Explain how a dongle works please.

knightstyle
knightstyle Posts: 6,989 Forumite
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in Broadband & internet access
So we will be away soon for a while, will not have BB and think a dongle will be good for us.
So will it work in all UK, will it work in France and Italy or do I need a separate one. Can we use it on several items, not at the same time?
Our home BB is with Sky. So which one is a best buy, main use with a Macbook and iPad.
Thanks in advance for your input.

Comments

  • bat999
    bat999 Posts: 1,926 Forumite
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    knightstyle wrote: »
    ... think a dongle will be good for us.
    ...main use with a Macbook and iPad.
    Hi
    USB dongles plug into a USB socket on a Windows or Linux machine.
    Use them with a SIM card, preloaded or PAYG topup/contract.
    The internet comes over the mobile phone network instead of a landline.

    I don't know whether this is possible with Macbook or iPad.
    If not, I suppose you could use a "mifi" router (mifi = Mobile Wifi) instead.
    Again, the internet comes over the mobile phone network instead of a landline.


    This type of thing here ---> https://www.amazon.co.uk/ZTE-MF65-Mobile-Wi-Fi-Hotspot/dp/B00KNWW42C/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492607533&sr=1-1&keywords=ZTE+MF65
  • knightstyle
    knightstyle Posts: 6,989 Forumite
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    So if I buy one of these I will need a sim card? Which PAYG is best as i do not want to sign up for a contract and only need BB No calls or texts.
  • bat999
    bat999 Posts: 1,926 Forumite
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    knightstyle wrote: »
    ...So if I buy one of these I will need a sim card?
    Yes you need a SIM card with the dongle or mifi. :)
    knightstyle wrote: »
    ...Which PAYG is best
    I dunno.:undecided

    There are lots of "Preloaded Data SIMs" on eBay.(Also Amazon,Currys etc.)
    Mainly "three" and "EE" networks.
    Many sizes eg 1GB,3GB,6GB,12GB,24GB with many timeouts eg 30days,60days,90days,12months,24months.
    With these you use them till all the data has gone or the time has run out, whichever comes first.
    When the SIM dies either top it up (expensive) or throw it away and buy another one (cheaper).:cool:
  • knightstyle
    knightstyle Posts: 6,989 Forumite
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    Thanks, I hadn't thought of looking on Ebay, I have been looking at the big providers.
  • DCFC79
    DCFC79 Posts: 40,598 Forumite
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    Three mobile data sims can be used in various countries.
  • NiftyDigits
    NiftyDigits Posts: 10,459 Forumite
    As aforementioned, you can use a 3 SIM, such as this one; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mobile-Pay-Trio-Data-Preloaded/dp/B01CMD4VKC in conjunction with the MiFi above, in all of the countries that you have mentioned.
    Whilst you may get good speeds in the UK, don't expect the same in Italy and France.
    If you want good speeds abroad, you have to obtain local SIMs in those countries.
    But the 3 SIM should offer you connectivity in those countries without further ado, as long as you are not too far off the beaten track.
    http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Phones/Feel_At_Home
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