Data SIM for mifi for Ring doorbell

shopndrop

Can anyone suggest the cheapest data only SIM for a mifi unit so that we can have a Ring doorbell or similar on an elderly relatives house. We need to ensure that carers have turned up as planned and that a family member does not need to make another visit. This is the only reason for needing internet. 02 and Vodafone are both poor in the area so guessing it will have to be EE or 3?

Murmansk

You say data only, seems to me most SIMs come with unlimited calls and texts because data is the main thing that people use, in differing amounts; I guess you need some idea of how much data this doorbell is going to use.

I've found 1pMobile to be very good so you could consider them and once you know how much data is being used, set up a recurring "boost" of data each month. They use the EE network.

QrizB

Be warned that Ring doorbells can use a *lot* of data; this blogger quotes one that gets through 54GB a month.

You could be looking for quite a hefty data plan.

PHK

Also, it would be better to get a 4G/5G router than a mifi. 

Mifi can get very hot if constantly charging. 

We had a similar situation with a vulnerable friend. It was actually cheaper to have broadband installed and the qualified for a social tariff. 

shopndrop

Murmansk said:

You say data only, seems to me most SIMs come with unlimited calls and texts because data is the main thing that people use, in differing amounts; I guess you need some idea of how much data this doorbell is going to use.

I've found 1pMobile to be very good so you could consider them and once you know how much data is being used, set up a recurring "boost" of data each month. They use the EE network.

Do you know if the top up can be used for data boost or is this for calls only ?

shopndrop

We are also looking at the cheapest home broadband as an option, but will probably use a SIM in a mifi in the short term, until we can sort something more permanent, just so that we can get the camera up and running 

matelodave

As said above, using a mifi unit continuously probably isn't a good idea. Our TP-Link one died after leaving it on for several days at a time in our caravan. A proper 4G/5G router is likely to be much more reliable

shopndrop

matelodave said:

As said above, using a mifi unit continuously probably isn't a good idea. Our TP-Link one died after leaving it on for several days at a time in our caravan. A proper 4G/5G router is likely to be much more reliable

wow, we have used a TP link for over 10 years in our caravan and never had a problem. It is permanently on.  Wonder if yours had a fault?

PHK

shopndrop said:

matelodave said:

As said above, using a mifi unit continuously probably isn't a good idea. Our TP-Link one died after leaving it on for several days at a time in our caravan. A proper 4G/5G router is likely to be much more reliable

wow, we have used a TP link for over 10 years in our caravan and never had a problem. It is permanently on.  Wonder if yours had a fault?

That's not possible 4G TP link mifis haven't been available in the UK that long.  Thats far beyound the battery lifetime  They also recommend not leaving them plugged in. Are you sure it's a mifi?

virgo17

PHK said:

They also recommend not leaving them plugged in.

Absolutely. Once, in my inexperienced period, I left a MiFi connected for several months. When the battery expanded and forced open the case I realised the error of my ways.
 

d123

PHK said:

shopndrop said:

matelodave said:

As said above, using a mifi unit continuously probably isn't a good idea. Our TP-Link one died after leaving it on for several days at a time in our caravan. A proper 4G/5G router is likely to be much more reliable

wow, we have used a TP link for over 10 years in our caravan and never had a problem. It is permanently on.  Wonder if yours had a fault?

That's not possible 4G TP link mifis haven't been available in the UK that long.  Thats far beyound the battery lifetime  They also recommend not leaving them plugged in. Are you sure it's a mifi?

Its not far off 10 years, first 4G TP Link mifi launched early 2015, so almost 9 years ago now.