Using iPad 3G in UK?

September 23, 2010 1:15 PM

I've got several trips to the UK coming up. I typically only travel with my 3G iPad, and while the last few trips I've been lucky in finding wifi, I'm considering trying to get the iPad's data service working. Anyone have recommendations for a prepaid data SIM that I can use with my iPad in the UK (requires a microSIM, not a normal SIM)?
posted by kaszeta to Computers & Internet (10 answers total)

Apple's UK site has links to iPad-specific plans from the big carriers in Britain. Quick glance would seem to show Three having the best deal at 15GBP/mo for 10GB of data, but not living in the UK I wouldn't know what their service is like.
posted by ConstantineXVI at 1:37 PM on September 23, 2010

I use Vodafone which has monthly plans available starting at 10GBP. I am not positive but I do not believe pay as you go is available for the micro sim. However, monthly rates are very reasonable
posted by rmhsinc at 1:42 PM on September 23, 2010

You can convert a mini-SIM to a micro-SIM fairly easily.
posted by caek at 1:46 PM on September 23, 2010

Have a look at this comparison chart for UK iPad SIMs.

Both 3 & Vodafone have decent 3G networks although I have found that Vodafone can get a bit clogged up in central London.
posted by i_cola at 2:07 PM on September 23, 2010

It looks like the 3 network has a couple of prepaid options. The other networks that provide iPad plans (Orange, o2, and Vodafone) don't seem to have anything similar.

I would forget about any of the monthly/non-prepaid plans--if you aren't a UK resident you will likely fail the credit check.
posted by peanut butter milkshake at 2:21 PM on September 23, 2010

Three's network is shit for voice it keeps dropping out...unless their 3g data is somehow good I wouldn't bother.
posted by Not Supplied at 2:50 PM on September 23, 2010

Don't bother with O2 as they haven't yet fully rolled out HSDPA 7.2. Not only that, but even if you are in an area that supports HSDPA 3.6 then you'll be lucky to get near 1 Mbps.

The other networks are way ahead with their infrastructure upgrades. Personally, I'd go with Vodafone.
posted by mr_silver at 3:17 AM on September 24, 2010

@Not Supplied, I've found Three's network excellent with my iPhone. I switched from O2 and the network speed and coverage is far far better. I can't comment on Vodafone or Orange's networks.
posted by salmacis at 3:36 AM on September 24, 2010

Right well I guess it depends what area you're in. Maybe the OP should try and get info for the areas he/she will be visiting.
posted by Not Supplied at 6:03 AM on September 24, 2010

No one seems to have mentioned the mifi yet - You can use it to create a temporary 3G connection - at the minimum cost (although this does depend on your data usage on the pay-as-you-go schema). Also no sim card needed, and you can connect more than one device at a time.

Details here: http://threestore.three.co.uk/broadband/?mifi=1&ID=1184 and I know that is UK specific but I am pretty sure you can get that device in the US as well.

Depending on what kind of data you get over the network (static pages, video, animation, streaming data), you MAY be better off with a 3g sim connection, but I doubt it as it's (IMHO) much slower in all areas of the uk than a solid wifi connection

YMMV.
posted by Faintdreams at 6:44 AM on September 24, 2010