Dongle instead of land line.....

The_Economist

I wanna get a Dongle to use for my internet access instead of using the landline. Has anyone got any idea what one i should go for. I think i would prefer a pay as you go. Falling that is there any good contracts about.

scottishblondie

I'd first of all say do not do anything rashly - so don't cancel your landline services until you are sure that a dongle is suitable. I'd definitely start with a PAYG dongle to make sure that the coverage and speeds you get in your house are OK. A contract may be cheaper in the long run, but be sure first Check the coverage maps of the networks to see who covers your area (but be aware that even if it shows coverage there is no guarantee), then pick the one that offers the best deal for the amount of data that you need. This website has a comparison of deals and links to all the coverage maps.

Personally I've found that 3 has the best high-speed coverage everywhere I've been, but I'm sure others will disagree with me

Donnie

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[Deleted User]

The_Economist wrote: »

I wanna get a Dongle to use for my internet access instead of using the landline.

I'm guessing you're basing this purely on cost and that you haven't had a dongle before? Just be aware that mobile broadband is notoriously unreliable, many people do not get anywhere near the speeds advertised, especially during peak times and the connection can drop repeatedly. Even if the coverage map shows you have good coverage, there's still a good chance you will have problems. It also has low usage limits compared to landline broadband so you won't be able to do normal things like watch iPlayer. Make sure you have a look at some mobile broadband user review sites to see other people's experiences - I don't think you will be impressed! =/

robpw2

only one i would reccomend is t-mobile because you get 30 days access for 15 pound .. with all others when you have used bandwidth you have to top up again whereas with t-mobile when you have used bandwidth you can still access and down load between midnight - 4pm but then you can stil access with certain sites restricted(mainly flash)between 4 - midnight

The_Economist

I'm guessing you're basing this purely on cost and that you haven't had a dongle before?

Thats correct on both accounts. Looking to try and stream line costs when it comes to broadband costs and have a bit more mobility.

lucylucky

The_Economist wrote: »

Thats correct on both accounts. Looking to try and stream line costs when it comes to broadband costs and have a bit more mobility.

As has already been pointed out Mobile BB is inherently less reliable than a landline.

If that is not an issue for you then fine, but be aware of the limitations.

Dreamnine

I've used T-Mobile and 3 and they're both pretty reliable in Edinburgh.

3 has faster speeds but T-Mobile seem to give you more for your money.

Freebyman

scottishblondie wrote: »

I'd first of all say do not do anything rashly - so don't cancel your landline services until you are sure that a dongle is suitable. I'd definitely start with a PAYG dongle to make sure that the coverage and speeds you get in your house are OK. A contract may be cheaper in the long run, but be sure first Check the coverage maps of the networks to see who covers your area (but be aware that even if it shows coverage there is no guarantee), then pick the one that offers the best deal for the amount of data that you need. This website has a comparison of deals and links to all the coverage maps.

Personally I've found that 3 has the best high-speed coverage everywhere I've been, but I'm sure others will disagree with me

I would agree with you totally, except the part about 3. It was totally shocking where I live but my friend a half a mile aways connection is wonderful. I would definitely get a pay as you go first before thinking of a contract.

Snakeeyes21

lucylucky wrote: »

As has already been pointed out Mobile BB is inherently less reliable than a landline.

If that is not an issue for you then fine, but be aware of the limitations.

Is it really that unreliable, I know in my neck of the woods I get speeds on my dongle twice as fast as any landline broadband service in the area, on my old landline broadband I had nothing but dropped connections and other problems, in the last 12 months on the dongle (now a mifi that I blagged from them) there has only been one outage and that was for an hour or two.

Cost wise, £15 a month for 15gb isnt too shabby, I also got £100 quidco which paid out which brought the cost down to £9.44 a month, try getting a landline and broadband package with that even the cheapest plan you can get costs more and has less usage included, and i can take my connection anywhere

I watch movies on blinkbox, watch iplayer, download, browse, stream music, use voip for all my calls etc etc and never go over my limit.

If you live in a good signal area mobile broadband is an excellent match for traditional broadband.

Theres also the added benefit of if you rent then when you move you dont have to wait for connection, pay line install fees, sign up to 12 month contracts, pay early termination fees etc etc

And no I dont work for 3, im just one very very happy mobile broadband customer.

I dont think I would ever go back to a normal landline / broadband combo.

lucylucky

Snakeeyes21 wrote: »

Is it really that unreliable, in my experience it is less reliable than a landline I know in my neck of the woods I get speeds on my dongle twice as fast as any landline broadband service in the area, on my old landline broadband I had nothing but dropped connections and other problems, in the last 12 months on the dongle (now a mifi that I blagged from them) there has only been one outage and that was for an hour or two.

Cost wise, £15 a month for 15gb isnt too shabby, good price I pay £10 a month for unlimited (line rental on top of course), 15gb would be too limiting for our household I also got £100 quidco which paid out which brought the cost down to £9.44 a month, try getting a landline and broadband package with that even the cheapest plan you can get costs more and has less usage included, and i can take my connection anywhere

I watch movies on blinkbox, watch iplayer, download, browse, stream music, use voip for all my calls etc etc and never go over my limit.

If you live in a good signal area mobile broadband is an excellent match for traditional broadband.

Theres also the added benefit of if you rent then when you move you dont have to wait for connection, pay line install fees, sign up to 12 month contracts, pay early termination fees etc etc

And no I dont work for 3, im just one very very happy mobile broadband customer.

I dont think I would ever go back to a normal landline / broadband combo.

The big benefit of mobile BB is the mobility, but in my area it can't match the speed of my landline connection.

With a deal like yours it sounds great though.