Sharing single data plan between multiple devices via 2+ SIM cards

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Sharing single data plan between multiple devices via 2+ SIM cards - Possible?

ipsi

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#69526 10-Oct-2010 02:47

Considering purchasing an iPad, and I'm wondering if I would be able to have a single prepay account (preferably), but two SIM cards - one being a Micro SIM for the iPad, and one being a regular SIM for my existing smartphone, and being able to share, say, a 10GB data plan between these two devices rather than having to purchase two 10GB plans. I suspect this is not possible, but it would be amazing if it was.

I'm currently a Vodafone customer, but will be moving over to 2D fairly shortly (regardless of the answer to this question).

scottjpalmer

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#390046 10-Oct-2010 07:21

Join the queue of many many people waiting for a provider to offer this.

At this stage, not possible.

sbiddle

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#390058 10-Oct-2010 08:33

No.

While many people want this there is no logical reason for an operator to slash revenue by offering this.

The closest option is Telecom's prepaid data options such as their 500MB offering which are all deducted as you use it rather than a montly fee like Vodafone and 2degrees.

Starplay

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#390081 10-Oct-2010 09:35

The only way I could see it possible is to clone your SIM card. Although Im not sure how you will get on with one SIM being 'standard' and the other being a micro SIM - It may cause some comoatibility issues.

The only problem that you would get with doing this is that both devices will use the same number... So all messages and calls will be received to both devices.

jjnz1

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#390086 10-Oct-2010 09:49

sbiddle: No.

While many people want this there is no logical reason for an operator to slash revenue by offering this.

The closest option is Telecom's prepaid data options such as their 500MB offering which are all deducted as you use it rather than a montly fee like Vodafone and 2degrees.

No logical reason?

At the moment, I am spending $10 per month per phone (2 of) for 100MBs each, and also $10 a month for a 100MB data stick.

I am also very conscious of my data usage because my nexus one can easily go over.

If Vodafone could offer me 2-3GB for $50 which could be used across my 3 sim cards, then I would buy into it.

I think it is logical, just not to some marketing person who doesn't look outside the square..
$30 vs $50? hmmmm.

richms

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#390145 10-Oct-2010 13:30

When I asked, the only way to do it was with a custom telemetery plan and not the normal retail plans. Setup costs for those were 1000s so it was not an option for personal use.

Richard rich.ms

sbiddle

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#390152 10-Oct-2010 13:42

Starplay: The only way I could see it possible is to clone your SIM card. Although Im not sure how you will get on with one SIM being 'standard' and the other being a micro SIM - It may cause some comoatibility issues.

The only problem that you would get with doing this is that both devices will use the same number... So all messages and calls will be received to both devices.

Both devices won't use the same number - they'll both be disconnected from the network very quickly and you'll find yourself with no service at all.

sbiddle

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#390154 10-Oct-2010 13:46

jjnz1:
sbiddle: No.

While many people want this there is no logical reason for an operator to slash revenue by offering this.

The closest option is Telecom's prepaid data options such as their 500MB offering which are all deducted as you use it rather than a montly fee like Vodafone and 2degrees.

No logical reason?

At the moment, I am spending $10 per month per phone (2 of) for 100MBs each, and also $10 a month for a 100MB data stick.

I am also very conscious of my data usage because my nexus one can easily go over.

If Vodafone could offer me 2-3GB for $50 which could be used across my 3 sim cards, then I would buy into it.

I think it is logical, just not to some marketing person who doesn't look outside the square..
$30 vs $50? hmmmm.

That's the exception rather than the norm. There is no logical reason from a business perspective because any gains in revenue would be cancelled out by people who use a single $30 plan over two devices for example rather than $30 plans on two devices.

For group/telemetry plans it stack up, but it's something I doubt we'll ever see for the average user for the reasons I've stated above, and I certainly haven't seen any major operator launch such a plan.

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richms

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#390156 10-Oct-2010 13:57

It was something I had hoped 2 degrees would offer, along with shared ballance between sims, but sadly they are just like every other lame prepay operator with how it works with one number one balance.

With how crap their 3g coverage is they need to fix that before they are viable for data anyway. XT FTW...

Richard rich.ms

ipsi

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#390168 10-Oct-2010 15:02

I think the key would really be how easy it is to do, and whether the reputation one might gain from it is worth the cost and the minor reduction in revenue.

In my case, I can simply tether my iPad to my Nexus One via WiFi, but having a second SIM would be significantly more convenient. As such, I would not be willing to pay twice.