Ask Our Expert

Should I sign a contract to get a cheap iPad?

Our Broadband Expert says...

The Apple iPad is one of this Christmas’ most coveted gadgets, but with a starting price of more than £400 for the wi-fi only model, it’s an expensive gift.

But now mobile broadband providers have launched a range of 24-month contracts that offer the iPad from just £199 for the 16GB wi-fi + 3G model - usually worth £541.

You'll then pay a monthly fee for your 3G data allowance, allowing you to go online with your iPad wherever you are.

Three iPad contracts

Three mobile broadband (www.Three.co.uk) now offers three different iPad contracts depending on which model you choose.

Because the iPads come as part of a mobile broadband contract, Three only offers 3G-enabled models. You can get each iPad for a one-off cost, followed by monthly payments for your data allowance. The 16GB model costs £199, the 32GB iPad costs £249 and the biggest 64GB version costs £349 - instead of the £699 RRP.

All three deals come with a very generous 15GB monthly download allowance for £25 a month.

T-Mobile iPad contracts

T-Mobile broadband (www.T-Mobile.co.uk) only currently offers the 16GB wi-fi + 3G iPad, which costs £199 when you sign a 24-month contract. Existing customers can take advantage of a £2 monthly discount on their bill.

Packages come with a 1GB anytime data allowance and 1GB of “quiet time” data, which can be used between midnight and 10am.

Orange iPad contracts

Although Orange mobile broadband's (www.Orange.co.uk) iPad tariffs are the same as those offered by T-Mobile - since the companies have now merged - Orange offers all three 3G iPad models.

Like Three, Orange prices its iPads at £199, £249 and £349 for the 16GB, 22GB and 64GB models.

However, its priceplans are the same as those offered by T-Mobile, with a 1GB anytime plus a 1GB “quiet time” allowance (between midnight and 10am) for £27 a month - with a £2 discount for existing customers.

Orange users also get “unlimited” access to the BT Openzone wireless hotspot network, allowing you to connect to a hotspot for a faster internet connection without using up your mobile broadband allowance.

Are iPad contracts good value?

Although an iPad contract can help to spread the cost of the device, so you don’t have to shell out so much cash in one go, you might end up paying more over the course of a two-year contract.

For example, taking the 16GB iPad from Orange or T-Mobile costs a total of £847 over 24-months (£199 for the iPad plus £27 a month for your data allowance).

But if you were to purchase a 16GB 3G iPad separately for £529, and take an equivalent £10 a month sim-only iPad deal from O2 mobile broadband (www.O2.co.uk), this would save £78 over the two-year period.

You would also have the added benefit of a rolling one-month contract that can be easily cancelled if you're not satisfied.

Despite this, you might feel that the ease of being able to spread your payments over two-years makes the 24-month contract worth it.

Michael Phillips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk says: “The Three plan makes sense if you want to have an iPad and are a committed tablet device user who will get a lot of use from the iPad.

“Though a drawback of Three is that, unlike the Orange and T-Mobile equivalent, their iPad data plan does not include wi-fi hotspot access which can offer better speed and signal strength compared to 3G when out and about.”

Should I buy my iPad outright?

Because of the lengthy 24-month contract, which could make you miss out on better deals over the next two years, Phillips recommends buying your iPad separately if you can, and then getting a mobile wireless device on a rolling contract.

“This will allow you to connect devices including your iPad, iPod touch, laptop and others without signing up to a 24-month contract,” he said. “Another benefit is you will be able to take advantage of cheaper data deals when they are launched.”

NB Best buy tables are always current.

Examples in the text of the article are correct at time of publication.

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please get in touch with us here

Compare broadband deals

Save up to £363* when you include TV and calls with your broadband

CLOSE [X]

*Enter your postcode to find the best broadband deals in your area. We value your privacy, please see our privacy policy.

Why we need your postcode