We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Internet access for 4 days
Options

Eliza_2
Posts: 1,336 Forumite

in Techie Stuff
I'm going to be away and need internet access for just a few days. Staying at someone's house who doesn't use the internet. What's the best way of doing this? I need to use my laptop with the large screen so using just my phone wouldn't be adequate.
I have an old style iphone - I know the newer ones can be used as modems - but can't see how to connect mine - the phone signal won't be the best, but anything will do. Alternatively I have an old dongle - can I just get a payg phone sim and use that in it?
Not really sure how it all works, would be grateful for any advice.
Thanks
I have an old style iphone - I know the newer ones can be used as modems - but can't see how to connect mine - the phone signal won't be the best, but anything will do. Alternatively I have an old dongle - can I just get a payg phone sim and use that in it?
Not really sure how it all works, would be grateful for any advice.
Thanks
0
Comments
-
If you already have a dongle, then a SIM is the easiest way to go. On Amazon or eBsy you can buy 1gb or 3gb preloaded Three Sims for £10 or so.
You may want to check that your dongle isn't locked to the original network that you bought it on though...0 -
Cheapest solutiion: Most pubs, coffee houses, etc., do free wifi, not so convenient but probably less hassle in the end.0
-
Which iPhone model is it? I was able to use my 3GS as a modem by tethering it via USB and bluetooth.
http://www.macworld.com/article/1159258/bluetooth_tethering.html0 -
I have found mobile broadband (a "3" doingle) to be painfully slow, to the point of being almost unusable.0
-
scottishblondie wrote: »Which iPhone model is it? I was able to use my 3GS as a modem by tethering it via USB and bluetooth.
http://www.macworld.com/article/1159258/bluetooth_tethering.html
Thank you that sounds like a plan. However it seems my laptop hasn't got bluetooth.
Now I need an adapter of some sort.
Thanks again0 -
Something to bear in mind if using your phone as a modem is what your data limit is on your contract. You may find you use a fair amount of data on your laptop if you receive large emails or any software on your machine auto updates (ie windows update).
Some users at my work use a BlackBerry as modem for their laptop and I know Vodafone are VERY expensive per MB if you go over your data limit.0 -
That's a good point - turn off automatic software updates, or that could blow the entire data allowance.0
-
If you have a dongle that can accept a 3 mobile SIM, have a look on Amazon as there are regularly sellers doing eg a 3GB preloaded SIM for £11.15 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mobile-Broadband-Preloaded-Dongles-Unlocked/dp/B004O73WXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340121173&sr=8-10
-
Make and model of USB modem?0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards