How much data for home mobile internet

Grumpysally

I'm considering setting up an Echo Show for my elderly parents. They don't have broadband so I'm looking at routers that use a SIM card. 
How much monthly data should I be looking for?
Initially I want to be able to face time them and leave reminders for them. If they get the hang of it I might extend to dots in other rooms in case of falls etc and possibly a video doorbell.
Thanks

chrisw

Do they qualify for the social essentials broadband?

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs/#full-list-of-available-tariffs

Alderbank

Exactly your question was asked on Amazon's digital forum.

The reply from Amazon themselves was:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your query. On average, Alexa uses 36MB of bandwidth per day (or 252MB of bandwidth per week | 1.08GB per month). This average is based on the following daily usage: 30 minutes of music streaming, two smart-home commands, one weather inquiry and one question.

However 30 minutes HD video call can take up to 1GB(gigabytes) data.

https://uk.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00007uI9dZSAS/i-have-an-echo-show-running-off-a-data-sim-card-in-a-portable-wifi-device-how-much-data-does-the-device-use-for1-a-30min-video-call2-asking-a-question-ie-whats-the-weather-forecast-what-time-is-it3-being-switched-on-but-idlestandby-247

James_ion

Hi Grumpysally, for setting up an Echo Show for video calls, reminders, and possibly adding Echo Dots and a video doorbell later, you'll likely need around 100-150 GB of data per month. Video calls can use 30-90 GB, basic commands and reminders less than 1 GB, and music streaming or a video doorbell could add another 10-20 GB. Start with a higher data plan and adjust based on actual usage. Good luck with your setup!

Grumpysally

chrisw said:

Do they qualify for the social essentials broadband?

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs/#full-list-of-available-tariffs

No, they are not on any of the benefits that would make them eligible.

Grumpysally

Alderbank said:

Exactly your question was asked on Amazon's digital forum.

The reply from Amazon themselves was:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your query. On average, Alexa uses 36MB of bandwidth per day (or 252MB of bandwidth per week | 1.08GB per month). This average is based on the following daily usage: 30 minutes of music streaming, two smart-home commands, one weather inquiry and one question.

However 30 minutes HD video call can take up to 1GB(gigabytes) data.

https://uk.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00007uI9dZSAS/i-have-an-echo-show-running-off-a-data-sim-card-in-a-portable-wifi-device-how-much-data-does-the-device-use-for1-a-30min-video-call2-asking-a-question-ie-whats-the-weather-forecast-what-time-is-it3-being-switched-on-but-idlestandby-247

Alderbank said:

Exactly your question was asked on Amazon's digital forum.

The reply from Amazon themselves was:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your query. On average, Alexa uses 36MB of bandwidth per day (or 252MB of bandwidth per week | 1.08GB per month). This average is based on the following daily usage: 30 minutes of music streaming, two smart-home commands, one weather inquiry and one question.

However 30 minutes HD video call can take up to 1GB(gigabytes) data.

https://uk.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00007uI9dZSAS/i-have-an-echo-show-running-off-a-data-sim-card-in-a-portable-wifi-device-how-much-data-does-the-device-use-for1-a-30min-video-call2-asking-a-question-ie-whats-the-weather-forecast-what-time-is-it3-being-switched-on-but-idlestandby-247

Thank you. I didn't know Amazon had this forum. Looks like it will answer a lot of my questions.

Grumpysally

James_ion said:

Hi Grumpysally, for setting up an Echo Show for video calls, reminders, and possibly adding Echo Dots and a video doorbell later, you'll likely need around 100-150 GB of data per month. Video calls can use 30-90 GB, basic commands and reminders less than 1 GB, and music streaming or a video doorbell could add another 10-20 GB. Start with a higher data plan and adjust based on actual usage. Good luck with your setup!

Thank you. I usually start my mobile plans as start low and go up if necessary but I can see that I need to go in at the other end for this project. 🙂

Vitor

Streaming music/radio can be quite data hungry, you'll likely need an Unlimited data SIM but look out for 'reasonable use' clauses in the contract which mean it's not really unlimited. 

Newcad

From my experience of tethering my laptop through my mobile phone during  a couple of years of lockdown:

20-30 GB a month will be plenty for general daily computer use, browsing, etc.

OK I may be a bit heavier browser user than many, I do a lot of visiting fora like here, but probably no more than a Faceache or other SM addict would use.

But if you are talking about streaming music/video/TV or downloading  to any extent then you may need more.

alanwsg

There's some very good deals for data-only SIMs on Amazon.
Although you have to pay up-front for the entire period so you need to be sure the network you choose is good for your location.

E.g. I have an unlimited data-only SIM on the '3' network, it cost £149 for just over 24 months, so around £6.20/month.

Search for 'Scancom'

GDB2222

alanwsg said:

There's some very good deals for data-only SIMs on Amazon.
Although you have to pay up-front for the entire period so you need to be sure the network you choose is good for your location.

E.g. I have an unlimited data-only SIM on the '3' network, it cost £149 for just over 24 months, so around £6.20/month.

Search for 'Scancom'

That's really useful, thanks. Which router do you use?