Best (cheapest) UK data only SIM ?

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Boo2

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Hi,

Question as title : which is the best (and cheapest) UK data only SIM ? It's not actually for a boat yet but my latest notebook does have the facility to plug in a SIM and get HSPA (or whatever it's called) broadband at 7.2Mb/s so I'm looking for a SIM only deal where I can buy the broadband on a paygo basis.

Thanks,

Boo2
 
I have a 1GB SIM from 3 at £7.50 a month. And a previous 5GB one (also from 3) for £15 a month. Over here 3 have almost the best network, the best data rates and best prices. Network coverage is apparently beaten only by Orange (though from what I can tell, they use the same network anyway)
 
Giffgaff - £10 per month PAYG gives you 250 minutes unlimited texts and unlimited internet, and unlimited means unlimited. Runs off the o2 network
 
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steve350 said:
I think this vodafone PAYG dongle is the one to get as your credit doesn't expire each month. It's been superceded by a later model but they're still available on Ebay, although they're getting a little pricey now. I'm not the seller by the way.


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VODAFONE-K356...K_Computing_Networking_SM&hash=item35b19d6655

Edit, here's a link for the sim only

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330557294204&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Click to expand...

43 quid for one gb is not exactly cheap!
 
lukewhite said:
43 quid for one gb is not exactly cheap!
Click to expand...

It's £15 per gb. The point is that it may work out cheaper over the longer term as one does not have to top up every month, unlike other PAYG sims, because the credit does not expire. Of course if one required more than a gig of data each month a different product would be cheaper.
 
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I use an ordinary Virgin mobile SIM - which I got free. You get up to 25Mb a day (that's the 'unlimited' fair-use limit) for 30p, which is about £9 for 750Mb a month if you use it every day. But you're only charged on days you use it and the credit doesn't expire.

I have a couple of these SIMs in case I need more data one day.
 
steve350 said:
I think this vodafone PAYG dongle is the one to get as your credit doesn't expire each month. It's been superceded by a later model but they're still available on Ebay, although they're getting a little pricey now. I'm not the seller by the way.


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VODAFONE-K356...K_Computing_Networking_SM&hash=item35b19d6655

Edit, here's a link for the sim only

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330557294204&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Click to expand...

Have a care -
Only very old Voda SIMs have no expiry (provided you connect and use it every 180 days). Newer cards expire after 30 days.

The prices you show are extortionate, but then folks who can't be bothered to search seem willing to pay.....

Here's one from an outfit that I've used in the past and is much cheaper
looky here

OK it's a 30 day card - but at that price buy several - stock up quickly as they disappear quickly.

I had Vodafone originally but I found their coverage out of towns patchy and poor.

For my use on rivers and canals "3" works best, followed by t-mobile who are not quite as good (IMHO).

This latter company has a good PAYG scheme, £2 per day £7 per week and £15 for a month. You set up a CC, fund it through a text message, select which option you want again with a text message all of which is available when you connect via the dongle for free. Good system and flexible for those who want to do it by the book...
 
A SIM-only tariff differs from a traditional Pay Monthly contract in that you’ll only get a SIM card with an allowance of minutes, texts and internet: you won’t get a new mobile phone with the contract. For this reason, SIM-only tariffs are usually around £15/month to £20/month cheaper than traditional contracts and are more flexible (you’ll be on a one-month rolling contract or a 12 month contract). You’ll save around £180 per year and you’ll be able to keep your existing phone number too.
 
lukewhite said:
Giffgaff - £10 per month PAYG gives you 250 minutes unlimited texts and unlimited internet, and unlimited means unlimited. Runs off the o2 network
Click to expand...

But you can't use it with a computer....

Will the giffgaff SIM work in a Mobile Broadband dongle?

Unfortunately, giffgaff do not allow the use of your giffgaff SIM in a mobile broadband dongle as mentioned in the terms and conditions:

"4.8. All usage of your giffgaff SIM Card must be for your private, personal and non-commercial purposes. You may not use your SIM Card:

• in, any other device including a modem connected to a PC.;

• to allow the continuous streaming of any audio / video content,

• or in such a way that adversely impacts the service to other giffgaff customers"



Just in case anyone gets excited about it. Like I did.
 
I believe that giffgaff are about to launch some new plans which allow tethering. I think they intend to annonuce them later this month...
 
You will find it difficult to beat this one if you just need it for data---twenty pounds for six months unlimited internet !!!!

Get free PAYG SIM from T-Mobile. Load it with £20 of credit. Opt for the "internet booster" which costs £20 for six months unlimited internet. Details of T-Mobile's "Booster" plans are here http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/shop/mobile-phones/price-plans/pay-as-you-go/boosters/

Click on internet Boosters to see the pricing.

Although it says "unlimited" if you continually use the SIM to stream video etc they will throttle back your connection speed. However they will always leave you with the ability to search the web, read emails and other non intensive bandwidth applications. They also undertake that they will not charge you anymore money even if you exceed their "fair useage" limits.

It does work and I have never had any problems.

I was going to say "no connection--just a satisified customer" but I do seem to be able to get a connection just about anywhere.
 
lydiamight said:
You will find it difficult to beat this one if you just need it for data---twenty pounds for six months unlimited internet !!!!
Click to expand...


I can beat that thanks to YBW!
Go to a t-mobile shop ask for an I phone mini sim costs £10 with a top up.
Then ask for a mini to normal sim adapter
The £10 top up will give you a years free internet
I Just put it in my sim holder on the laptop and away it went
 
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