Mobile Internet Access in Europe?

caz567

I'm keen to find the best/cheapest/most reliable option for getting on the Internet regularly whilst visiting Europe for several months. Up until now I have relied on picking up unprotected wireless connections via my laptop (sometimes naughty, sometimes legit (libraries etc), but not always available).

I'm going back to the UK for a few weeks soon and I'd like to be able to sort out something more legitimate. Ideally via my laptop, so a dongle, but one which offers good included access in Europe. Or via a phone contract (using a Blackberry or similar) that again gives good included access in Europe. Or any other option that may be available to me that I'm not aware of. I don't need anything with huge allowances as I will simply using the connection to browse and email.

Any advice/recommendations from others that have used mobile internet solutions in Europe will be very much appreciated.

Many thanks
Carol

PS - If I don't reply very quickly it's because I haven't been able to pick up a wifi connection

macman

Using a UK contract dongle on a roaming basis can prove horrifically expensive, as several threads on this board can testify. £1000 a week for 'light' usage etc...
You are better off finding a wifi hotspot (Starbucks, Macdonalds) or an internet cafe.

spiro

I have to agree with macman, if you check the providers sites you will normally see about £5+ per mb (yes mb not gb) when using it in europe and that tends to be on their preferred (partner) network i.e. using Vodafone ES in Spain not Airtel (or whatever its called) service. If you are spending any long amount of time in one country then you may be better of buying a PAYG mobile broadband sim in that country and using it in an unlocked dongle.

tony-bs9

Of the UK networks, T Mobile appear to be the least expensive - however at £1.50 per MB its not cheap by any means.