Choosing a tariff plan for smart children's watches with GPS

Smart watches for children are useful devices that allow a parent to always know where his child is and contact him at any convenient time.

They track the child's location via GPS, support calls and text messages, and in case of emergency, send an SOS signal to parental smartphones. With such a watch you don’t have to worry about the safety of your child.

This device requires a SIM card to operate. It may have a regular smartphone data plan, but there are competitive plans that have been specifically created for children's and adult smartwatches.

Let's consider the offers of the Big Four operators: MegaFon, MTS, Beeline and Tele2. Let's compare their options for smart devices and decide which tariff is best for children's watches.

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.

Tariff plan requirements

First, let's study the functionality of children's watches and identify the tariff requirements based on them. The main function of this watch is to track the location of the child. Tracking is performed using GPS satellite signals. The received data is sent via the Internet to an application installed on the parent’s smartphone. It is also possible to control coordinates via a web interface.

Another function is to listen to the environment around the child. For this purpose, there is a microphone on board. We call the watch, it automatically accepts the call and allows you to listen to the surrounding environment. You don't need packages of minutes for this - incoming calls are accepted free of charge. But calling parents from the watch is not very convenient - for this it is best to buy a simple phone for your child.

Other useful features:

• Tracking a child in a specific area with exit control.
• Built-in alarm clock.
• Tracking the removal of a watch from your hand is a certain degree of security.
• Monitoring calories burned with a pedometer is present in some models.
• SOS button – instant emergency dialing to numbers stored in memory.

Other functions may also be present - a built-in camera, a music player and much more.

In reviews of smart watches, there are negative statements - the watch does not work indoors, the navigation starts to lie. This is normal, as GPS requires open skies to work. Indoors uses less accurate detection from operator towers.

Based on the functionality of the watch, we will determine the requirements for tariffs:

• Cheap internet or included internet packages.
• Minimum subscription fee.
• Availability of included minutes.

We don't need the rest.

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).

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. Also, quite often a child’s phone is used for calls, and the watch performs security functions, and minutes will be needed if the child forgets the phone at home or loses it, and the smart watch will always be on the little user’s hand.

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"

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.

What if the work is carried out incorrectly?

The Megafon operator sim is well suited for smart devices. Their work is carried out correctly. If another operator is selected and there are malfunctions, users need to call a short number (for example, for the Beeline operator -0611), and ask a specialist to send the settings for the smart baby watch.

"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.

Let's sum it up

All operators except Tele2 have special tariff plans for smart devices and children's watches. When choosing an operator, we recommend focusing on the coverage area and service consumption. The more towers, the more accurate the determination of indoor coordinates. Based on this, we recommend using special tariffs from MegaFon and MTS. As for Beeline, it became the leader in terms of the amount of included traffic. And Danycom won in terms of cost of services.

4.1/5 — (7 votes)

Rate

On the operator's websitehttps://www.yota.ru/voice#myyotaPackage includedSubscription feeOn trips

• 50 min calls
• unlimited SMS
• 1 GB

RUR 229.25 for 30 days Single price at home and when traveling in Russia After the end of the packageAdditional Information

• If you don’t have enough minutes, you can add 100 minutes until the end of the package for 170 rubles.
• If you do not enable the option, then outgoing calls to any numbers in Russia will cost 2.5 rubles/min.
• If at the end of 30 days there are not enough funds in the account to renew the package, the cost of calls will be: to numbers in your home region - 2.5 rubles / min., to Russian numbers outside your home region - 3.9 rubles / min.
• If the gigabytes in the package are over, the speed is reduced to 64 Kbps. You can add 5 gigabytes until the end of the package for 120 rubles.

• Calls within the Yota network are free and do not consume minutes from the package.
• Minutes inside the package are spent when calling landline and mobile numbers of other Russian operators.

MTS

This operator has both a special “smart” tariff for gadgets and a customizable tariff that can also be selected for smart watches.

Tariff "Go-Smart"

On the operator's website https://moskva.mts.ru/personal/mobilnaya-svyaz/tarifi/vse-tarifi/go_smartPackage includedSubscription feeOn trips

• Internet - 200 MB
• Calls - 30 min
• 100 SMS

• The cost of connecting the “Go Smart” option. Universal. Subscription 12 months" 790 rub.
• Monthly fee, from the 13th month 90.00 rub.

Calls to other regions of Russia (per minute):

• over the package of minutes per month;
• to mobile MTS Russia - 2 rubles. rub./min., to numbers of other operators - 5.50 rub. in a minute

After the end of the packageAdditional InformationCalls to home region phones (per minute):

• Above the package of minutes per month For mobile MTS - 2.00 rub./min., other operators - 3.00 rub./min.
• SMS and MMS (per message) to mobile MTS in the home region - 2.00 rubles, to other numbers in the home region - 3.50 rubles.

For smart watches, alarms and smart home

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If everyone in the family uses tariffs from MTS, the child can insert a card with the “Super MTS” tariff into the “smart” watch (you need to activate the “Everything is Super” option for 10 rubles per day). You will have unlimited access to MTS and all landline phones in your home region, as well as 100 MB of Internet traffic per day. SMS will cost 2 rubles (but notifications on the watch can usually be turned off).

MTS also has a family tariff plan “Our Smart”. An additional number can be connected for 50 rubles/month.

Tinkoff Mobile

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

The operator offers a tariff constructor. We have calculated the minimum set of options included in the package for the operation of smart watches.

Summary

It's difficult to choose the best plan for children's smartwatches - each option has its own strengths.

MTS and Beeline provide the largest volume of Internet traffic in the basic version, the MTS and Tele2 offer can be activated on an existing SIM card, and MegaFon allows you to forget about the subscription fee once and for all, gaining constant access to communication services.

Also on MTS, MegaFon and Tele2 special conditions are available when using a SIM card in a smartwatch. This will allow you to get more Internet and minutes.

To decide on the best rate for children's watches, consider your requirements and compare different options. Pay attention to the operator's promotional offers available when purchasing a smart gadget for your child from a telecom operator.

Rate

On the operator's website https://www.tinkoff.ru/mobile-operator/tariffs/Package includedSubscription feeOn trips

• Internet – 4 GB
• Calls – 200 minutes
• Unlimited SMS

• 168 rub. for 30 days
• You can connect to unlimited SMS for 49 rubles for 30 days

Tariff conditions do not change when traveling around Russia, except for Crimea and Sevastopol.After the end of the packageAdditional Information

• Outgoing calls to Russian numbers - 3.9 rubles.
• Outgoing SMS to Russian numbers - 2.9 rubles.

• You can use the SIM card for free for the first week if you order it from an operator. And if you switch from another operator, you can receive bonuses on your mobile account.
• Calls to Tinkoff Mobile subscribers are free and do not consume the package of minutes.
• If you do not connect the gigabyte package, the Internet will not be available.
• Additional packages can be connected an unlimited number of times. When connecting several packages, their volume is summed up. You can get free communication by actively using your bank card.

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A few more offers from banks, which can also be used in regions where there is 2G coverage or on smart watches with 3G:

1. SberMobile
   (virtual operator from Sberbank) offers a minimum communication package (10 GB of Internet, 50 SMS, 300 min. calls) for 250 rubles/min.
2. Mobile communications from VTB
   offers a minimum package for 200 rubles. (3GB of Internet, 50 SMS, 200 min. calls), and if you buy a SIM card, the first month of communication is free; when you switch from another operator, you can get additional bonuses.

And finally, let's talk about the mobile operator Danycom

. He offers, among other things, tariffs for which you don’t have to pay. For example, the “Free” tariff includes a monthly package of 30 minutes. outgoing calls, 50 SMS and 1 GB of Internet. This may well be enough for a smartwatch, but please note that by buying a SIM card you authorize “receiving special offers from partners via SMS.” Cost of services if the package is exceeded: outgoing calls to numbers of all telecom operators in Russia - 0.03 rubles/sec., SMS - 0.25 rubles/message, Internet - 0.08 rubles/MB. You can connect additional service packages. The operator does not work in all regions (see coverage map).

Unlimited traffic or actual

How much internet do smartwatches consume and what is the best way to pay: based on the traffic used, or choose an unlimited offer from mobile operators? Those who have already purchased gadgets for their children note that it is better to choose a minimal unlimited Internet package. Firstly: the parents themselves will be calm, the child is always in touch, you can discreetly call through the application and monitor the situation. Secondly: communication details show that the device connects to the Internet once every few minutes (which significantly affects the balance) and in a few days you can spend an amount that would be enough for a month.

The frequency of Internet access is regulated in the settings (every minute, once every few minutes, once per hour). Smartwatch users agree that 300 MB is enough.

How to insert a card into the watch?

Before disassembling the watch, you need to double-check that your SIM card is of the correct format. We remind you that in most cases Micro-SIM or Nano-SIM is used.

Reference

If you make a mistake, operators give you the opportunity to replace the SIM card with another one of the right size.
For Megafon, Beeline, Tele2 and Yota, to replace a SIM card you need to go to a sales and service point with a passport. The service is free. At MTS, in some cases, replacement at a retail outlet is carried out according to the conditions specified in the tariff (more details). From Tinkoff Mobile - you will need to order a card (more details). The tariff has been chosen, the SIM card is in hand, only one question remains: how to insert it into the watch? Please note that many children's smartwatches do not have a special, easily accessible slot for it. And this was done for a reason. A child may accidentally damage such a slot or remove and lose the card. That’s why manufacturers hide the card compartment in the case itself.

To install a SIM card in such a watch, unscrew the back of the watch using a screwdriver (usually included). Carefully remove the battery, open the cover and insert the SIM card.

We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with SMS commands for setting up a GPS watch.