Preloaded Data Sim for Mobile Devices

Mobile Broadband is simply broadband on a mobile network that lets you surf the web, blog, tweet, facebook, email and do anything you can do on the web via broadband.

Note that the products discussed and advertised on this page are for UK use only.

My Experience

I’ve been using the 3 month, 3GB Preloaded Data Sim in my Samsung Galaxy Tab.

It has been an excellent and economic way to have data-only on the go compared to monthly contract packages or mobile phone sim packages that have voice, text and a small amount of data. So it’s ideal for broadband only on tablet or other internet devices.

I’m on my 3rd data sim now in around 8 months (Oct 2011).

Occasionally I use mine in my Samsung Galaxy Tab with this data sim to act as an Access Point for separate WiFi devices, i.e. as an AP for my laptop or another Android tablet. Obviously there are limitations to the number of devices you could add without adversely affecting performance but frequently the performance of my laptop for uninterrupted streaming (e.g. BBC iPlayer) has exceeded that of my PC which is connected to the web via a land-line.

Clearly if you stream a lot of video it will eat up the data allowance more quickly. A one hour iPlayer program uses about 200-300 MB on mine so when I’m away on business or on holiday I could still keep up with several of my favourite programs.

The only drawback of working this way is your number changes each time you switch to a new sim and for a few apps the login details need to be re-entered. That’s easy to do and a small price to pay for the overall savings, IMHO. You could upgrade to an ongoing contract from this SIM rather than changing to a new one when it expires but that would be going onto a costly contract.

Like any mobile device, reception can vary depending on location and there have been a few occasions a when a blindspot was frustrating. But I’ve uploaded photographs, video (to YouTube) and made posts on this website “live”, even from locations such as on a moorland roadside which was way cool.

No Contract.

It is ideal for iPad** (needs cutter), laptops, netbooks, Samsung Galaxy Tab or other Android devices where you don’t wish to be tied up with a lengthy and expensive contract, especially if you are an occasional user.

It lets you get onto the internet when you’re on the go. So you don’t have to be tied to a desk, or even be indoors to get online. Connect to the internet wherever there is 3G network.

All you need is this SIM card and a 3G-ready device. If your device doesn’t have a SIM facility to insert it directly, other devices could be used such as a USB SIM-dongle for your laptop or else a Mobile Wi-Fi unit (MiFi)(See below) to act as an access point for your WiFi device(s).

Whatever device you use, simply insert the SIM card and start surfing. It’s that easy.

**You can use this SIM with the iPad, but you need to use a SIM cutter to turn this into a MicroSIM. SIM cutters are available also. (See below)

The Three network was designed and built for the mobile internet. It’s Britain’s Best Mobile Broadband Coverage, as voted by four independent sources, and according to reghardware.com “The best download speeds and decent value tariffs make Three the clear winner and a viable home broadband replacement.”

3 Original Broadband Ready to Go 3GB Preloaded Data Sim for Mobile Devices.

Supplied Ready-to-go. 3Gb/3 Months period starts on first usage.

3Gb of 3G data credit already included on the SIM. No registration or activation required – just start surfing.

Voted Britain’s Best Mobile Broadband network

Can be used in any unlocked 3G dongle, 3G phone or device

This not a Micro-SIM. This is a standard sized SIM Card that can be cut down to Micro-SIM size with a cutter (see below)

3 Original Broadband Ready to Go 1GB Preloaded Data Sim Card for Mobile Devices.

Supplied Ready-to-go. 1Gb/1 Month period starts on first usage.

1Gb of data credit already included on the SIM. No registration or activation required – just start

Britain’s Best Mobile Broadband network

Can be used in any unlocked 3G dongle, phone or device

Use a SIM cutter to cut this into Micro SIM size for use in iPad (see below)

3 Original Broadband Ready to Go 12GB Preloaded Data Sim.

Every SIM supplied Ready-to-go. 12Gb of data to use within 12 months after its first use.

The 12Gb of 3G data credit is already included on the SIM. No registration or activation required – just start surfing.

Your 12 month usage period does not start until you first use the SIM card.

Three was voted Britain’s Best Mobile Broadband network in 2010.

The SIM can be used in any non-network locked 3G dongle or MiFi unit. Use a SIM cutter to cut this into Micro SIM size for use in iPad (see below)

Unlocked Wireless Modem Huawei E585

This is a Mobile WiFi device, a MiFi unit. If you want to connect several mobile devices to broadband through a single connection or if your device doesn’t have a SIM or Micro SIM slot, connect it via your mobile device’s WiFi connection to the Huawei E585 anywhere there is a 3G mobile service.

I have one of these for a tablet device I use that doesn’t have a built-in SIM socket. It does the job very well although my Samsung Tab has the edge for the best reception coverage with the same SIM.