Neti if its the same as ipad, and I think it is, you can use it for email and net connection without buying data (sim card payg or contract) if you only use it at home (or someone elses home) where you can connect to their wifi or in shops, pubs and so on where there is free wifi. If you want to use it on the go, its like email and internet on your mobile phone, you have to buy airtime and have a sim in it.