wireless internet - how can I check coverage

Randy_Trouserman

Morning all,

I've moved to a pretty rural area and would like to see about connecting to the internet wireless.

Is there a web site that helps identify the best coverage?

Cheers

RT

DatabaseError

wireless as in mobile (phone company) broadband? or via a router and a landline (bt etc..)?
samknows will possibly help with landline based options

Randy_Trouserman

Hi,

no, wireless as in no land line needed - I'm presuming it's a dongle thing in the side of my mac?

Apologies if I've used the wrong terminology.

RT

DatabaseError

wireless as in someone provides 802.11 wireless coverage (rare), or, more likely, mobile broadband, where the connection is provided by a mobile phone operator, such as 3 or vodafone?
I guess the latter, in which cast this site will allow you to check the coverage of each provider

Randy_Trouserman

Hi,

back with more questions I'm afraid.

Coverage is looking pretty patchy, only two providers offer any coverage.

Orange give 5/5 for Excellent 2G coverage and 1/1 for Variable 3G coverage. Looks as though I can only check on Orange's Mobile Coverage checker. Is this right? And is any of that good enough for browsing the internet/checking email etc. No big downloading going on.

3 looks a bit hit and miss too, it's difficult to check on their map.

Is there any way of confirming if either of the above will actually work? Presume I'm stuck with a 12 month contract if they don't.

Ah, the joys of living in the countryside...

RT

DatabaseError

i think there's a 3 day 'cooling off' type period, which would suggest you could try them out, but you may be best asking/confirming in a shop. 2g is a bit...er..pants!

Randy_Trouserman

great, thanks for the info.

Is 2G any use at all? We'll be using it for emails and ebay and occasionally one or two apps or tunes from itunes

Cheers

RT

DatabaseError

others can answer that better than me, I've been spoiled by having decent broadband, my standards are high

Randy_Trouserman

well thanks for the feedback so far tonyhague

RT