I need temporary Internet at home?? Help!!

pazza2000

Hello,

I need to move away for a couple of weeks in the next few days(need to go stay with a family member). I will need to have access to the Internet and i have been told he does not have it, and like me nor does he know the first step in hooking up his PC. He used to be on it a year ago, however this was out taken care of by his flatmate, who when left cancelled there (Internet/Broadband) and took the modem away. I really need to use the Internet whilst there and am happy to pay for this and take the time to set it up.

I really need some advice as i have never had to set up an Internet service before. Got the P & phone line... just need the modem(i assume) and a subscription. I have heard of these dongles that provide internet through sim card? Would this also provide internet for a PC relatively simply and cheaply. I expect to be there up to 6 weeks.

Could really use some tech savvy advice.

Many thanks

PlutoinCapricorn

A 3 network prepaid dongle might be suitable, provided that there is coverage in your area and the PC has a USB port.

You could get one with a 3gb allowance, which lasts until it is used up or 90 days. This is not enough for downloading many films, playing games etc but is enough for basic internet use.

Prices change all the time, but it is around £40 now for 3gb. 12gb is £79, so you could get that and use the surplus later, when on the move.

macman

You can get a no-contract ADSL connection with Plusnet, you just need to give 10 days notice. However there will be a set up fee and a charge for the router on this deal.

kwikbreaks

pazza2000 wrote: »

I need to move away for a couple of weeks in the next few days

There is usually a lead time of about a week for ADSL and the OpenReach charge for connecting it is ~ £50 which the ISP will pass on. Even if you can get a short contract ISP it would be expensive and it is now too late anyway.

The only viable short term options are..

Mobile USB dongle (all the networks do these on PAYG) You would need to research coverage to pick the most suitable one - ie one that actually works where you are. There may not be any.

Dialup for which you would need a modem although some nachines will have one built in - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/dial-up-internet-isps

WiFi hot spots - some free some charged. You'll need to research if there are any where you are going. Mmany fast food outlets offer free access but you'll have to buy burgers - I don't think there is any compulsion to actually eat the things though so that makes this option a bit more viable.

Public libraries provide free internet access.

One of these may do what you need but they have many limitations - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=261613 they do work almost anywhere which is their only saving grace. I had something similar but gave up on it and got a 3G dongle + netbook instead.

You really have left it very late to get this organised.

buglawton

or a Vodafone dongle £25 which includes £15 of credit for 3GB over 30 days. If you plan medium every day usage 3GB is about correct.

USB Modem Stick white - Vodafone

Coverage tends to be more complete than 3. Getting a dongle up & running takes minutes.

gonzo127

i also think your best bet would be a mobile broadband dongle,

the basic test is to pop around to their house with your mobile (and any others you can borrow on different networks) and see which has the best signal where the copmputer is,

you should be able to get around 3GB usage for £50 ish from most networks (including buying the dongle - monthly costs are cheaper but this is trying to take into account the lump sum for the dongle which you will have to buy - thanks buglawton for spotting my possibly confusing comment)

buglawton

£50 ish? Voda does 3GB for £15 per month.

gonzo127

you have to buy the dongle first which are about £25-30 and then you have to buy your credit at roughly £15 taking it to around £40 at a minimum

and since the OP has stated it is only temp needed for about 6 weeks there is no point in going into a contract which are usually for 18 months just to get a free dongle

just re-read my original post will go edit it aswell - i think i need to go back to bed and come back once i have woken up

barrymoney

I got the vodafone usb dongle for similar reasons, pretty pleased with it. no contract etc, setup was easy. check coverage first, but the person in the vodafone shop said they do refund if you find out the coverage is too poor. AFAIK, in towns/cities you should be fine, its out in the countryside where they struggle.

litt

I think Zen do one without the notice period, I did use it when I was renting.

OwtForNowt

You could see if any of the neighbours have a wireless network and ask them to use it and you will pay for it?