back to Phone Deals and Contracts. The Phone Contract Cost Guide explains how this issue fits into the complete decision.
Sources and date checked
Last fact-checked: 25 July 2026. Provider terms, product ranges and interfaces can change. Check the documents offered for your own account before acting.
