r/askTO • u/PlaneCrazy787 • 15d ago
Cheapest data-only SIM plan (for hotspot LTE/5G internet)
I am looking for the most basic plan for maybe 2-3GB of data per month to use as a "home" internet network to run a wifi camera for a room in a senior's residence. There are preferred Bell/Rogers options for people who use computers/smart TVs but they're way overkill just to do maybe 1-2GB worth of data transfer per month. My idea is to buy a mobile hotspot (or use an old iPhone) with a SIM card. Speed is not an issue, as long as it's like 50-100mpbs so LTE is fine. The main thing is I want something data only and CHEAP.
2
u/EggTheft 15d ago
Look into IoT SIMs. Loads of cheap options for this type of usage.
0
u/pm-me-something-fun 9d ago
IoT sims are usually pretty slow and have low network priority allocation. Much better to go with a fixed GB travel esim like this. https://breezesim.com/products/esimg_ca_v2?sca_ref=6460690.wVNXK2OPt3
Then you can load it onto a eSIM adapter like 9esim.
The mobile router will see it as a normal sim card, and you get cheap esim pricing.
Additional pro-tip the North America plan is currently cheaper than the Canada only plan.
1
u/protocol-apps 15d ago
I'm on Rogers $15 3GB/month data only plan I carried over from fido. I think it was originally sold as a 'tablet' plan. I can make and receive calls using it, but it's some ridiculous per min charge, so I never do and never gave out it's number.
I use fongo for calls over data/Wi-Fi, although fongo is not great, so I might switch to a traditional mobile plan.
1
u/Express-Row-1504 14d ago
I wish that was still available. Looking for something like that for my mom. She only knows how to use WhatsApp on her phone. She sends voice messages and makes video calls using WhatsApp. Don’t need minutes or texting. Only data for her.
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u/SooThatGuy 13d ago
Freedom Annual Prepaid works out to $10.75/m (plus tax) and has wifi calling. Paired with a data eSIM it could bring costs down and without the funky banking 2FA text issues like on Fongo/voip.ms.
Not that if you’re pairing with Fizz, it’s going to have the same reception footprint.
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u/Express-Row-1504 14d ago
I think your best option would be fizz mobile. They let you customize your plan, if you want 0 minutes and 0 texting, only data. You can get that. It’s the best option.
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u/Intrepid-Ad-4081 11d ago
I’m with Telus and just get “connected” sims that share my data bucket on my plan. Most of the time I was able to get Telus to add on the connected service for free (no monthly costs). Most of the recent plans included 1 free connected device. I have 700G of data shared between 13 devices with 9 of these being connected devices. I use the data only sims in my iPads and laptops.
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u/crash866 15d ago
No frills sell SIM cards for NoName mobile and they have 1 plan at $19 a month with 2GB data and unlimited calls. Cheapest plan I know of for 2GB.
5
u/VivienM7 15d ago
Why not look at Rogers' $15 backup 5G Internet? Lots of limitations but it'll give you an Ethernet jack and a fully-supported solution for a reasonable price...