Apple released the new iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air 6 this week, sparking a wave of new iPad purchases after recent sales slump.
One of the strengths of the iPad is its portability, a key component of which is cellular connectivity. But is always-on connectivity worth the extra cost Apple introduces to its cellular models? If so, how can you find the best carrier deal for your data plan?
Do you need a cellular plan for your iPad?
It has become common these days for smartphone cellular plans to include hotspot support without any additional costs. charge. This means you can connect to your iPhone's cellular network on the go from any other device, such as an iPad. This connection does not require the purchase of a cellular-enabled iPad.
The main disadvantage of connecting an iPad via a hotspot is that it simply isn't the most reliable. Your experience may vary, but I've encountered too many instances where I need to connect to my iPhone from a Mac or iPad and it just doesn't work.
If you plan to only occasionally take your iPad out of areas Wi-Fi, then using a hotspot on your iPhone will probably work for those rare outings. As a result, you don't have to buy a cellular-enabled iPad. Just know that your hotspot can fail you at the worst possible time.
However, if you plan to regularly take your iPad on the go, it is highly recommended that you use a cellular iPad with an appropriate data plan.
How should you buy a cell phone plan? Start with a telecom operator you already know.
Check your iPhone carrier first
In most cases, whichever carrier you choose use for your smartphone, there is an additional tablet option that you can use.
Sometimes this means your iPad will simply be added to your plan as a compatible device and will use the existing data pool you pay for, while other times the iPad will get its own dedicated data plan.
In any case, if you're happy with your iPhone carrier, you should at least start the purchasing process by seeing what iPad support is like.
The best standalone cell option
Sometimes you may find that your iPhone carrier charges an obscene amount of money to add iPad support. Or perhaps they don't have an additional option at all.
I recently found myself in this situation after ordering a new iPad Pro M4. So I started looking for the best standalone cellular plan for iPad. Here's what I found.
Tello is a US carrier that uses T-Mobile's network as an MVNO and offers really attractive and flexible plans for iPad users. They fully support eSIM, which buyers of the new iPad will need. Because they use T-Mobile's network, there is reliable 5G coverage. They don't have a long contract or other commitments because all their plans are monthly.
Besides all of the above, the main advantages of Tello are its prices and the range of options it provides. Here are the different offline data options compatible with iPad:
- 1 GB: $5 per month
- 2 GB: $6 per month
- 5 GB: $10/month
- 10 GB: $15/month
- 15 GB: $20/month
- Unlimited: 25 USD per month
There is a price for everyone, no matter your needs. And it's important to note that these are not just introductory offers for new customers. These are standard Tello prices. Even at the highest data levels, these prices are hard to beat elsewhere.
Are you planning to buy a cellular-enabled iPad? Which carrier are you planning to use? Let us know in the comments.
