What are my options after 24gb Prepay data sim used up?

[Justanotheruser]

I have a 24gb 24m data only sim that i have had about 2 months and i have nearly used all the data and now looking at the next option (doesn't expire till March 27)

When i click on the buy add on one of my options is :

3v PAYG MBB 120GB 12M and a one time £60

My question is what exactly is this as it has no description ? Is it?

120GB over 12M eg 10GB per month or something else

and would this work in my phone where the sim currently is being used as a personal hotspot/data sim

[Justanotheruser]

Hi Sorry not been online.

No I didn't but have just checked now and it's offering me 120GB over 12M for £40 not sure if when I need it will still be there as maybe a month or so and guess can only buy when used the remainder of this original sim.

Would be good to get clarity on that without having to do online char

[ChrisAO]

Well that's an improvement on the 3V version that was removed!

The following have now been added -

PAYG MBB 10GB 1M £10.00 one time - same as 3V was.
PAYG MBB 120GB 12M £40.00 one time - the 3V version was £60
PAYG MBB 15GB 3M £20.00 one time - same as 3V was.
PAYG MBB 50GB 12M £60.00 one time - the 3V version was £65.

A definite improvement but still not as competitive as the Dara Packs on Standard PAYG, nor do they include any Minutes or Texts despite the misleading link on the MBB Home page when you log into the App saying they do! AND none of the reps have managed to come back and apart from the price and amount of data, say what the difference is between Data on a Standard PAYG SIM and a MBB SIM!

[Justanotheruser]

So further to this I am now close to using all my 24gb data that was included in the sim.

So looked at adding the 120GB  £40 12M option and it says.unable to add another data pack to my account as only allowed one data pack.

So my question is does that mean till the full 24GB has been used or until that data plan expires in 2027?

[ChrisAO]

Ah, oh dear I missed the fact that this was a 24month data pack, so I'm afraid it looks like you are up a gum tree and on the current SIM could only use Data Add-ons which are even poorer value.

Add-ons (whilst you've got a Data Pack but used all data)
1 Day Unlimited Data Add-on £5.00 one time
1GB Data SIM Add-on £10.00 one time
3GB Data SIM Add-on £15.00 one time
7GB Data SIM Add-on £25.00 one time

If the phone number on the SIM is important to you, you may have to Port to another provider for a few days/weeks and then Port back to Three if you want to use Three BUT on a NEW SIM, what I don't know is if you have to start with one of those Data Starter packs before you can buy one of the others. The 1GB for £10 is the shortest for 1 month.

AND a further BUT, ask yourself this, do you need a MBB SIM or will a Standard PAYG SIM do?
I wish @PeteG would come back and confirm what the difference was between Data on a MBB SIM and Data on a Standard PAYG SIM, I know what one source told me but I want to see if that can be confirmed "independently".

If you don't need the phone number and just want loads of data more or less all the time, I was pointed in the direction of scancom, two users have said they've had no problems with them. The best deal atm seems to be on the Sale page - Three 80GB preloaded pm expiry May2026 for a one-off £19.98, don't know if code 20%OFF3 would still work to get it for less.

[Justanotheruser]

Thanks for coming back to me.

The number isn't that important to me to be honest I use it as a way of a cheap coffee on the way to work one morning a week.

If I have to wait till 2027 to be able to do anything I may as well stop using it for a bit as not sure if I use all the data and dont buy the expensive add ons if the number will stop allowing me to use the Three+ coffee options.

I keep looking at those SCANCOM SIM deals but not being a business/sole trader  puts me off getting them incase of any repercussions.

Unfortunately I am not sure I trust the live chat or my local store to give me the correct information as my local store didn't even know they did this type of prepaid data SIM and think they would just try to sell me a mobile broadband contract instead.

The whole idea of this SIM was to use as a SIM to use out and about and to pay upfront for it and not interfere with my main phone contract with another provider.

I only use this as the data speeds.at home are a lot faster than my home WiFi for one reason or another and allows the kids to stream on there gadgets when I work from home.

I guess could always try SMARTY but again not a prepaid SIM a monthly outgoing.

[ChrisAO]

Try that scancom deal for Three 80MB p.m expiry May2026 after all it's only £20. Two users told me they've had no issues. Don't know if you get the £1 coffee on business deals though!

I did try looking at whether you could effectively make Smarty a simple PAYG after the first month, but not sure if it can be done. Would need to look at it all again sometime in more detail.

[Justanotheruser]

I think I may have to do that,If I was to do that then if I was to use my 2 yr SIM sparingly then may last till April 27 and still get the £1 coffee

They also do a 25GB a month for approx 12 Months for a similar value,my only concern is they say for businesses only that is what is putting me off.

[ChrisAO]

Go for the bigger one, it's better value! As mentioned two users have told me they have not had any problems. IF they happen to ask/check, you are a sole trader!!

[ChrisAO]

It should work in your phone as the SIM currently works, BUT OTHERWISE

I have exactly the same question, and why isn't there info when you select "more info"

I'd guess there was no specific limit per month, use what you want over 12m until all data used. If that's before the end of the 12 month and you want more data you have to use an (expensive) Add-on, as with all Data Packs.

[Justanotheruser]

Thanks, i am hoping its 120GB over 12 months it is a bit frustrating that "More Info " doesn't actually mean it, I may try and find my local 3 store and ask them my options.