Unlimited Data SIM Only Deals

What is an unlimited data SIM?

Unlike SIM only deals with data cap allowances, an unlimited data SIM deal does not have any restrictions on the amount of data you can use.

You can stream as much Netflix as you like and download all the latest TV shows, without having to worry about going over your data allowances - you won’t run into any unexpected charges.

You will have to pay a slight premium for an unlimited data SIM, however they’re cheaper than ever, thanks to the cost of data continuously decreasing every year.

Do unlimited data SIM deals have fair usage policies?

Although unlimited data SIMs allow you to consume as much data as you’d like, most networks do have fair usage policies to prevent abuse.

Such fair usage policies are usually in place to prevent disruption to other customers. If you’re using too much data for extended periods, bandwidth may become limited in your area, which can affect the download speeds of other customers.

Asda Mobile unlimited data fair usage policy

Asda Mobile do not have any restrictions on the amount of data you can use. Their fair usage policy states you can only use your SIM for personal use, and not for any commercial or business purposes.

Asda Mobile have 3 different unlimited data plans. Their £20 and £25 plans have 2 Mbps and 10 Mbps speed restrictions, respectively. However, their £30 plan does not have any speed restrictions.

Giffgaff unlimited data fair usage policy

Giffgaff state in their fair usage policy that they monitor the amount of data customers use with unlimited data plans.

If you use more than 650GB data twice within a 6 month period, or regularly tether to 12 or more devices at once, you may be affecting the internet speeds of other giffgaff customers in your area.

If giffgaff believe your usage is impacting other customers, they may investigate your usage further. The fair usage policy states you cannot use your SIM for commercial and business purposes.

EE unlimited data fair usage policy

EE state they do not have any data caps or speed restrictions with their unlimited data plans, as long as you are using your SIM for personal use only.

However, the fair usage policy states they may think you are using your SIM for non-personal use if you tether to 12 or more devices regularly, and/or consistently exceed 600GB data per month.

If EE believes you are breaking the fair usage policy, they state that they may add traffic management controls to your plan, which usually consists of speed restrictions at peak times. Furthermore, they state they may move you to a business plan if they believe you are using your SIM for non-personal use.

iD Mobile unlimited data fair usage policy

There is no mention of data restrictions in the iD Mobile fair usage policy. However, the terms and conditions state you can only use your SIM for personal use, and not for business or commercial purposes.

Lebara unlimited data fair usage policy

As long as you are using your SIM for personal use, Lebera does not have a fair usage policy when using your unlimited data SIM in the UK. There are no limits on the amount of data you can use, and there are no speed restrictions.

O2 unlimited data fair usage policy

O2 state you can only use an unlimited data SIM for private use. Commercial and illegal usage is strictly prohibited.

Furthermore, if you regularly tether to 12 or more devices, or you use at least 650GB data twice within a 6 month period, they may investigate your usage patterns. If they believe you are using your unlimited data SIM for commercial purposes, they have the right move you to a business plan.

SMARTY unlimited data fair usage policy

SMARTY explicitly state in their terms and conditions that they do not have a fair usage policy for unlimited data SIMs, with no restrictions or speed limits for data.

However, you can only use a SMARTY unlimited data SIM for personal use, and not for business or other commercial purposes.

Tesco Mobile unlimited data fair usage policy

In the terms and conditions, Tesco Mobile state they have no restrictions on unlimited data SIM plans, as long as you are using your SIM for personal use only.

Three unlimited data fair usage policy

The Three website clearly states they do not have a fair usage policy for unlimited data SIMs, and you can use as much data as you’d like with no restrictions. If you plan on using your SIM for commercial purposes, you must switch to a Three business SIM plan.

Virgin Mobile unlimited data fair usage policy

Virgin Mobile do not have a fair usage policy for unlimited data SIMs, however they have an acceptable usage policy, which states you can only use your SIM for personal use. There is no mention of data caps or speed restrictions.

Vodafone unlimited data fair usage policy

Vodafone have three different unlimited data plans - Unlimited Lite, Unlimited and Unlimited Max.

Unlimited Lite plans are restricted to 2 Mbps download speeds, and Unlimited plans are restricted to 10 Mbps download speeds. There are no speed restrictions with Unlimited Max plans.

As for their fair usage policy, Vodafone have traffic management control, that may limit the speed of your data if you are negatively affecting other customers due to your excessive usage.

VOXI unlimited data fair usage policy

There is no mention of a fair usage policy for unlimited data SIMs in VOXI’s terms and conditions.

You can only use a VOXI unlimited data SIM for personal use.

Will I get unlimited data when roaming?

There are no restrictions when roaming in the UK, however most networks have data caps when roaming abroad and in the EU, even if you have an unlimited data SIM deal.

For more information, see our guide on roaming.

Are unlimited data SIMs really unlimited?

Yes, unlimited data SIM deals are really unlimited, and do not have any restrictions on the amount of data you can consume.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned networks from advertising as unlimited if they actually have restrictions on the amount of data you can use. Any network who is caught falsely advertising can be severely fined.

However, fair usage policies still apply. You cannot use an unlimited data SIM for business or commercial use. Furthermore, speed restrictions may apply if your usage is negatively affecting the speed and connectivity of other customers.

Will I need a credit check for an unlimited data SIM?

If you’re purchasing a 1 month unlimited data SIM deal, you won’t need a credit check.

However, if you’re purchasing a 12 month or longer contract, a credit check will most likely be performed, which will show up on your record. You’re less likely to be accepted for an unlimited data SIM on a long term contract if you have a poor credit score.

Will I get 5G with an unlimited data SIM?

Yes, all networks have 5G for their unlimited data SIM plans.

You’ll be able to download and stream as much as you’d like, at blazing fast speeds up to 1 Gbps. You must have a 5G phone to benefit.

However, some Asda Mobile and Vodafone have restrictions on speed for particular unlimited data plans, which negates the benefits of 5G.

Asda Mobile have 3 different unlimited data plans. Their £20 and £25 plans have 2 Mbps and 10 Mbps speed restrictions, respectively. However, their £30 plan does not have any speed restrictions, which allows you to benefit from maximum 5G speeds.

Vodafone Unlimited Lite plans are restricted to 2 Mbps download speeds, and Unlimited plans are restricted to 10 Mbps download speeds. There are no speed restrictions with Unlimited Max plans, meaning you receive full 5G speeds.

Will I get unlimited minutes and texts?

Yes, as of 2022, all unlimited data plans offered by networks also come with unlimited minutes and texts within the UK. However, restrictions may apply when roaming abroad.

Which networks have unlimited data plans?

The following networks sell unlimited data plans:

• Asda Mobile
• Giffgaff
• EE
• iD Mobile
• Lebara
• O2
• SMARTY
• Tesco Mobile
• Three
• Virgin Mobile
• Vodafone
• VOXI

Do I need a contract to get an unlimited data SIM?

No, most networks which sell unlimited data SIM deals also have 1 month plans, which allows you to cancel or change your tariff at any time.

30 day plans do not require you to sign a contract. These plans are ideal for those who have a low credit score, and for those who do not want to be tied down by a long term contract.

Can I tether to a laptop or tablet with an unlimited data SIM?

Yes.

A few years ago, some networks used to have restrictions when it came to tethering, with some banning the practice altogether.

However, all networks have now removed their restrictions on tethering, allowing you to tether to as many devices as you like.

Fair usage policies will still apply, which may limit your speed if excessive usage is negatively affecting other customers.

Do I need an unlimited data SIM?

Most people do not need an unlimited data SIM.

A recent study found the average person in the UK uses around 10GB data per month.

Even those who watch hours of Netflix on their phones are unlikely to exceed 100GB of data per month.

Unlimited data SIMs can be expensive, and may be an unnecessary premium. You may be able to save yourself some money by getting a SIM only deal with limited data.

However, unlimited data SIMs can offer peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about going over your allowances and potentially paying an expensive out of plan rate.

Most networks allow you to set caps on the amount of data you use. You can even set up alerts on your iPhone and Android phone for when you’re approaching a certain amount of data.

For more information, read our articles on how much data you need and how to use less data.

Are there any restrictions with unlimited data SIMs?

There are no restrictions on the amount of data you can use with unlimited data SIM deals. They offer truly unlimited data.

However, you can’t use your SIM for business or commercial purposes. You will need to purchase a business plan if this is the case.

Furthermore, most networks have fair usage policies in place, which may see your speed restricted if they think you are using excessive amounts of data that is affecting the performance of the overall network.

FAQs