data only sim or not for mifi

silversnail

While we sort out broadband, we are going to use a mifi connection for a month or so. We have looked at Three, and there seems to be quite a difference in payg data only sims, and sims that include calls/texts. The latter is less expensive. I have done a bit of research and can't find a definitive answer - do I have to use a data only sim, or can I use one that includes calls/texts knowing that I won't be using the calls/texts part? The other option that seems to have good coverage for where we are is EE. Can anyone help?

GrumpyDil

In practice the sims with calls are targeted at phone users but I did use one for several months in a mifi.

QrizB

My son used a "phone" SIM (with calls & texts included) in a 4G router for two years. It worked as expected.

silversnail

That is good to know. I wonder if anyone knows why they make data-only ones then, and why they are more expensive?

flaneurs_lobster

Last time I needed a Mi-Fi SIM the easiest for a grab'n'go was Superdrug - £20 for unlimited data, 1 mth rolling, money back in points (if you bother to sign up). Runs on Three.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82119440#Comment_82119440

Because the T&Cs will include a 'fair usage' policy in a mobile sim, people have used them like this but then some have had the data restricted to a minimal download speed. There's no way of knowing in advance which way the company will jump.

silversnail

Thanks. I suppose lots of people these days use their phones for watching stuff on, and not for calls or texts at all, so it must be hard for a company to know whether a sim is being used in a phone or in a mifi. Any idea what 'fair usage' means? Am going to be at work during the day, so won't be using it till the evening.

flaneurs_lobster

TBH, if you are only going to be using the Mi-Fi for a month or 2 I wouldn't worry about it.

Unless you are churning through 50GB a day then just normal use with maybe a 4k telly and a bit of streaming is not going to upset a network.

You and your six kids all online gaming on your Playstations for 16 hours a day might be different.

If they do take the huff then it's a 1 month contract, go and get another one.

silversnail

Thank you - I am leaving my 6 kids behind, so it should be ok!!

NanookOfTheNorth

Depending how much data you plan to use, how about the Lebara 50GB/month for £1.30/month - offer lasts 6 months ? Currently on offer as PAYG, so you could easily get 2 of those if you needed more and just swap the SIM during the month f you needed 100GB a month. Then cancel then when you're finished

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheap-mobile-finder/sim-only/lebara/

silversnail

Wow. That is good value! Will look into it. Thanks.