You have heard about Rain, South Africa’s data only network, but how does a Rain SIM card work? With more and more of South Africa becoming connected to the internet via mobile devices, it’s not surprising that a lot of people are looking for affordable and reliable data solutions. Rain is the country’s data only network and they have been attracting a lot of attention over the past few years. Indeed, Rain gains thousands of customers every day. They also lose hundreds every day, but that’s another story altogether. So, how do you use a Rain SIM card?
How to use a Rain SIM card?
A Rain SIM card works just like another other SIM from any of the South Africa’s mobile network operations. If you have ever used a SIM from MTN, Vodacom, Cell C or Telkom, then you know what we are talking about. The only difference is that Rain is data only. You cannot make calls using the Rain SIM card, except over the internet using VOIP applications such as Zoom and Skype.
We have a previous article in which we showed you where to buy a Rain SIM. After you have made your purchase, you will need to register the SIM. That can be done online. Once your Rain SIM has been registered, you can start using it. But where do you use it?
Where to use a Rain SIM?
You can use a Rain SIM card in your phone, or in a WiFi router. A lot of people use these SIM cards in MiFi routers. If you have a Rain 5G SIM card, then you can only use it in a 5G router. When you sign up for 5G, Rain will provide you with a 5G router.
The router remains Rain’s property, and you will have to return it should you decide to cancel your Rain account. How you use your Rain SIM depends on the plan that you have chosen.
Here is how to get Rain 5G
Available Rain plans
So far we have answered the question how does a Rain SIM card work. It was noted that a Rain SIM works like any other SIM. You need to put it into a phone or into a router to start using it. However, for that to work, you need to be subscribed to one of their data plans. But which plans are available at Rain?
Rain unlimited for any device
If you opt for this plan, then you can use your Rain SIM card in any device. It’s great for those looking to use their Rain SIMs either in phones or in routers. Note that this is a 4G plan. It currently costs R499 per month, though you can join for R1 at the moment.
With this plan, you get speeds of up to 10 Mbps. That’s enough for almost every use. Check out our article on the internet speeds that are needed for YouTube. Also learn how about the speed requirements for Showmax. You will see based on that information that this plan is good.
19 hours unlimited off-peak for any device
This is another of the 4G plans that are available at Rain. Like the plan outlined above, you can use your Rain SIM in any device if you sign up for this plan. That means in phones, tablets, routers and MiFi devices.
The 19 hours unlimited off-peak for any device gives you 19 hours of unlimited off-peak data per day. The off-peak period is between 11pm and 6pm.
Unlimited 4G for phones
The final 4 plan is the unlimited 4G for phones. If you choose this plan, you will only be able to use your SIM in a phone and not in a router or in a MiFi device. With this plan, you cannot hotspot. You can only make data calls. So, it’s something to keep in mind.
5G plans from Rain
Rain has several 5G plans. Note that your Rain 5G SIM is meant to only work in a fixed setting. It’s not to be used in a mobile configuration. As such, the plans that are there are for the home or for the office.
They have the Unlimited home 5G basic, the Unlimited home 5G standard, and the Unlimited home 5G premium plans. These plans are great for those looking for ultra fast internet connectivity.
Summary: How does the Rain SIM card work?
So, how does the Rain SIM card work? That’s the question that we set out to answer in this article. It was noted that Rain SIM cards work like all other mobile phone SIM cards. They can be used in phones, in routers and in MiFi devices.
How you use yours depends on the plan that you have signed up for. Rain is great for those looking for fast internet. Their 5G offering is a great alternative to those that are offered elsewhere. Rain does have it’s share of detractors, however.