Getting Internet Access for Tablet without SIM card

Janko on 31/08/2015 - 16:15

Not really up with the latest but mum would like internet access on her Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (simcardless) when not near Wifi. Will be mostly needed in good coverage areas but doesn't need lightning speeds.

What would be the recommended method? Her current mobile phone can't hotspot and I can't see her understanding a smartphone. Standalone mobile->Wifi unit, USB dongle?

I'd guess somewhere around 2GB/month would easily do her, but with shaping or no denied access rather than the potential to rack up large overuse fees. With usage sporadic, possibly a long term expiry might be more appropriate.

Any suggestions?

Internet

Comments

  • nocure on 31/08/2015 - 16:21
    +1

    Pocket Wifi on a plan.

    • Janko on 31/08/2015 - 17:40

      Pocket Wifi - that's the sort of terminology I'm missing. Thx.

  • pjetson on 31/08/2015 - 16:26
    +1

    If her current phone can't be a hotspot, and you don't think she could use a "mobile->wifi unit" or a USB dongle, then you have basically exhausted the possibilities.

    Having said that, a portable wifi-3G/4G hotspot is really quite easy to use, particularly the ones with a tiny LCD. And my 86-year old mother didn't have any problems with a USB dongle.

    • Janko on 31/08/2015 - 17:37

      No, just operating a smartphone I believe will cause her frustration. Portable wifi hotspot or USB dongle I agree - should be easy for her. Any idea if USB dongles and USB micro converter suitable for tablets?

  • pointless martyr on 31/08/2015 - 16:42
    +1

    Mcdonalds carpark.

    But BYO lunch - dont eat that muck

    • Janko on 31/08/2015 - 17:40

      Even I give up with these free joints after a while.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2015 - 16:42
    +1

    Optus share data plan. I get 8GB data on my phone. For a once off fee of $5 I got a second sim for my wireless router, so that I don't need to hotspot my phone and waste phone battery. the 8GB data is shared between the 2 sim cards. You will still need to purchase the router hardware, but that is relatively cheap these days.

    • Janko on 31/08/2015 - 17:39

      I'll look into it as she already uses Optus on her phone. Thx.

    • Janko on 31/08/2015 - 17:54

      But only tops up her phone about $10/month, so jumping to a $60/month plan 24 month contract to get 3GB data would be too big a jump.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/09/2015 - 17:55

        I am not on a contract.

  • scrimshaw on 31/08/2015 - 20:37
    +1

    EDIT:
    I would try this deal with Optus.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/209426

    Original comment:

    I would join with amaysim, with their extremely frequent discount codes (30% off data) you can simply grab a SIM and apply for a 6 month data pack. Also use Cashback for $19.90 off.

    For e.g
    10GB Data Plan
    $99.90
    /365 days

    (30DEAL coupon code) takes away 30 bucks, so it's $70 dollars for a year of data (10GB). This will be perfect for somebody that doesn't use video streaming and only browses occassionaly.

    • Janko on 01/09/2015 - 03:18

      The Optus one looks the go - she'll grab their 3G wifi hotspot tomorrow with the 3GB, then the 22GB/$130 block next month. Appreciate the help all.

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