Connectivity (Overview)

There are a range of ways a person can connect their device to the internet. It is important that you consider this when you're deciding what kind of device you're choosing for them. Some options give more flexibility in terms of where they can be used.

Types of connectivity

Sim cards only: sim cards are best used for phones. This gives flexibility to the person using the device as they can use it anywhere. Before you commit to a provider, use their website to check their coverage in the area the person lives in to make sure that they'll get a signal. Sim cards can also be used in LTE-enabled tablets, although these tablets will cost more money to purchase than a wi-fi-only tablet.
Mi-fi: a mi-fi (mobile wi-fi) is a small device that operates like a router many of us have in our own homes. They are portable devices that use a sim card rather than a fibre cable or phone line. This means that the mi-fi device can be easily unplugged and taken to another location. Again, check the provider's website to ensure that the person will get a good signal. A mi-fi is useful for tablets and laptops. It also allows multiple people in one household to connect to the internet at the same time.

Considerations

When you consider connectivity, there are three big questions to consider that will impact both the cost and how freely a person uses their connectivity:

Data allowance: data can be a difficult concept to explain to someone. Different tasks use different amounts of data e.g. opening a webpage or streaming an episode of a TV show. Unlimited data means that the person doesn't have to worry about running out of data in the middle of the month. It also means that it's another utility that the person has to ration and prioritise some tasks over others. You will need to consider the types of activities a person will be likely to do with their device and connectivity when making this decision. Many devices will need to download updates when they are first activated. To save data consider connecting the device to office wi-fi to download these updates.
Contract or pay-as-you-go: Some of the options we can provide through Digital Lifelines are managed contracts. This means that a contract is purchased and paid for in advance, then transferred to your organisation to manage. This can provide a longer-term connectivity option for those you work with. The alternative option is pay-as-you-go sim cards, which can be provided with pre-loaded data at a set limit. Once this data has been used up the person, or our organisation, will need to provide a top-up. Contracts can be more beneficial for someone who is engaging longer term with your service, whereas a pay-as-you-go option may be less risk for someone accessing crisis support and requires a short-term option.
Duration: For the contract connectivity options provided through Connecting Scotland, the options are 12 months or 24 months. You will need to consider how long you wish to provide connectivity.

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Last updated 10 months ago

Connectivity (Overview)

Types of connectivity

Sim cards only: sim cards are best used for phones. This gives flexibility to the person using the device as they can use it anywhere. Before you commit to a provider, use their website to check their coverage in the area the person lives in to make sure that they'll get a signal. Sim cards can also be used in LTE-enabled tablets, although these tablets will cost more money to purchase than a wi-fi-only tablet.
Mi-fi: a mi-fi (mobile wi-fi) is a small device that operates like a router many of us have in our own homes. They are portable devices that use a sim card rather than a fibre cable or phone line. This means that the mi-fi device can be easily unplugged and taken to another location. Again, check the provider's website to ensure that the person will get a good signal. A mi-fi is useful for tablets and laptops. It also allows multiple people in one household to connect to the internet at the same time.

Considerations

When you consider connectivity, there are three big questions to consider that will impact both the cost and how freely a person uses their connectivity:

Data allowance: data can be a difficult concept to explain to someone. Different tasks use different amounts of data e.g. opening a webpage or streaming an episode of a TV show. Unlimited data means that the person doesn't have to worry about running out of data in the middle of the month. It also means that it's another utility that the person has to ration and prioritise some tasks over others. You will need to consider the types of activities a person will be likely to do with their device and connectivity when making this decision. Many devices will need to download updates when they are first activated. To save data consider connecting the device to office wi-fi to download these updates.
Contract or pay-as-you-go: Some of the options we can provide through Digital Lifelines are managed contracts. This means that a contract is purchased and paid for in advance, then transferred to your organisation to manage. This can provide a longer-term connectivity option for those you work with. The alternative option is pay-as-you-go sim cards, which can be provided with pre-loaded data at a set limit. Once this data has been used up the person, or our organisation, will need to provide a top-up. Contracts can be more beneficial for someone who is engaging longer term with your service, whereas a pay-as-you-go option may be less risk for someone accessing crisis support and requires a short-term option.
Duration: For the contract connectivity options provided through Connecting Scotland, the options are 12 months or 24 months. You will need to consider how long you wish to provide connectivity.

PreviousLaptops (Options)NextConnectivity (Options)

Last updated 10 months ago