Broadband vs Mobile Data

NotArobot24

I was moved from supported living to my own flat a while back, thus far I find broadband unaffordable and have a few questions.

Is it worth buying a router that can support a SIM card and if so how much data would I need each month (assume basic browsing and subscription streaming)?

I saw 100gb sims but have no idea if they are enough, ideally I would have unlimited data but cheapest I found was £16 a month

Is there a way to have two sim cards for the same account so I could use one in the router for data and the other in my phone.

Is mobile data really a contender in terms of performance?

Mark_d

It can be a bit risky trying to rely on a mobile broadband connection.  I have PAYG broadband with three - but only use it when away from home or in emergencies.  Rather than paying for your data plus paying for a 5G modem, I would suggest something like this:

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/broadband/essentials-broadband

NotArobot24

Thanks for the suggestion, £20 a month is not an affordable amount for me, MSE deals are almost as little

I think these social tariffs are a joke, prices for broadband have gone nuts, there used to be annual or even 18m deals for what is offered for a month.

oldernonethewiser

Three are doing a deal at the moment of £12 per month for 6 months then it does go up to £24.

This is an unlimited data deal.

Depending on how much streaming you do might impact your choices.

Peter999_2

No, you cannot have two sims for the same phone number, no UK mobile company allows that.

Instead of buying a router could you maybe use the mobile hotspot on your phone if it supports it?   If you only need light browsing and streaming it should be fine. You could try it now and see if it works ok from your phone.

Obviously you need to check what connection you can get from the mobile phone supplier.    If you get a good signal on three you can get unlimited from Smarty for £15 a month which is pretty good.  You need to go through this link to get the £15 offer : 

Your SMARTY SIM deal (uswitch.com)

I'm not sure from your post if you are eligible for social tariffs or not?   If you are, you can get unlimited from Smarty through this link for £12 a month : 

Social Tariffs SIM plans with no contract, no credit check. | SMARTY

MyOpinion

It sounds like you would probably qualify for social tariffs, there is a list here

https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/guides/broadband-deals-for-low-income-families/

The community fibre 35 is open to all if you are in their area, the remainder are available if you are claiming universal credit or similar