Forum Discussion

AndrewC_1273566's avatar
AndrewC_1273566
SMARTY Pioneer
12-08-2023

Data only USB dongle

Hi all Asking for an elderly friend. He is looking to get a USB dongle with a data only SIM to give him internet access in his house. I can see there are e.g. £5 for 2GB plan which rolls over ea...
Data only
USB Dongle
JJP2's avatar
JJP2
SMARTY Pro-coach
12-08-2023

Yes indeed, as they are elderly, they may be in receipt of pension credit. 

The BT social tariff is for fixed line broadband, where the Smarty tariff is a mobile tariff, which, as you yourself quite rightly point out, isn’t a replacement for fixed line broadband. 

AndrewC_1273566's avatar
AndrewC_1273566
SMARTY Pioneer
13-08-2023

Hi JJP2 and MSF.

Thanks for the replies.  I will chase up the Social Tariff thing ( I had no idea ) and note the other pieces of advice. 

Cheers folks

Andy

 

  • JJP2's avatar
    JJP2
    SMARTY Pro-coach
    13-08-2023

    You’re welcome 

    Social Tariffs seem to be kept quiet for some reason…

    For those that qualify, Smarty offer a social tariff of £12 per month for unlimited minutes, texts  and data. The only caveat being that Smarty do not recommend mobile broadband as a long term replacement for fixed line broadband. 

    In addition to the Ofcom article above, if I recall correctly, there is also plenty of info on social tariffs on Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert website. 

    • MSF's avatar
      MSF
      SMARTY Guru
      14-08-2023

      JJP2  Agreed that mobile data is not a broadband replacement but it should be sufficient to allow people to meet and commitment to DWP (Job search, form filling etc) and also to communicate with utility companies, banking etc