As more and more people use cellular networks not only to make phone calls but also to access the Internet, the desire to use more than one connected device at the same time is on the rise. The problem: Paying a basic fee for each device and then maybe again for Internet access is often financially not very attractive. But even if you cross that bridge and end up with a couple of gigabytes included for one device and another couple of gigabytes for another device, in the end, you might not even use all the data included in one bucket despite having two devices.
A solution for some cases is a 3G to Wi-Fi Router which works well when devices are close together and you want to share access with a group of people. However, it doesn't work so well when on the move and using several devices at once. But here's an interesting solution:
I found out recently that most German operators offer so called “Multi-SIM” cards. All SIM cards, usually up to three, are registered to the same phone number and can be active simultaneously. Incoming calls are forwarded to all switched-on devices and and the call can be accepted or rejected with any of them.
I've had a look at the fine print of one operator and here, Internet use with a single monthly bucket, even simultaneously on more than one device, is explicitly allowed! Some operators want a one time activation charge for each SIM card, but monthly charges for all SIM cards on a single contract range between very modest and free. Very nice! This will solve a big issue for people with netbooks that have a built in 3G adapter and who want to use a smartphone or other wireless device at the same time. Throw a further slim phone into the equation that can be used with the thrid SIM card and the Multi-SIM approach becomes even better.
But that's Germany, are there similar offers in other countries?
