Backup phone/internet - cheapest option?

[Zetec-S]

Since moving into our new place in the Spring we've had broadband outages 3 or 4 times (I know, first world problems), but the most recent was nearly 24 hours which was more of a pain.

At our old house we just used our phones as a wifi hotspot, but mobile coverage (Sky/O2) here is virtually non-existent. We're still under contract so changing networks is not an option for now, so looking for the cheapest backup option out there. Initially I thought a PAYG sim (EE or Vodafone have reasonable coverage) in an old phone (or a cheap 4G router) would do the job, but it looks like you can't get proper PAYG data plans, data expires after 30 days so it's effectively a monthly plan.

Ideally what I'd like is a sim card you could just pre load with data (eg. stick a couple of GB on which wouldn't expire for 6-12 months if not needed) and then just use it and top up with more as you need it. Does anything like that exist or do I have to suck it up and pay £5-10 a month for a "just in case" option?

[davek_964]

Although you're under contract, it might be worth speaking to your mobile provider anyway.

Years ago, I was Tesco / O2 and the signal - which had already been fairly weak most of the time - pretty much disappeared when I was at home. Tesco let me leave the contract because of it.

[shirt]

what's the combined cost of the regular plus backup coverage option?

how does that compare to starlink where you are?

i don't wish to be evangelical about it, but i'm in west africa and starlink is brilliant.

[Zetec-S]

Thanks for the suggestions, might try and get out of contract early, no harm in asking.

I did briefly consider starlink, but even if we ditched our Fibre contract it would still cost a lot more.

[FilH]

Look at the lebara offers, uses vodaphone / 3 network

ie, Lebara 35GB Data, Unlimited Min & Text, EU Roaming £1.65pm for 8 Months, then £6.90. but make a note of the date and bin it if, and look for there next deal, loads have been doing this for a few years now.

https://www.lebara.co.uk/en/msm/p/44000095?utm_sou...

[Phil.]

Check out which network is strongest in your area. They all have maps on their websites and you input your postcode. Once you know which network is best check their eSIM deals. I did this recently and went with a Vodafone eSIM which took a few minutes to set up and I can switch it on/off monthly anytime. It costs £10 a month.

[Captain_Morgan]

Or you could, buy a 4G modem, buy a few pay as you go sims choose your network and then buy something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Mobile-Pay-Broadban...

12GB to use over 12months and don’t activate it until your BB goes down.

Then you can access wifi from multiple devices.

[butchstewie]

Phil. said:

Check out which network is strongest in your area. They all have maps on their websites and you input your postcode. Once you know which network is best check their eSIM deals. I did this recently and went with a Vodafone eSIM which took a few minutes to set up and I can switch it on/off monthly anytime. It costs £10 a month.

Definitely try cheap PAYG first though

The network maps are absolutely adamant there is zero 5G coverage where I live.

Fast.com shows 60mbps on 5G on the iPhone next to me

[biggiles]

Look up "IOT SIM" cards.

They are available from plenty of places, try Scancom and Amazon.

I have a few, ranging from "120GB over 12 months" to "1000GB/month for a year". Not expensive.

[nvubu]

You could look at a lifetime data sim or esim from BNESIM, top it up as and when needed.

https://shop.bnesim.com/plans/gb/

[shirt]

just reread the OP. for a couple of gigs, is it not easier just to buy a data bundle when needed using your existing mobile? you're not going to be doing very much with that amount of data.

[Zetec-S]

shirt said:

just reread the OP. for a couple of gigs, is it not easier just to buy a data bundle when needed using your existing mobile? you're not going to be doing very much with that amount of data.

Problem is my existing mobile has non-existent signal at home, hence the need for a backup.


Thanks all for the suggestions, there's a couple I'll look into. Just frustrating that my "ideal" solution doesn't actually exist. It's odd how providers get away with it - can you imagine if 30 days after filling your car up with petrol the fuel company came round and drained your tank of anything you hadn't used...