I recently compiled a table comparing the different type of mobile prepaid plans in Malaysia. I then remembered that there is another segment of prepaid plan called the mobile prepaid broadband segment. This segment is targeted at users who just need data, usually a large amount, without the need for calls and sms. It can either be for their home, which unfortunately for them has no access to fiber or ADSL, or a data plan on the go to be shared with a number of people. One would need a LTE router or a mobile dongle and data is accessed using wifi, although technically any phone with mobile hotspot feature works as well.

However, the line between a typical mobile prepaid plan and mobile broadband plan has blurred in recent times. Mobile plans these days come with option of buying a large amount of data. However, please be aware that some plans do not include sharing of data with others, or comes with limited amount of hotspot data. For example, U Mobile's GX30 Giler Unlimited Plan, though technically comes with unlimited data, only comes with 3GB mobile hotspot quota to be shared with others. This plan would not be suitable to be used for sharing data.

One thing that just about everybody cannot survive these days is a sim card to go with their smartphone. It enables the person to make and receive call and SMS, and most importantly, send and receive data for internet browsing, messaging and to get their social media fix.

The majority would go for a prepaid plan. As the name implies, you would first have to add credit to your plan and use your credit to make calls, send SMS or use data. It gives you more control over the how much you spend based on what you need.