Top 10 iPad microSIM Deals

iPad microSIM deals are mobile broadband offers specifically for some models of the Apple iPad. Signing up for an iPad microSIM deal will get you online with your Apple tablet and enable you to download great apps and ebooks wherever you are. What’s more, you’ll also really be able to take advantage of all that the iPad has to offer.

What is a micro-SIM?

Unlike most 3G mobile broadband enabled devices which use a standard SIM card, some iPads feature a new piece of technology called a microSIM card. These are about 50 per cent smaller than their predecessors. Instead of placing them in a dongle and then plugging it into a USB port, the microSIM is simply inserted directly into the iPad - just as you would with a mobile phone.

microSIM or nanoSIM?

Newer iPads, including the iPad mini, are designed to work with a new, even smaller SIM card called a nanoSIM. The microSIM is the SIM card standard for older standard-sized iPads, including the original iPad, the iPad 2, iPad 3 and the iPad 4.

How do iPad micro-SIM deals work?

iPad microSIM deals are aimed at people who already own their Apple tablet outright and entitle takers to a set amount of broadband usage each month for a regular monthly fee. These can be on a rolling contract basis, whereby users are free to leave with just 30 days notice, or over a longer contract term.

If you don't already own an iPad, you may want to consider deals that bundle the iPad with a mobile broadband contract instead. These operate exactly the same as mobile broadband laptop deals, with users paying a fee for web usage and the device in a single contract, thus spreading the cost of buying an iPad.

Which broadband providers offer iPad microSIM deals?

iPad microSIM deals are being offered by Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Three and Orange. Naturally, the network you choose depends on a number of factors, such as 3D coverage in your area and pricing. However, more important still is how much usage you require.

In general, the pay as you go iPad microSD deals are more apt for lighter users. Conversely, the pay monthly iPad microSIM deals are tailored towards people who spend more time online while they are on the move or who download content extensively.

Vodafone micro-SIM deals

Vodafone offers a range of iPad microSIM deals which operate on a rolling contract basis. This is a system whereby if you do not cancel the contract, it will automatically be renewed for another month.

Price points range from £3 per month for 250MB per month to £15 per month for a whopping 2GB of usage for heavier users.

O2 micro-SIM deals

O2 customers are offered a choice between monthly microSIM iPad deals, which, like those from Vodafone, also operate on rolling contracts, or pay as you micro-SIM deals. The former deals are priced £15.32 for a 2GB monthly limit for £10.21 per month for 1GB. Light users can cut their outgoings by going for a pay as you go option. O2 allows them to add 500MB for £2.04 whenever they need it.

Also included in this is unlimited WiFi access via hotspots across the UK operated by BT Openzone and The Cloud.

Orange microSIM deals

Pay as you go Orange iPad microSIM deals are keenly priced. iPad owners can either add 1GB of usage for £7.50, which must be used within seven days. Those in need of less usage can add 200MB to be used on the day.

Two monthly contract deals are also available. iPad Monthly 15 includes 3GB of usage per month at £15 per month. Meanwhile, iPad Monthly 25 offers 10GB per month for a charge of £25 per month. Customers who exceed their monthly limit are charged 5p per MB.

To cater for the heaviest users, Orange allows customers to pay what they use at a cost of 5.1p per MB. This will cap outgoings at £40 per month, so there's no need to worry about accidentally racking up a huge bill.

Three microSIM deals

Three offers pay as you go and one-month rolling contract iPad microSIM deals. Maximum usage on the former is 10GB per month for a monthly charge of £15. Or you can opt for 1GB for £7.50 per month.

Pas you go iPad microSIM deals from Three start at £10.49 for 1GB, which must be used within 30 days of purchase. A higher usage option gets you 3GB for £20.99, with three months to work your way through your allowance.

T-Mobile microSIM deals

Although T-Mobile is Orange's partner network, its iPad microSIM deals differ greatly. Choose T-Mobile for your iPad microSIM deal and you'll get 250MB per day for £2 or 500MB for £7, which must be used within seven days.

Opt for the one-month rolling contract deal and you'll pay £15 per month for 1GB monthly usage.

iPad microSIM deals sweeteners

As well as the terms of the deal itself, your choice of provider might also be influenced by the free additional services they offer customers.

For instance, people who choose an Orange iPhone SIM only deal get two for one cinema tickets with Orange Wednesdays. Free iPad apps are also provided. Orange pay monthly customers also get unlimited browsing at BT OpenZone and The Cloud WiFi hotspots. This is not extended to pay as you go customers, however.

O2 iPhone microSIM customers of all types also get unlimited WiFi access via hotspots across the UK operated by BT Openzone and The Cloud.

Can I use an iPad microSIM in my broadband laptop or netbook?

The microSIM is a brand new standard in mobile broadband technology and is not compatible with existing laptops, netbooks and other mobile broadband compatible devices. This means that you will not be able to use it in your existing dongle to get online as you would with standard SIM cards.

Can't find what you're looking for? Check out our SIM only iPad deals.