The best tariff for children's smart watches. Comparison of MTS, Megafon, Tele2, Beeline

Smart children's watches are a very useful gadget, primarily for parents. With their help, you will always know where your child is and will be able to contact him as soon as necessary. And losing such a watch, which fits tightly on your hand, is much more difficult than losing a phone. But it’s not enough to buy them for your child, you also need to choose the right tariff, because without the Internet this device will only show the time.

What qualities should the best tariff for children's watches have? The most important aspect is the amount of available Internet traffic. To track your child's location, you need at least 200 MB per month, preferably with the option to renew if necessary. If the device has a camera, then for exchanging photos or video calls on the Internet you will need even more - at least 500 MB.

Well, the subscription fee, of course, should not be extortionate. Tariffs paid for at once for a year are cheaper, so their availability is a significant plus for those who want to save money. Now let's look at the current offers of our mobile operators and decide which tariff for children's watches to choose in 2021.

Why does a watch need a SIM card?

Let's start with the fact that not all watches that manufacturers position as “smart” have the ability to install a SIM card.

There is a category of watches “for entertainment” - they do not allow you to locate your child or call him. When choosing a watch, be sure to pay attention to this nuance. A toy watch may be visually attractive and cheap, but it will not help a child in a difficult situation.

There is also a category of watches that are sold with a built-in SIM card. You will not be able to change the operator or tariff. Therefore, before purchasing, check which cellular networks a particular device works with and whether it is possible to replace the SIM card.

Reference

The location of the device is determined by three methods. GPS shows the highest accuracy . For this method, the error outdoors ranges from 5 to 50 m. But indoors, the error can be up to 500 m, which is why many watch models are additionally equipped with an LBS and Wi-Fi network scanner.

• LBS (Location-based service) determines geolocation using the nearest cell tower, and the more towers the operator has in the area, the more accurately the location is displayed.
• A Wi-Fi scanner works well indoors and helps correct coordinates outdoors. At the same time, the operation of the scanner does not depend on whether the nearest network is password-protected or not.

Regardless of the method used to determine the location, an Internet connection is required to transfer coordinates to a third-party device (for example, to a parent’s phone).

Cellular communication in the watch allows (if children's GPS watches have these functions):

• track watch locations;
• make regular and video calls;
• use the Surround Sound function;
• attract the child’s attention with a loud signal (you can find a watch in the same way if the child “put it somewhere”);
• receive notifications if your child takes off their watch;
• receive notifications when a child enters and leaves a safe zone;
• use the SOS button;
• use a pedometer.

Please note that watch functionality may vary. And more doesn't always mean better. Before buying a watch, determine the functions that your child will use and those characteristics that are important to you. Perhaps your priority will be to have a large battery capacity rather than having a built-in camera (most models have very mediocre shooting quality). Some parents also believe that clock games and even calculator games can have a negative impact on a student's academic performance. For example, video calls will waste Internet traffic, and this will affect the family budget.

You can compare current watch models and choose the most suitable ones in terms of price and functionality using our detailed and honest review.

Criteria for choosing a tariff plan

The Smart Baby Watch, like a number of other similar devices, allows owners to send and receive SMS messages, make and answer calls, chat by sending short texts, emoticons or voice messages. Models with GPS sensors that support the location tracking function work more accurately if they are connected to the Internet and determine the child’s location via LBS and Wi-Fi.

Therefore, the tariff plan must ensure the functionality of all these functions and contain:

1. Package of minutes or per minute rate for calls
2. SMS package or the ability to pay for each message sent
3. Limited or unlimited internet package or the ability to pay per kB or MB

Please note that almost all smartwatches work with a 2G network, and only the top-end latest models support 3G. If it is possible to choose a tariff plan with suitable parameters, it is worth doing so and not overpaying for unnecessary speed. If available operators in your region do not offer such a service, choose 3G, the gadget will independently select the necessary network parameters.

How to choose a tariff?

Not all plans are created equal for smartwatches. If you have a SIM card freed up from another gadget, this does not mean that it (even if you change the tariff) will suit you. Some good tariffs are valid only with a newly purchased SIM card (you cannot install it on an old one).

Moreover, most children's watches only work on 2G networks. So check the 2G coverage in your locality on the operator's website. Perhaps the child often visits his grandmother in the summer - make sure that there is stable coverage in the territory of her city or village. If you often visit another region, check the network availability there too.

For example, in Moscow and the Moscow region, operators such as YOTA and Tele2 do not operate in 2G networks. It should be noted that more than 15 virtual operators operate on the Tele2 network. Among them are projects of Rostelecom, Sberbank, Tinkoff Bank, TransTelecom, MTT, Virgin Connect, Vtel, SPRINT, Center2M, MSNA. This means their 2G coverage also does not extend to the capital.

You can check coverage using the following links:

• MTS https://mts.ru/
• Beeline https://beeline.ru (switch in the upper left corner to the “coverage map” tab)
• Megafon https://megafon.ru
• Tele2 https://tele2.ru
• Tinkoff Mobile https://www.tinkoff.ru
• YOTA https://www.yota.ru

Internet traffic consumption per month for watches (depending on the capabilities of the model and user activity) averages 30 – 100 MB. Considering that most smartphone plans include 1GB or more of data, the amount needed for a watch seems negligible. Therefore, parents of young owners of wrist gadgets can pay attention to tariffs without a subscription fee. But the cost of a megabyte can vary significantly between different operators - from 1.8 rubles (for Tele2) to 11 rubles (Beeline’s “Second” tariff).

There are special rates for smart devices. They are affordable, but the number of MB in the package may be less than 100.

How else can you save on communication fees?

Some parents turn off constant location monitoring and use the watch mainly for calling their child. But others are extremely active in “exchanging traffic” with the children’s gadget.

Voice messages or video calls take up more traffic. If you plan to actively use SMS (receive notifications from your watch), choose a tariff that includes this feature in the form of a free monthly package. When choosing a tariff, consider your needs and habits.

Operators offer so-called “family” tariffs: you can connect several SIM cards, television, home Internet in a package and exchange traffic, calls and SMS between SIM cards. If you already use such a service, it will be more profitable for you to connect an additional SIM card to the package rather than getting a new one.

To work with the watch, the SIM card should not have a PIN code, and additional information services and paid subscriptions from operators must be disabled (or better yet, blocked). Typically, the availability of subscriptions can be checked and disabled in your personal account on the operators’ website. If you buy a SIM card in a salon, insistently ask not to connect additional services. Another important feature is that you need to choose the right type of SIM card. In most cases, watches use Micro-SIM or Nano-SIM. Information about the required card format is in the watch instructions.

So, when choosing a tariff for children's smartwatches, you focus on:

• internet traffic cost,
• coverage of the operator’s 2G network in your city and region,
• lack of additional paid services in the operator’s tariff,
• correct SIM card format according to the requirements of the purchased children's watch (micro-sim or nano-sim).

How to activate a tariff for a smart watch “Smart Device”

• Existing MTS subscribers can switch to the “Smart Device” tariff in their personal account or by dialing *111*1725#.
• A new package, including a SIM card and the “Smart Device” tariff plan, can be purchased in the MTS online store or in any of the company’s communication stores.

If the SIM card is not used for 183 days, this means the client’s unilateral refusal of services. If there are no funds in the account, only incoming calls will be available to the device, and after 61 days, this opportunity will be canceled. This does not apply to subscribers with an annual subscription.

What do operators offer?

Operators have four types of tariffs that are suitable for our purposes:

1. Firstly, these are special tariffs for “smart things” . The advantage of such tariffs is that there is nothing superfluous in them. The downside is that the monthly amount of Internet traffic and call minutes is often very limited. You may have to pay for the excess.
2. Secondly , constructor tariffs - they allow you to leave only what you need in the service package, which means saving on the subscription fee.
3. Thirdly, tariffs without a monthly fee with an additional Internet traffic package. If you call infrequently and long conversations are not expected, then you can track the location and communicate with your child through the application.
4. Fourthly, the cheapest base rates . Their minimum service packages will be enough for you. And the SIM card can be used later without changing the tariff plan in the first phone that you buy for your child.

Thinking about buying a children's GPS watch? By purchasing a gadget in our official store, you receive a perpetual license of the “Where are my children” application as a gift - this is double savings! With this set you will always have peace of mind for your child.

Let's consider the most optimal, in our opinion, tariffs:

Megaphone

This operator has a special tariff for “smart” devices. The number of minutes of conversation and SMS is not that large, but if you communicate with your child via hours not for the sake of long conversations, this may be enough.

What to consider when choosing

To decide which tariff to choose for smart children's watches, you need to decide on the requirements for it. Among the main conditions are the following:

• The tariff for children's watches with GPS must offer at least 200 MB of Internet traffic with the possibility of extension. If you plan to track your child's location constantly, a smaller volume for a month simply will not be enough.
• If the watch has video calling and you plan to use it, you will need at least 500 MB of traffic.
• It will be a big advantage if the tariff plan can be paid for a year in advance or forever. This way, you don’t have to worry about paying a subscription fee, and your child will always be in touch. It also helps you save money.

The number of minutes and SMS must be determined individually. Some parents prefer to call their child themselves, then minutes on the clock are not required. But the most important requirement is that the offer turns out to be profitable. The tariff for children's watches should be inexpensive, because the functionality of such devices is minimal. You will still have to use a smartphone, and spending money on expensive offers for both a phone and a smartwatch is too wasteful.

"Smart Things"

On the operator's website https://megafon.ru/tariffs/all/umnye_veschi.htmlPackage includedSubscription feeOn trips

• Calls to all numbers in Russia - 10 minutes per week
• Mobile Internet
• After using up the 60 MB package per week, the Internet is provided unlimited at a speed of 64 KB/s.
• SMS to all numbers in Russia - 20 messages per week

• Subscription fee 20 rub. in Week
• Subscription fee, with the option “Smart things for a year” 750 rubles. in year
• Subscription fee when activating the “Smart Things Forever” option: RUB 2,500. one-time for an unlimited period

Minutes and Internet are valid not only in your home region, but also when traveling around Russia (special conditions apply in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol).After the end of the packageAdditional Information

• Calls to all numbers in Russia - 5 rubles.
• SMS to all numbers in Russia - 3 rubles.
• MMS - 9.9 rub.

• It is not possible to switch to this tariff from another tariff.
• The amount on the balance required to connect is 300 rubles.
• When connecting to a tariff, traffic is provided and the subscription fee is charged weekly in full.
• If on the day the subscription fee is charged you do not have enough funds in your account, access to communications is suspended and resumed only after the account is topped up and the subscription fee is charged.
• When you activate the “Smart things for a year” option, the subscription fee is charged once. After a year, the option is automatically disabled and the subscription fee is charged weekly. When you activate the “Smart Things Forever” option, the subscription fee is charged once and will not be charged further. To connect and reconnect the option, you must contact a communication shop.

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If you prefer a tariff without a monthly fee, then Megafon has “Go to ZERO”. Calls to operator numbers in your home region are 0.75 rubles/min, to other local numbers—1 rubles/min. 100 MB of Internet will cost 25 rubles.

Beeline

This operator also has a special tariff “For smart things”. But it is for those who will not talk often and for a long time over the clock. Nevertheless, this is a good solution.

“For smart things” from Beeline

Beeline launched the “For Smart Things” tariff in 2021. This offer can only be used on smart gadgets: children's watches, smart air conditioners and Smart Home systems.

To connect this option, you need to visit the operator’s communication store and purchase a new SIM card there. You cannot switch to it from another tariff plan.

Composition and price tag

The tariff for children's smart watches from Beeline costs 100 rubles. per month. For this money the subscriber receives the following:

• 500 MB of mobile Internet traffic;
• 30 minutes to mobile phones in your home region;
• 100 SMS within your home region.

Communication with subscribers in other regions of the country is paid separately as an over-limit service. Payment is taken in a single payment. If there is not enough money, access to services is suspended, but you do not go into the red. All packages that have not been spent before the end of the month expire at the beginning of a new billing period.

Services beyond packages

To call or send an SMS message after completing the packages, you will have to pay 5 rubles. for every minute or SMS to any phone numbers in Russia. In the case of the Internet, the operator offers an auto-renewal option: 100 MB for 52 rubles. It is activated automatically when you connect to a tariff plan. If you disable it, the speed will drop to 64 Kbps when the traffic is completed.

"For smart things"

On the operator's website https://beeline.ru/customers/products/mobile/tariffs/details/dlya-umnih-veshhey/Package includedSubscription feeOn trips

• Internet – 500 MB per month
• Calls to numbers of all operators in your home region—30 min/month
• SMS to numbers of mobile operators in your home region—100 SMS/month

100 rub./month

• All incoming calls at home and while traveling around Russia on the Beeline network are free
• When the package of minutes is exhausted, calls to Beeline numbers in the region of residence and calls to mobile and fixed numbers of other operators in the region of residence - 5 rubles per minute
• The package does not include calls to Beeline numbers outside the host region and calls to mobile and fixed numbers of Russian operators outside the host region (5 rubles/min)

After the end of the packageAdditional Information

• Calls to local Beeline numbers - 5 rubles/min
• Calls to local numbers of other operators - 5 rubles/min
• SMS to local mobile numbers - 5 rubles.

• The Internet works even after the package is exhausted; the tariff is protected from paid subscriptions.
• The “For Smart Things” tariff is available only for new connections; transfers to the tariff are not available.

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The "Bi+" tariff is suitable for parents who have the Beeline operator. With the connected “Start” option (4 rubles/day), you will receive an unlimited number of calls to operator numbers within Russia and 3GB of Internet per month.

"Bi+"

On the operator's website https://beeline.ru/customers/products/mobile/tariffs/details/socialniy-paket/Package includedSubscription feeOn trips

• With the “Start” option: unlimited calls to Beeline numbers in Russia and 3 GB per month for the Internet.
• Without the “Start” option: calls to Beeline numbers in Russia - 1 rub./min., mobile Internet - 5 rubles. for 5 MB

• No
• Subscription fee when connecting the “Start” option – 4 rubles/day

In Russia, for communication services when registering in the networks of other mobile operators, including the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol:

• all incoming calls - 0 rub./min;
• outgoing calls within Russia - 2.5 rubles/min;
• SMS within Russia - 2.5 rubles;
• Internet: the first megabyte is free, then you can connect to unlimited Internet until the end of the day for 249 rubles. — the first 100 MB are provided at maximum speed, then the speed decreases to 128 Kbps until the end of the day.

Cost of SMS and MMSAdditional Information

• SMS to numbers in your home region - 2.5 rubles.
• SMS to numbers in other regions of Russia - 5 rubles.
• SMS to numbers in other countries - 5 rubles.
• Outgoing MMS - 10 rub.

When the included Internet package with the “Start” option ends, it will automatically connect for you.

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Beeline also has family tariffs from the “Close People” line, which allow you to connect several numbers, as well as home Internet and TV.

TELE2

(can be used in regions where there is 2G coverage or on watches with 3G)

Tariff “Internet for Things”

is positioned by the provider as a special tariff for smart watches, alarms and other smart devices. It has a small fixed subscription fee. You can also familiarize yourself with the “Classic” tariffs (no monthly fee, but allows you to connect 1 GB of Internet for 120 rubles/month), and if you plan to communicate a lot with your child - “My Conversation” (250 rubles/month, suitable for the first phone).

"Internet for Things"

On the operator's websitehttps://tele2.ru/tariff/iduPackage includedSubscription feeOn trips

• 30 minutes of calls to all numbers in Russia
• 300 MB Internet (above the package speed limit to 64 Kbps)
• 100 SMS

100 rub./monthCalls while traveling in Russia:

• when staying outside the home region for more than 30 days, on the territory of the Amur, Astrakhan regions, the Republics of Sakha (Yakutia), Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Kalmykia, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia - Alania, Chechnya, Transbaikal, Khabarovsk, Stavropol Territory, Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, the cost of the subscription fee for the tariff plan increases by 100 rubles per month. After returning to your home region, the subscription fee is charged in the amount provided for in the tariff plan;
• When traveling around the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, special conditions apply.

Cost of servicesAdditional Information

• Calls from your home region to all numbers in Russia - 1.95 rubles/min.
• Messages above the package - 1.95 RUR/SMS
• MMS to all numbers in Russia - 5.50 rubles/MMS

In the event that the subscriber does not perform actions that entail the debiting of funds for services provided, for a consecutive period of 120 days, without a break that interrupts the specified period, and funds are not credited to the subscriber’s personal account within the specified period (inactive mode), the subscriber’s personal account begins a daily subscription fee of 3 rubles will be charged, including VAT.

Yota

Fans of calls and SMS notifications can use a custom tariff from Yota. We calculated how much 50 minutes of talk time and 1 GB of traffic, along with an endless supply of SMS, would cost per month. Before purchasing a SIM card, pay attention to the 2G and 3G coverage area. The main thing is not to buy a card for a 4G modem - it definitely won’t suit you.

“Internet for Things” from Tele2

Tele2’s “Internet for Things” tariff is the operator’s first offer, which was developed for children’s watches and other smart devices. It will hit the market in the summer of 2021. This option can be used exclusively on smart gadgets. If you install a SIM card with “Internet for Things” in a smartphone or tablet, access to communication services will be blocked.