Unlimited mobile broadband

2. Choose a SIM plan for a phone with unlimited data

While you can’t get unlimited data with SIM Only mobile broadband plan, Three is a rarity among mobile networks in that it does offer unlimited data on Pay Monthly and SIM Only phone plans, so you could always opt for that and then tether your phone to other devices, effectively using it like a mobile broadband device. There are no longer any tethering limits, so you can enjoy unlimited tethering.

You can also choose to put a voice SIM in a mobile broadband device and use that to share internet with other devices. One thing to consider though is that you won't be able to use your minutes or texts allowances when choosing this approach.

3. Find out how much data you really need

This isn’t a solution as such, but it’s always worth checking how much data you actually need, since there’s a good chance you might not need unlimited data.

In fact, if you’re not planning to use mobile broadband much or will mostly just be using it for web browsing and social media (as opposed to video, big downloads, music and online gaming) then you shouldn’t need a vast data allowance. And even if you plan to stream a lot of music or video, Go Binge could have you covered there, as long as you use supported services.

Calculating your data use can be tricky, but if you already have a mobile broadband device then your network likely keeps a log of how much data you use with it each month if you view your account.

For a more in-depth overview of how much data you might need, check out our guide – though note that actual amounts will depend on the type and number of devices you’re connecting to your mobile broadband.

Help with choosing a Mobile Broadband device

There are a number of different mobile broadband options available depending on your needs. Here’s an overview of the various different types.

Mobile WiFi

A mobile WiFi (or MiFi) device is essentially a mobile, battery-powered router, which has a SIM card in it from a mobile network and uses that network’s signal to connect other devices to the internet, meaning you can get Wi-Fi connectivity anywhere there’s mobile signal. Mobile WiFi is a good choice if you want to get multiple devices online at once when there’s no Wi-Fi available, as many mobile WiFi hubs can connect up to 10 or 15 devices to the internet simultaneously. They’re also a good choice if the device you want to get online doesn’t have a USB port, since they’re completely wireless.

Dongle

A dongle is essentially a USB stick which you plug into a computer or other device with a USB port and which then provides it with internet connectivity. It does this using a SIM card, so you’re getting a 3G or 4G mobile signal, which means you can get a device online anywhere your network has signal. It’s similar in that sense to a mobile WiFi device, except it can only get one device online at once as it needs to be plugged in. The advantage though is that a dongle is typically far smaller than a mobile WiFi device and you don’t need to worry about it running out of battery (though it can slightly increase the battery drain of the device it’s plugged into).

HomeFi (4G Home Broadband)

HomeFi from Three is a bit different in that’s it’s not mobile, but it still uses Three’s 4G mobile network to get devices online. It’s essentially a mobile WiFi device, so it provides wireless internet access to multiple other devices at once, in fact, it can connect up to 32 devices, which is more than typical mobile WiFi devices allow. However, it’s not battery-powered and instead needs to be plugged in. That means you don’t need to worry about charging it, but also means you can’t really use it on the move or outside. Indeed, as the name suggests it’s really intended for your home, as an alternative to typical home broadband. It can be a good option if you want something quick and easy to set up, since it’s basically just plug and play, and doesn’t require an engineer. It can also be cheaper than normal home broadband, as you don’t need a home phone line to make it work, and that also helps you cut down on clutter. It’s also a great short-term option, as you can get HomeFi on one-month plans, while home broadband typically ties you in for at least 12 months.

Huawei AI Cube

The Huawei AI Cube is another 4G home broadband option, with many of the same strengths and weaknesses as HomeFi – it’s potentially cheaper than standard home broadband, it’s quicker and easier to set up and unlike a mobile WiFi device it doesn’t need charging. However, it does need plugging in.

But there are some differences, as the Huawei AI Cube can get up to 64 devices online at once – double what the HomeFi can manage. It’s also up to twice as fast and can double as an Alexa-powered smart speaker.

As a result though it’s slightly more expensive and Three currently only offers it on 24-month plans.

Data Only SIM

A Data Only SIM is a SIM card which comes with a monthly data allowance but no minutes or texts. It’s designed specifically for use in tablets or mobile broadband devices, so if you already have such a device or want to buy one separately you can get a Data Only SIM contract and pop it in. Data SIMs are also available on Pay As You Go, if you’d rather only pay for what you use and not be tied into any kind of contract.