Unlimited Data Plan not shareable w/ Apple Watch cellular?

[Nick0slicK]

Hi all, 

I believe I have to pay extra to add cellular data functionality to an Apple Watch (Purchased independent ally ie not from EE) 

why is this so if I am on a top unlimited 5G ready data plan with EE already?! I would understand if I was on a lower tiered plan. This makes no sense as I am permitted to use unlimited data. I don’t think this issue is discussed enough and it feels like EE and other providers of unlimited plans are taking advantage and squeezing even more money out of customers? Thoughts @eeuk ? 

All the best

[Christopher_G]

Hi @Nick0slicK

Your Apple Watch can share the allowance of your phone plan without adding an extra plan. This is only when in range of Bluetooth between the watch and phone though.

The extra plan that you mentioned is so that your Apple Watch has it's own data allowance and connection to the mobile data network when out of Bluetooth range (while still using the same mobile number as your phone).

Hope this helps.

Chris

[Nick0slicK]

Yes I am already aware of this I own a non cellular watch. Whilst seemingly providing an answer I think my point was missed.

[Chris_B]

@Nick0slicK  Why should a 2nd device ie watch on your account be able to use the data allowance from your phone tariff.  You already have the calls/text allowance from the phone tariff to use via the watch.    Just because you pay for an unlimited data allowance it’s doesn’t mean you should get favourable terms over someone with a limited data tariff.     Do you think this same ideology should be applied if you was to get a tablet on your account?     It’s a 2nd device that isn’t part of your phone tariff or the allowance that you have on that tariff.   

[Nick0slicK]

I just want to say firstly that whilst being factual, I use my point about being on unlimited data to emphasise my point, mainly. Why should anyone on any data tariff have to pay for data twice? After all there is only one person and one owner! You rightly stated minutes and texts are shared between phone and watch, why should data be any different? After all it is just one person and owner. 

[Hotkat]

Totally agree with you Nick. If you are paying already for a data plan, why should you pay again?
It's not like you are using any more data, you're using your watch in place of your phone. More likely that you will use less data in these circumstances as the watch will not be used for random browsing or video use.
I can understand a small cost to cover the fact of having an extra device attached to the network but not for extra data.

[Chris_B]

@Hotkat  that’s because the watch has nothing todo with your phone contract.  It’s a 2nd device on your account just like if you was to get a tablet or other phone on your account.  Each device has its own data allowance.    And it is a small cost if you got the watch elsewhere.  £7 but that £7 gets you 10Gb of data just for the watch.  

[Hotkat]

@Chris_B It's using the phones number so it is to do with the phone contract. I assume I couldn't have just a watch contract without a phone? 

Also, while I'm using the watch, I'm not using the phone, Less data used overall when going out with just a watch than with a phone, so less use of services.

[James_B]

Hi @Hotkat,

Welcome to the EE Community. 🙂

You can use your phone's data plan when it is within range of the watch. You only need a data plan for your watch if you'd like to use it independently when out of range of your phone.

We also offer a standalone watch plan which gives the watch its own phone number.

Hope this helps.

James

[Nick0slicK]

and what if I have paid for my watch independently, direct from Apple. This logic then falls apart. Also as Hotkat pointed out, you would generally be using data on the watch instead of on your phone. It’s broken to me.