unlocking phone sim only deal??

A question about : unlocking phone sim only deal??

Morning all- I have an I phone 4s good very good condition and more than adequate for my needs, I'm out of my 2 year contract now and to keep costs down was looking at keeping the phone and having a pay as you go option.
So I was wondering how I get it unlocked, if I keep the same number and what's the besr SIM only deal also will I loose all the photos,numbers texts or should I back it up? l I make a few calls a little facebook checking but mainly texts. I've been out of contract since November and I'm still paying 40 pm on what is really an outraged phone so really need to change it and stop making excuses! Thanks fir your help.

Best answers:

• You should definitely be keeping backups as a matter of routine. What would you do if you lost your handset?
  If you speak to your provider they can arrange to unlock the iPhone (you may need to pay them to do this).
  You can either as your current provider to migrate you to Pay as You Go or a sim only contract. Or you can ask them for a PAC which you give to a new provider and then your number will follow you across.
  As for which tariff, you'll need to be more specific about how many texts, calls and data you use. Fortunately, the iPhone keeps a log, so it's easy to find out.
• its easy to unlock by asking your current provider for the code , when they inform you its done you then just connect to itunes and it does it.The phone is not reset and nothing gets lost. All your texts and contacts are kept on the phone anyway , changing the sim or network does not affect this
• As above, you are out of contract and you own the phone. The original contract holder has an obligation to remove the lock on the phone. Iphones are unlocked on a central register maintained by apple, You are not in a position to ask apple to remove the lock. The obligation is with your original provider, ask them and in a few days the lock will be removed.
  In the mean time look up your last 6 to 12 months bills. Look at the total calls, in minutes, each month; your total text and your data usage. When you have this take the highest figures and this should then show what you need.Then search for sim only deals which cover your actual mobile needs. Dont forget to look at PAYG ig you have modest needs. Lastly, once you have identified potential deals check the mobile operator coverage maps for those areas where you mos use the phone. ie. home, friends and family and work.
• Pay As You Go would be more expensive than a simple Sim Only contract.
  Tesco have cheap / good deals but limited to 5000 texts.
• AFAIK Iphones will relock themselves as soon as they update. Whether this includes official unlocks I am unsure, but is something to be aware of.
• should help
  https://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/phone/...and-unlocking/
• Thank you all for your very useful replies.
• Who are you currently with?
  If you happen to be with O2 you can get a SIM only deal with GiffGaff (who use O2 network) and they have some fantastic offers. I'm with them if you want any more advice.