4G Router - Mobile Sim or Data Only Sim.

[FabulousFarmer]

I have bought a Strong 4G+ LTE 1200 router. Despite having done a lot of reading, I am still confused about what type of SIM card I should use - a mobile sim or a data only sim. As far as I can tell, the only real difference is the cost, with a data sim being more expensive. 

In terms of connecting to the internet, can someone please explain the difference between a mobile sim and a data only sim. E.G. will a data only sim provide a faster speed?

Thank you.

[Matt_124 · Accepted solution]

There should be no differences in the performance of a normal SIM with calls and texts when compared to a Data Only SIM. The only differences in speed will come from the specific speed caps on certain plans if a Pay Monthly SIM (No Frills 10 Mbps, Essentials/Essentials Plus 100 Mbps, All Rounder and Full Works Uncapped)

If you find a good deal on a normal phone SIM, there is no reason that you couldn't use it in a router.

EE Pay As You Go SIMs are also available and capped at 25 Mbps, although some third party options may not feature these speed caps but are not sold directly from EE. I believe there are 30 day or 90 day Preloaded Data SIMs available on EE's website directly, although they seem poorly priced with small allowances.

[XRaySpeX]

• A data SIM does not include calls & texts in your allowances; you'll have to pay for those. It is generally dearer per data than a mobile phone SIM.
• A mobile phone SIM includes calls & texts in your allowances; these will be free, possibly up to some limit.

All other things being equal, I would go for a phone SIM over a data SIM.

[FabulousFarmer]

Thanks very much for the reply, apologies for the delay in responding.  It does beg the question, what is the point of a data sim.

[XRaySpeX]

Good Q! I think on PAYG you can buy big Connected Data SIMs lasting 3, 6 or 12 months.

Thanks! You're welcome 🙂 ! Glad I could be of assistance & trust it is now sorted.