Tablets and tethering

[Anonymous]

Hello

Can I use an O2 SIM in my phablet to make and receive calls and texts? Some companies explicitly disallow it, whereas others permit it. It seems to be random.

Secondly, can I tether with my O2 SIM? Again some companies allow it and some don't, matter of luck.

Many thanks

[Anonymous]

Yes you should as long as the phablet is 3G/4G enabled & you have enough in your allowances 

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

You can tether on a contract sim but not PAYG.
Calls will only work if you have a tablet capable of making them, obviously.

[Cleoriff]

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@MI5 wrote:

Calls will only work if you have a tablet capable of making them, obviously.

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This is more the case @MI5 (Tablets capable of making calls) Not, as the OP states, 'companies explicitly disallowing them'?....

[Anonymous]

What phablet do you have @akis_tzortzis?

[MI5]

Even the tablets that can make calls aren't sold with calling plans on o2, so a different sim will be required to the one that comes on contract from o2, but there are no restrictions imposed.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5" LTE.

I was on Three, for many years, until I got this tablet and realised that Three explicitly disallow their SIMs to be used in tablets,

I then went to GiffGaff, which is based on O2, and for first time enjoyed 4G, really fast, really nice. I could use the SIM in my tablet, and I could tether as much as I liked (within my allowances of course).

But then I travel to Europe by car, and Giffgaff have nothing to make roaming in Europe any cheaper, no addons, no deals, nothing. That was very disappointing.

I am in search of another provider that will allow me to use my tablet, allow me to tether, and have addons or other means to make roaming in Europe cheaper, mainly using data.

I am now testing iD Mobile who have a plan for £15 that allows you to use your allowances in Europe and in other countries. It is a bit expensive and it is a 12 month contract, and I hate 12 month contracts. But I think it is the best there is in the UK right now. Even their "normal" plans are unbeatable: full 4G, 500mins, 3GB for £10 a month, tablets and tethering fully allowed.

[MI5]

You'll find O2 speeds a bit slow when roaming in EU.
Although you get "unlimited" data it's only designed for emails and basic social media.

[jonsie]

Let us know how you get on with iD Mobile. Data overseas with a tablet is difficult without using a local sim. Most data plans cover UK usage for tablets and I always prefer a local sim card to be honest. Mobiles are another matter however.

[Cleoriff]

Never heard of iD Mobile. I presume it has absolutely nothing to do with One Direction? (joking)