Cheapest Apple Watch Cellular Connectivity

Ozbfan on 02/09/2021 - 22:57

Hi All,
I’m in the market for an apple watch, plan on getting the 7 when it comes out, ideally would like to get the cellular, however It seems it would cost me at least $40 per month for a mobile plan.

I currently pay about $10 a month on a catch plan and I’m happy with it, don’t want to pay $30 extra just for apple watch etc.

I was reading on the optus website that the potential exists (at least on their end) to buy the apple watch on a plan from them and link it with your number from another provider.

“However if your mobile service is with another provider then you need to confirm if they support number share and if any charges apply from their side.”

https://yescrowd.optus.com.au/t5/Apple/Can-you-number-share-…

Does anyone know of other cheap MVNO providers like catch etc who allow for number share?

Just wondering the cheapest way to get a apple watch cellular connection.

I did look at truphone, but you loose out on a whole lot of features by using family setup mode.

Mobile Apple Smartwatch

Comments

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 02/09/2021 - 23:17
    +3

    You need to move to Telstra, Vodafone or Optus to sign up to number share.

    Apple Watch SE would be the cheapest (current model) watch with cellular.

    • bdl on 03/09/2021 - 00:07
      +1

      You also need to be on a non-prepaid plan, correct?

      • Ozbfan on 03/09/2021 - 06:22
        -1

        Doesn’t have to be, does prepaid off number share?

  • cauilfield on 03/09/2021 - 00:08
    -2

    why do you need data on your watch?

    • Ozbfan on 03/09/2021 - 06:18

      More interested in the ability to make phone calls

      • cauilfield on 05/09/2021 - 23:03
        -1

        you can still make phone calls with non cell version as long as your phone is within the BLE range.

  • ronafios on 03/09/2021 - 06:26
    +1

    I've been down this road including contacting the ACCC (who had said in 2019 they were monitoring the situation). This was their response:

    "The ACCC has been monitoring e-SIM technology developments in Australia and considers the technology is likely to promote competition and greater consumer choice in the mobile sector.

    For Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to access the market, they need to work with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to invest in and develop the required IT platforms to support e-SIM technology. While Optus, Telstra and Vodafone have invested to enable e-SIM capability for their own retail services first, we understand that at least two MNOs are currently working with specific MVNOs to develop wholesale e-SIM functionality.

    As you note, large manufacturers are increasingly developing e-SIM enabled devices. However, the market is still relatively nascent. There is only a small proportion of devices currently in the Australian market that are entirely dependent on e-SIM technology: wearables such as the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. The latest mobile handsets typically offer a dual SIM system: they can operate with either a physical SIM card or an e-SIM. While e-SIM capability has not yet extended to MVNOs, consumers with these dual SIM devices are able to access single number plans from MVNOs which offer the relevant physical SIM.

    With more e-SIM only devices coming to the market and increased investment in IT capability, we will continue to monitor how the MNOs engage with the MVNOs to extend support for e-SIMs so that the competitive benefits of the technology are realised. In the event we identify concerns under the competitive conduct provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, we will investigate (where it meets our Compliance enforcement policy priorities) and take enforcement or compliance action where appropriate."

    • ronafios on 03/09/2021 - 06:31
      +1

      So, in other words, $40 per month or no Apple Watch cellular with number share. I did that through Vodafone for about 6 months and decided it was way too expensive for the small number of times it was useful, and went back to a cheap MVNO plan and used the watch bluetooth only. Otherwise it was basically costing me $250 per year.

      I sync podcasts and music to my watch which happens overnight when both phone and watch are on charge, and I haven't missed the cellular plan. I only use the watch without the phone when I'm exercising (and listen to music/podcasts) and can go 1 hour without being connected without too much FOMO.

      Truphone looks interesting but it seems like a different number?

      • SuperFly 420 on 03/09/2021 - 07:45

        How do you sync your music? Is that from Spotify?

      • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2021 - 07:55

        I walk my dog 1 hour a day and use streamlets radio app with AirPods, need cellular for that.

      • Ozbfan on 03/09/2021 - 21:11
        +1

        Yeah its pricey and seems like the MNO’s are restricting the the tech to control the market. The problem with truphone is its not just another number but the watch operates in family setup mode so it isn’t paired to the iphone and therefore many features don’t work.

        Thinking it may be best just to buy the cellular option and not worry about the esim and at least can call triple zero from it in an emergency.

  • tanksinatra on 03/09/2021 - 08:35

    Does anyone know of other cheap MVNO providers like catch etc who allow for number share?

    No. MVNO's don't have eSIM capability yet. MVNO's rely on the mobile network operator (MNO) for this capability. Given eSIM devices have been around since 2017, it does make you wonder what the MNO's are up to.

  • isthatallyougot on 03/09/2021 - 08:51

    I pay Vodafone 5 bucks a month to have data connectivity to my watch in addition to my phone plan.

  • cloudmonk on 03/09/2021 - 09:02

    Try https://www.truphone.com/au/consumer/esim-for-watch/

    It’s an independent plan from your primary service so no number share but it’s an option for data and calls if your on a cheap 12 month plan elsewhere.

    • Ozbfan on 03/09/2021 - 21:12

      You have to use family setup mode which removes many features from the apple watch :(

      • cloudmonk on 04/09/2021 - 14:32

        Oh really I didn’t know that

  • Quarter Pounder on 09/11/2022 - 21:13

    Any updates?

  • hellodealhunter on 03/02/2023 - 23:29

    If you want Apple cellular watch for your kid, which means a separate mobile number… the cheapest option seems truphone ($9.99 monthly or $99 yearly). I have started with truphone monthly plan for now. Truphone allows this only to be setup as family watch which means you cannot install many apps and can't use many features. Sleep tracking is an example.

    The following features and apps are not available: Medications, respiratory rate, irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Wrist Temperature, Blood Oxygen, Audiobooks, Remote, News, Home, and Shortcuts.

    Telstra, Optus or Vodafone has the options but you need to spend about $50/month.

    Anyone else got an economical option to have a separate number on Apple watch?

    • domarr20 on 08/01/2024 - 18:12

      and most importantly (for me) your apple pay will not work with Truphone

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