Mobile operator Smarty has launched a new range of data-only (mobile broadband) SIMs, which are designed to help you “stay connected on the move” by offering 2GB (GigaBytes) of data for £5, 15GB for £9, 40GB for £13, 100GB for £17 or unlimited data for £20.
As ever, the catch with data-only SIMs is that they often end up looking less competitive than a regular mobile SIM, which would also add unlimited calls and texts. For example, Smarty’s regular mobile SIM Only plan with 100GB of data is just £12 per month, while their data-only SIM equivalent is £17 – both on a 1-month term.
Data Only SIMs tend to cost more because operators expect you to put them into a laptop, MiFi router or tablet computer and thus consume more data, but you could do the same with a regular SIM Only plan too (obviously the calling and SMS features may then become usable).
Sometimes operators may give Data Only SIMs a higher priority for traffic or better speeds via another APN, but key details like this almost NEVER end up being properly communicated to consumers by the operator, which makes it hard for regular consumers to understand why they should pay more for the same data allowance and fewer features.
Sadly, this is one of the longest running and most annoying aspects of mobile service provision in the UK.