Data Only SIM Deals

A data-only SIM deal provides only data services, with no voice calls or text messages included in the pricing. These are common for those who own mobile devices, such as tablets, dongles, or mobile phones, which they primarily use for internet access. For instance, if you want to use a work phone to use WhatsApp for work, a data-only SIM deal may be a better option than an entire personalised phone deal, including texts, calls, and other add-ons.

If you live alone and are on a strict budget, a data-only SIM may be suitable for you to use with your tablet. If you need internet access wherever you go, it can also be a good idea to get a data-only SIM, as it will help you have a mobile hotspot device, which can be beneficial when travelling, ensuring that you have a reliable secondary internet connection. It can also be beneficial just to have one if your internet connection is not 100% reliable!

If you are a remote worker who has a reliable internet connection, then it's not likely you would need or benefit from a data-only SIM. If you travel a lot for work, have a tablet with a SIM slot that you want to use for an internet connection, or if you are looking to switch internet providers and simply want a reliable backup in the interim, then yes, you could benefit from getting a data-only SIM.

The majority of mobile network providers offer SIM-only deals, and only a few of the best-known brands, such as Vodafone and Three, offering data only deals. If you are on a very tight budget or simply don't know if or when you may need your SIM-only deal, you should look into options with budget-friendly brands like Smarty (powered by Three) and Mozillion (powered by EE)

In a word, yes, a SIM-only deal can be cheaper than both a regular SIM and a regular phone contract. The reason is simple: these SIMS do not allow you to use them to make calls or send text messages. You can, of course, send messages via services like WhatsApp, but traditional SMS is not included. So, you will pay less. Be sure to check any contract you agree to, as even with mobile-only SIMs, there are often daily or monthly data allowances.

Yes, you can, but remember, you will not be able to make calls or send SMS messages while you use it. You will be able to use communication apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Zoom, FaceTime (on an iPhone), or Teams. It can become tricky with mobile banking options as verification codes from your bank to your phone are often sent via SMS, and, as you will not have access to this feature, you may be unable to use your online banking.

Yes, you can, but these tend to be more expensive or as expensive as a regular contract. Some of the major phone networks that offer unlimited data include Vodafone and Tesco Mobile. You can also get an unlimited data plan with other networks like O2, EE, and Three, but these are often included in regular SIM deals and are therefore not strictly data-only SIMS. You can get data-only SIMs on these networks, but there are usually allowances.

There are typically three different contract lengths for data-only SIMs. The shortest are rolling contracts, which usually last one month. Next, there are twelve-month contracts, which often have better pricing per month over the monthly options. Lastly, there are long-term contract lengths, ranging from twenty-four to thirty-six months.

Yes, in most cases, you will be able to get a SIM-only deal with no credit check. However, it's important to bear in mind that, as is the way with contracts, if you opt for a longer-term contract or you want to have an unlimited data deal, you will likely have to undertake a credit check. So, check with each network provider if you're going to avoid a soft search landing on your credit report.

Data Only eSIMs are available. However, at time of writing eSIM data only options are limited, with only Three and Mozillion offering data only esim deals.