In this article, we explain the various data subscription options available at Thingsdata and help you determine the best choice for your specific needs. Here are the monthly subscription forms: pooled, unpooled, pay-as-you-go, tiered structure, and prepaid.
The difference between a pooled and unpooled data subscription
A pooled data bundle combines the data allowances of all active SIM cards into one pool. For example, 10 SIM cards with 1GB each create a 10GB pool. These SIM cards can share this data pool, allowing for flexible usage. Each SIM card has a fixed monthly price and data allocation, making it easy to manage overall consumption.
An unpooled data bundle assigns a separate data allowance to each SIM card, which cannot be shared. This means each SIM card uses its own data bundle independently.
When to choose a pooled or unpooled data bundle subscription
Organizations typically choose pooled data bundles when their SIM cards have similar data usage, allowing them to share data and avoid overages. This approach is cost-efficient. Unpooled subscriptions are ideal when you need detailed insights into the data usage of each SIM card, such as for separate billing or management purposes, especially if different departments or projects have their own budgets.
What is a Pay-As-You-Go subscription?
A pay-as-you-go subscription charges you based on the data consumed by each active SIM card per month. It includes a fixed monthly access fee and a cost per MB of data used.
When to choose a Pay-As-You-Go subscription
This option is ideal for organizations with unpredictable data usage or those just starting out. It helps avoid high costs by charging only for the data used. As data consumption patterns become clearer, you can switch to a pooled data bundle. Pay-as-you-go is also suitable for seasonal usage or as a backup connection.
What is a tiered structure?
In a tiered structure, the subscription price varies based on the amount of data used. Each SIM card has a variable monthly price, with the cost per MB decreasing as data usage increases.
When to choose a tiered structure
This structure is beneficial for organizations with occasional high data usage, allowing them to save on data costs. As data usage increases, the cost per MB decreases, making it a cost-effective option for high data consumption.
What is a prepaid subscription?
With a prepaid subscription, you pay for connectivity upfront. You only pay for the data amount you choose, and you need to recharge the data bundle once it is consumed.
When to choose a prepaid subscription
This option is chosen by organizations looking to control costs, as it prevents overspending beyond the budget. It is also convenient as it does not require a contract, offering flexibility and ease of management.
More information
With these options, your organization can save money and avoid costly overruns, ensuring no surprises when the monthly bill arrives. For more information on the various options, contact us at +31 85-0443500 or email info@thingsdata.com.
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