Pay as you go data only SIM

How do pay as you go data only SIMs work?

Data only SIMs operate similarly to pay as you go SIMs for your mobile, except that it only includes data and no call minutes or texts. Therefore, they are usually used for mobile broadband.

Select a provider that meets your requirements, order your data only SIM, and then receive a SIM card at home which you place in your chosen device. To use the mobile broadband, top up the pay as you go SIM with one of the provider’s price plans. The pay as you go SIM is not tied to the provider you order and, in most cases, you can terminate the service and switch provider freely.

What is the difference between pay as you go SIM and contract for mobile broadband?

The main difference between a pay as you go SIM and a contract is a pay as you go SIM is not tied to a specific provider for a fixed period. Today, there are some mobile broadband plans with rolling contracts, although this is not always the case as with pay as you go SIMs. What’s more, even if the plans don’t have long contracts, they almost always require a notice period.

Therefore, it’s easier to switch between different data allowances, and also between different providers, when you have a pay as you go SIM. The advantage of contracts is that they usually offer more data with higher data allowances to choose from.

When is a pay as you go SIM better than a contract for mobile broadband?

Which option suits you best mainly depends on how you intend to use your mobile broadband, and how much data you need. A pay as you go SIM is a more flexible option perfect for people who need broadband but do not intend to use it regularly. It is also a good choice if you don’t use a lot of data. 

If you plan to use your mobile broadband every day and know that your data usage is relatively high, a contract is likely to be a more cost-effective choice. This also applies if you are going to share the broadband with multiple users.

How to choose the best pay as you go data only SIM

• Choose a provider with good network coverage in your area. For your mobile broadband to work, it is essential that the provider has network coverage where you are located. All providers have network coverage maps on their websites, so please check the network coverage for the 4G/5G network in your area before ordering.
• Explore the range of data allowances. The range of data allowances for pay as you go mobile broadband varies between providers. If your data use varies greatly month to month or if you prefer the flexibility of more choice, choose a wider selection of data caps.
• Check out how long the pay as you go SIM is valid. It might also be useful to review any terms regarding validity, both on the pay as you go SIM itself and the tariff plan connected to the SIM. Most pay as you go SIMs need to be topped up or used at least once every six or twelve months to remain active. Price plans usually last for 30 days, but there are providers who offer longer term options.
• Compare the prices. Data is the main factor for calculating the cost of a SIM, but the price will also vary between providers, so take the time to compare offers and save money. We recommend you compare prices after you have selected a range of options that meet your requirements.

Where can you buy a pay as you go data only SIM?

With providers that offer pay as you go mobile broadband, you can order the SIM card online, directly from the website. If the provider has a physical shop or sells SIM cards through retailers, you can usually purchase a SIM card there as well. The advantage of ordering online is that you get it for free.

How to order a pay as you go data only SIM

1. Order pay as you go data only SIM. You can order a pay as you go SIM for mobile broadband on the provider’s website, and as mentioned, you will receive it for free. If you wish, you can choose a price plan to top up the pay as you go SIM with when you are ordering the SIM card.
2. Insert the SIM card into the device you will be using. Once the provider has received your order, they will send the SIM card to your home. Then place the SIM card either directly into the device you will be using (if there is space for it), into a dongle, or into a router.
3. Choose from various price plans/data allowances. If you didn’t top up the pay as you go SIM when you ordered it, you can do so now. There are often several different data allowances to choose from, and as discussed, you should select the one that best matches your needs.
4. Top up the pay as you go SIM. After you have found a suitable price plan, top up the pay as you go SIM. You can also do this on the provider’s website or via their app if they have one.

Which is the cheapest pay as you go data only SIM?

EE PAYG data only SIM is the cheapest pay as you go data only SIM right now (checked on 13/08/2025). Top up from £1.

Get the deal at EE

Do you need a router for pay as you go mobile broadband?

You might need to purchase a router for your mobile broadband on a pay as you go basis for two reasons: if you want to share the connection with other users or more devices, or if your device does not have a SIM card slot.

If you are the only one using the mobile broadband on a device, and the device is equipped with a SIM card slot, you do not need a router.

Is a dongle needed for pay as you go mobile broadband?

If your device, such as a computer, lacks a SIM card slot, you will need a dongle. You then place the SIM card in the dongle and connect it to the computer.

A dongle may also be needed if you are going to use a router for the mobile broadband, and the router lacks a SIM card slot. Then you place the SIM card in the dongle and connect it to the router.

Can you use pay as you go data only SIMs abroad?

Some pay as you go SIMs for mobile broadband work abroad. Most are limited to use within the EU/EEA, but there are also pay as you go SIMs that work in other countries. Always read the international terms for data only SIMs on your provider’s website to be sure, or contact support directly to find out any restrictions.