topic Re: Data sim vs Phone sim ? in SIM cards & Porting

Data sim vs Phone sim ?

Clever_Trevor — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 17:31:24 GMT

Hi,

I wonder if anyone can explain the difference between a data sim & phone sim only plan?

( … so, I fully understand the feature difference & the obvious… eg / data only does not have txt & calls etc )

However,

What I want to understand - if say I want a sim for my iPad or MiFi -

a) a phone sim with loads of data & unlimited calls / txts is say £28 per month ( where as )

b) a data only - sim - would be £39 ( with less data & no calls/ txt

Therefore,

1/ what is the benefit of data only ?

2/ can I use a phone sim in iPad / MiFi ?

3/ and I getting any better service is opt for data only ( …. Vs phone uncapped speed phone sim )

Thank,

Re: Data sim vs Phone sim ?

XRaySpeX — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 17:54:28 GMT

@Clever_Trevor :

None that I can see. They are generally dearer per data than phone SIMs.
Yes. Will include allowance for texts which mobile routers, & maybe iPads, can do.
No.

Re: Data sim vs Phone sim ?

Clever_Trevor — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:22:04 GMT

Thank you,

I was wondering if data only sim uses a different ‘band’. or if using a phone sim in an, ipad/ tablet or MiFi might be in breach of service ?

( …as when I ask 02 the same question - they reply a phone sim is not allowed in a tablet & service would be suspended ! Ouch )

Thanks

Re: Data sim vs Phone sim ?

XRaySpeX — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:25:38 GMT

What you've been told is against Net Neutrality rules. You may put any SIM in any device.

Re: Data sim vs Phone sim ?

Profile closed — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 19:25:30 GMT

@Clever_Trevor

This may not add much to the global sum of understanding here, but for what it’s worth, Volvo facilitate a data only personal SIM for their limited range of built in apps - for me, basically Volvo Nav. First yr was free with Vodaphone, but as I loathe them even more than EE, I put my own 3 card in. Lasts 2 yrs, cost £35, only 24Gb of data - paltry by today’s standards, but more than enough to keep Volvo Nav up to date - and includes roaming.

For Waze, Apple Music, WhatsApp etc, I run CarPlay from my phone anyway.

If data only on pre pay suits your budget and use case, check out the options on Amazon. Minimal admin on 3, and no pettyfogging restrictions. Some good bargains 🤷🏼