Tablet with Internet: which is the best subscription for iPad & Co?
If you want to use your iPad or another tablet on the go, you need access to the Swiss mobile network (4G or 5G). Comparis shows you how to find a suitable and cost-effective subscription.
10.11.2022
iStock/Xsandra
1. How do I find the best plan for my iPad?
Alternatively, you could also choose a classic mobile phone plan with calling, texting and internet options. But: Android tablets and iPads do not offer a stand-alone phone and SMS function. With a mobile phone subscription, you pay for services you don’t need.
Does my iPad need a SIM slot?
In order to use your iPad via mobile network, it must be connected to a SIM card slot or eSIM available. Otherwise, you can only connect the tablet to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
Do you only use the tablet in places with Wi-Fi anyway – for example at home? Then you do not need your own subscription for the device.
How much data do I need per month?
The amount of data you need and whether you need a data package or a flat rate depends strongly on your usage behaviour. Generally speaking, if you use streaming services or watch HD videos from time to time whilst on the go, your subscription should include more gigabytes per month. If you use such data-intensive services for several hours a month, a mobile flat-rate subscription is quickly worthwhile.
What mobile Internet speed do I need?
The speeds for mobile data subscriptions are very different. Which one you need depends on your usage pattern.
Text messages (e.g. Whatsapp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger)
Receive and send emails (e.g. Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo Mail)
Browsing websites (e.g. comparis.ch)
Search engine services (e.g. Google)
Music streaming (e.g. Spotify)
4K/UHD-quality video streaming (e.g. Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+)
Video conferencing/video calling
Do I need a subscription with 5G?
More and more mobile providers are offering subscriptions with the pioneering 5G mobile communications standard. Under ideal conditions, users surf a hundred times faster than with 4G.
However, subscriptions with 5G reception are not always faster. Providers can throttle reception. Then, despite 5G, the maximum bandwidth is not available. Therefore, check the Internet speed offered before subscribing.
2. Can I buy an iPad with subscription?
If you choose a classic mobile phone subscription, you will usually receive selected mobile phones much cheaper. Several vendors offer the same principle for tablets as well. So you can get iPads and other tablets at a discount or even free if you choose a subscription model. However, you ultimately pay for the device via the monthly subscription rate.
iPads and tablets in the subscription model
These providers offer iPads and tablets in the subscription model (as of October 2022):
| Provider | Brands | Minimum term |
|---|---|---|
| salt | Apple, Lenovo, Alcatel | 24 months |
| Sunrise | Apple, Lenovo, Alcatel | 24 months |
| Swisscom | Apple, Samsung, Alcatel | 12 or 24 months |
| Mobilezone (only available in German, French, Italian) | Apple, Samsung | 12 or 24 months |
3. Second SIM card for current mobile phone subscription
With selected mobile phone providers, you can choose a paid multidevice option in addition to your existing mobile phone subscription. You will receive a second SIM card and can surf mobile for free with your iPad or other tablet.
| Provider | Additional costs | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Swisscom | CHF 10.–/month | Same as mobile plan |
| Digitec connect | CHF 5.–/month | 150 to 300 Mbps |
| Sunrise | CHF 10.–/month | 100 Mbit/s |
This article was first published on 25.05.2010
