Seeking PAYG mobile internet connection for occasional use (ie no expiry)

ericthelobster

Subject says it all really...

I've recently bought a dinky little 'netbook' computer which is brilliant for use with wifi in or away from home, however I'd also quite like to be able to use it occasionally while on the move.

I don't want a contract or any form of PAYG which means that top-ups will expire after 30 days or whatever; I simply don't need that sort of usage: I don't want to pay the equivalent of 8 or 10 quid per month for maybe a few minutes 'emergency' use. Is there anything out there which will do this?

Doesn't even need to be broadband speed really, (although that would be nice...!)

Thanks for any tips

DatabaseError

do you have a mobile phone? you may be able to use that for connection

mrseyes

DatabaseError wrote: »

do you have a mobile phone? you may be able to use that for connection

I was was also going to ask the same question and also how i can connect internet on my netbook via mobile phone as i have unlimited use of internet in my mobile.

Do i need to download any software?

Can i just connect netbook to mobile phone with USB lead?

Thxs in advnace

ericthelobster

Thanks a lot DBerror - I should have thought of that! I've spent a bit of time researching it, and have successfully managed to do just what you suggested! During testing it cost me about £1 for 100kB downloaded, so I need to explore my network providers offerings to bring the cost down unless it's going to be only very very sporadic use.

mrseyes wrote: »

I was was also going to ask the same question and also how i can connect internet on my netbook via mobile phone as i have unlimited use of internet in my mobile.

It's not entirely straightforward - you need to enter various settings into your netbook to enable it to use your phone as a modem. Which network are you on? I can now help if it's T-mobile!... but I just found out by spending some time googling for "modem t-mobile phone" etc, and got the answer that way. The settings vary by network.

Ada3050

I have been looking for the same thing since getting a net book.
Could this be the answer?
http://shop.vodafone.co.uk//shop/mobile-broadband-devices/usb-modem-stick-topup-and-go?compatible=false&broadbandView=ImageGallery

I am tempted by this as I want occasional mobile broadband.

Edit: Just ordered one so will soon find out!

scorpy66

Oh, that looks really handy Ada3050! I also have a netbook and would like occasional broadband usage but have shied away from a contract because I'm currently trying to make my monthly expenses as lean and mean as possible.

I'm intrigued about the possibility of using my mobile (unlimited internet) as a modem, though- never heard of that! If anyone has any idea about how to do this for a Samsung NC10 netbook and a Samsung mobile with Vodafone that'd be superb...

alisont

Il be following this thread for info as waiting to buy a Samsung NC10 netbook (once John Lewis finally get some in:rolleyes: )

I was looking at getting a PAYG dongle as only need it for odd train journeys and holidays.

Just got a Sony Erricson C905 mobile with Tmobile so not sure if I can use the phone to link to internet?

Dont want to pay for contract mobile broadband as can use wifi here at home.

Anyone know who is the best for coverage?

Going on holiday with parents to Lyme Regis in April and want to take the netbook to surf the net whilst away but no idea of coverage down there - couldnt find it on t mobile map?

Il keep an eye on this thread - not buying a dongle til i get my netbook so will be interested in the info here, thanks.

Ada3050

Scorpy66, no idea on connecting your phone to the NC10, bound to be some info on the net somewhere.
Alisont, you will love the NC10 as I do, typing this on mine.

Will post an update when I get the dongle.

scorpy66

Wowowow, I now have my mobile hooked up to my NC10 and a working internet connection (albeit slooow lol).

There was some software came with the phone that I never installed, and instructions buried deep in the user manual. I've set it up as a usb connection as I'm not sure about security with Bluetooth.

Alison, maybe you have a CD with your phone that might take you through the same process?

It would have never occurred to me that I could do this if it wasn't for ericthelobster's post - so bug thanks eric )

For occasional use, this'll do me. It's bound not to be as fast as mobile broadband with the dongle thingies, but it'll keep me happy for a while, plus money saved!

Ada - I agree, the NC10 is fab )

alisont

Interesting about using the mobile for the internet on the netbook, will have to see if a disc came with the phone.

Might be a good option.

Yes Im looking forward to getting my NC10 - have read so many positive reviews, sounds fab.

Im really hoping John Lewis get some more in - none since Christmas:rolleyes: I want to get from them as they have a 2 year free guarentee, but will give them til the end of the month as really wanting to buy this now! They must be fed up with me ringing them!

Will see what coverage all the providers offer before buying a PAYG dongle but will look into using the mobile as a modem option too as so much cheaper.

Ada3050

Update:
Ok so I have received the dongle and glad to report it works ok.

Not as fast as wired broadband but not too bad.

As for the expiry of the credit, it will expire after 180 days if unused, same as a PAYG mobile, so just need to connect once every 3 months.

I ordered it from vodaphone themselves with free delivery but PCworld sell it as well, so I could have had it at the weekend.

So all in all I am pleased with it as a occasional way to connect to the internet when out and about, not sure I would want it as my sole internet connection though.