iPad SIM deals

One of the best things about the iPad and iPad 2 is portability - you can take it anywhere with less hassle than a laptop. But the go-anywhere nature of Apple’s highly desirable tablet means you need the full mobile broadband connectivity to match, if you want to get the most out if it. The 3G versions of the iPad and iPad 2 have a built-in modem which allows users to access mobile broadband services. But, like any device which uses a mobile network signal, a SIM card and network subscription is needed to get online. So if you’ve got the 3G iPad and you want to get online, read on.

What is an iPad microSIM?

An iPad or iPad 2 microSIM card is a different type of SIM card to the ones found in mobile phones and internet dongles. The 3G versions of the iPad and iPad 2 require a smaller SIM card (hence the name ‘microSIM’).

Will a normal SIM card fit in an iPad?

As above - no. The SIMs found in dongles and mobile phones are larger and not designed for use with iPads. So you’ll need to find an iPad ‘SIM only’ deal from one of the network providers. Stick around on this page and we’ll point you towards some of the best iPad SIM deals around.

The best iPad SIM deals?

Currently, the main players in the iPad SIM card market are Vodafone and 3-Mobile. Like many other mobile broadband deals, there is a choice of PAYG iPad SIM deals, in addition to pay monthly iPad SIM card offers to choose from. The best iPad SIM deal for you depends on how often you’ll use it, and what for.

If you are an occasional user, then a pay as you go iPad deal may be a good choice - you’ll usually need to pay a small up-front charge for the microSIM itself, but from there on you’ll only need to pay when you want to top it up - just like a PAYG mobile phone deal. Heavier users who frequently use their iPad to access mobile internet services are likely to be better off choosing a pay monthly iPad microSIM plan, which usually come with a larger data allowance than PAYG deals.

3-Mobile iPad SIM card review

As we’ve said, if you’re in the market for an iPad SIM only deal, your best choice is to look at Vodafone and 3 Mobile, who both offer PAYG and contract deals. There’s a reason why 3-Mobile (or Three as some term it) are so popular amongst customers looking for the best mobile broadband deals. Primarily, it’s choice. Choice of deals, whether it’s pay as you go or pay monthly iPad SIM offers, they always have a good range to choose from. Other advantages of 3 Mobile iPad SIM deals include:-

    • Large data download allowances - giving you maximum time to surf and download music, films and so on
    • Many pay monthly deals include FREE iPad micro SIM cards
    • Flexible rolling 1-month contracts available - allowing cancellation if you want to stop using your iPad online, without being tied into a lengthy contract

    • Vodafone iPad microSIM review

    Vodafone offer a range of Micro-SIM mobile broadband plans which focus on 1-month rolling contracts. This means you can cancel usually with 30 days notice at any time, and don’t need to tie in to a lengthy contract. Some of the features of Vodafone iPad SIM deals are:-

    • All Vodafone deals feature FREE micro-SIM cards
    • Deals available for very occasional users include one at just £3 per month on a 1-month contract - ideal if you are a light internet user

    • A quick word about checking mobile broadband coverage

    As our site name suggests, we’d advise before making any decisions, that you use one of the postcode checkers to check coverage in your area. Mobile broadband coverage varies by network provider and to avoid disappointment, it’s important to check the 3G signal in your area to ensure you’ll be able to get online.

    More about Vodafone Mobile Broadband Coverage
    More about 3-Mobile Broadband Coverage