Mobile data is getting too cheap to meter - free bandwidth is here

A few months ago, I wrote about how data is so cheap it is being given away. Mobile network Three were offering £10 data SIMs which came with 200MB of zero-cost data.

Recently, I've found another free provider of data, with an intriguing price-plan.

RWG Mobile are a Welsh MVNO who use EE as their backhaul. As well as the usual high-end plans, they also have this at the lower end.

Yup! A free SIM with 50 UK minutes / SMS included. Think about how much calling and texting you do each month. For me, the majority is over IP using Signal or Skype. I do less than an hour per month on hold to old-fashioned landline companies. My data usage is minimal at the moment - I'm on WiFi while I'm WFH, and most trains and shops have free WiFi too.

Could I survive on only 250MB? Probably! Their £1 per month (!!) price plan takes that up to half a gig. For comparison, my GiffGaff SIM costs £6 for the same amount of data (albeit unlimited calls).

I ordered a free SIM - it came with a letter in Welsh and English - popped the SIM into my 2nd slot and... it works! I could make calls to free phone numbers straight away, but had to email them to activate it for data.

I have crap EE coverage where I am, but it has proved useful when out and about. As a backup SIM, it's perfect. Even at £1 per month, it's probably worth having just in case you find yourself somewhere where only EE has coverage.

Please don't abuse this service - they're a small company trying something innovative.

But this really does open up mobile to so many more people. You can now get a cheap, no-name Android device for under £50 and a year of basic service for £12. Living in the future is amazing.