Tethering means connecting your mobile phone to your computer, laptop or Internet ready device usually by USB connection or Bluetooth and sharing the data allowance that is allowed as part of your SIM only contract.
Be aware that some mobile networks allow you to tether using your allowance with no limitations, some allow tethering with data capped at certain levels and some networks will not permit tethering at all. Networks change policy quite regularly so it is worth visiting this page regularly to check if you are considering getting a SIM only plan with the main proviso being able to tether your data allowance.
SIM Only Tethering Deals
| Network Operator | Package Name | Contract Duration | Included Minutes | Included Texts | Added Extras | Monthly Cost | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Three Advanced Unlimited Data SIM Only 12 Mths | 12 Months | Unlimited | Unlimited | Free unlimited 4G data, roaming & personal Hotspot | £22.00 | see deal |
|
Three Advanced Unlimited Data SIM Only 24 Mths | 24 Months | Unlimited | Unlimited | Free unlimited 4G data, roaming & personal Hotspot | £20.00 | see deal |
|
Three Advanced Unlimited Data SIM Only 30 Days | 30 Days | Unlimited | Unlimited | Free unlimited 4G data, roaming & personal hotspot | £26.00 | see deal |
 |
50GB EE SIM Only | 12 months | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB of EE UK 4G (up to 60mbps) + EU roaming | £27.00 | see deal |
 |
Vodafone Red Entertainment SIM Only 50GB Plan | 12 months | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB of 4G data free + roaming + choice of free Spotify, Prime Video, Now TV | £32.00 | see deal |
Current Mobile Network Tethering Polices
Tethering Allowed
All of the following networks allow you to tether with no caps based on data usage (be sure to keep within the allocated data usage allowed on your plan otherwise you will be charged extra).
- o2
- Three
- EE
- Vodafone
Tethering Not Allowed
You are not allowed to tether your mobile phone SIM only data allowance on the following mobile networks.
- Virgin
Tethering Benefits
- By tethering your phone to your computer you can share the data allowance from your phone contract which means you can browse the Internet on your computer without a dedicated broadband connection.
- If you tether using a 4G tariff you could get download speeds that rival or even surpass your current home broadband speeds.
- Tethering saves you money because you don’t need a separate broadband contract for your computer or laptop – you can use your phone data allowance.
- Given the generous monthly minutes, texts on some SIM only deals and the fact that you would not need a dedicated broadband line you might not even need to get a landline (which is often only needed so you can get broadband) saving you even more money.
- By tethering your laptop it gives you the flexibility of being able to check emails and browse the Internet on your laptop on the move. Just don’t forget to bring your phone!
- The One Plan from Three used to permit unlimited data tethering with no caps imposed whatsoever, but this was recently discontinued (there are caps now on tethering via Three). However, you may want to keep an eye on this, as it is possible that this tariff could be re-introduced if there is enough of an outcry from unhappy current and prospective Three customers.