Howdy
Right now I've only internet on my mobile tethering to everything, and want to downgrade to a cheaper mobile plan and add home internet. I've a few TB of data banked up from Amaysim which I want to use up in the next few months.
Is the 4G mobile sim the same as 4G home sim? ie, can I buy a Optus branded or network unlocked portable modem and put my mobile sim in there and it'd work?
Cheers
Optus check things on the back end to ensure that you use the SIM that your plan is for in the device type that the plan specifies. It gets very annoying as old 4G plans allowed you to use any SIM in any device, but now a mobile SIM can only be used in a Monbile and a home broadband cannot be used in a USB 4G dongle, but a mobile data plan can be used in a 4G dongle.
Optus are trying to make as much profit as possible and therefore currently limiting what plan (aka SIM) you can use in which device.
Optus also on some plans only technically allow you to use their branded hardware, which can further complicate things.
You will have 0% chance of anyone in Optus explaining what SIM you can use in what device as they will say this plan works with this device (as per THE plan) and not this SIM from this plan will work in these devices (mobile, dongle, portable 4G modem, non portable 4G modem etc).
Only way to do what you want before you buy anything is to borrow a 4G dongle or portable modem and try the SIM in it. Be aware that 4G dongles and portable modems are not as good as the Huawei B818-263 modem.
If the modem is unlocked it should work. It's usually the other way - data only SIM in a phone - that never works.
If you don't have a modem already then an unlocked 4G phone with hotspot/tethering capability (most Android phones) would work as well, but it's a bit of a gamble for quality on the cheap end. Does give you more flexibility though.
the other way - data only SIM in a phone - that never works
It works as I activated a Telstra data only SIM as an active service in order to redeem points. It did work in my phone for a week or so before stopped connecting data network. Later I find it is the phone issue that occurs when the 2nd SIM is on.
Yeah you need a Router that will take a 4G Data only Sim card. Wouldn't worry about buying anything ex Optus or Telstra as it will most likely be locked so won't work. Just buy a 4G router from a computer shop.
Somthing like this would do the job.
https://www.devicedeal.com.au/netgear-4g-lte-lax20-nighthawk…
Doesn't need to be that specific one just an example.
physically, both are same sim.. just the plan you are in (how much GB you get and how long for, etc) , what makes it different..