O2 is discontinuing its pay-as-you-go (PAYG) data SIM card service for iPads, effective January 31st. This means that customers who rely on these SIMs for internet access on their iPads will no longer be able to connect to mobile data networks. The decision affects thousands of O2 customers who utilized these SIM cards to browse the internet, stream content, and use apps on the go without relying on Wi-Fi connectivity. While the sale of these SIMs was halted last August, and the online account management portal closed in December, the complete cessation of service marks the final stage of the discontinuation process. O2 has advised affected customers to seek alternative data solutions, either by switching to another provider or opting for one of O2’s monthly data plans.
This change impacts customers who purchased long-term data allowances, such as the £30 12GB annual plan, as they will lose any remaining unused data. While O2 notified customers of the impending shutdown in November, the short notice period has left some with significant amounts of unused data. O2 is offering refunds for this unused data, and customers are encouraged to contact customer service to claim their remboursement. Although O2 has stated it communicated the change to affected customers, the sudden termination of the service leaves many seeking alternative data solutions for their iPads.
O2 offers several alternative options for customers wishing to maintain mobile data connectivity on their iPads. These include monthly, annual, or two-year data contracts, although these come with the caveat of fixed-term commitments and potential early termination fees. Alternatively, customers can use a standard PAYG phone SIM in their iPad, although this may include charges for unused voice minutes and texts. O2 recommends that customers evaluate their average data usage and use comparison websites to find the most suitable and cost-effective plan from other providers if they choose to switch. Negotiating with O2 based on competitor offers might also yield a better deal.
The market offers several competitive alternatives to O2’s discontinued PAYG iPad SIMs. Lebara, operating on the Vodafone network, provides a compelling introductory offer of 5GB for £1.20 for the first six months, increasing to £4.90 thereafter. TalkHome offers a 5GB data plan for £3.15 through MoneySavingExpert. Asda Mobile offers a non-auto-renewing 3GB plan for £5. Smarty provides a range of data-only plans starting at £5 for 2GB up to unlimited data for £20. GiffGaff, operating on the O2 network, also offers PAYG options, becoming more cost-effective for larger data requirements.
Customers seeking cost-effective data SIM cards for their iPads can explore various options. Lebara offers a pre-loaded unlimited data SIM for an initial purchase price of £12.50. Asda Mobile offers a £5 SIM with 3GB of data. GiffGaff provides a £10 SIM with 15GB of data. Comparison websites like Uswitch and MoneySavingExpert are invaluable resources for finding the best deals, often offering lower introductory rates than providers themselves. Amazon also sells pre-loaded data SIMs, such as a Three SIM with 80GB monthly data until August 2025 for £39.99.
When considering these alternatives, it’s crucial to check data usage limitations, rollover policies, and refund options for unused data. International roaming charges and network coverage in your area are also important considerations. Finally, consider whether mobile data is truly necessary, as downloading content for offline viewing on platforms like Netflix and Disney+ can eliminate the need for constant connectivity and ultimately save money. Furthermore, consumers can significantly reduce their mobile costs by purchasing phones outright, exploring smaller network providers, regularly comparing deals, and negotiating with their current provider, especially when travelling abroad frequently. These strategies, combined with careful consideration of data usage needs, can lead to substantial savings over time.
