What is the simplest, cheapest way of getting Internet access abroad?

diamonds

Aaahhhh you indend ipad only access - the iplayer global app, €7.99 a month

https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/bbc-iplayer-global/id449130604?mt=8

Spain is a confirmed BBC iplayer global country, no need for VPN will work over high speed wifi only, after 100MB data a day on carrefour tv will not be watchable, capped and speed restricted you may get radio from bbc radio stations websites as you can choose quality via speed on website page player.

Just need the 3 modem if its wifi conndction you need for ipad.

diamonds

after 100MB speed restricted to 128kbps. Carrefour.


http://www.radioplayer.co.uk/apps/ may work ?

bbc iplayer radio app https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bbc-iplayer-radio/id560458506

NiftyDigits

Inga wrote: »

Sorry I am so stupid over the technicalities, is there a SIM in the modem which has to be unlocked? I don't understand the APN part, would the people at Carrefour be able to assist?

I have an iPad which has to have wifi as there is nowhere to put a SIM in. I just use any wifi available when I'm out and about so I assume it is unlocked?

I know that there is no wifi in the apartment we have rented which is the reason for me wanting to sort this out now. I love the idea of a modem that we can keep for other later trips which means we are not as restricted in our choice of accommodation in future.

The modem comes with the SIM and the APN details are embedded in the modem software. No need to worry. Just plug in, let it install the software and then click on Connect.

You only need the other details if you are using an unlocked modem from the UK.

But as you are using an iPad, it will not be suitable.

You will need a MiFi as highlighted by diamonds. But I'm concerned that the unlocking and APN details may be too much for you.

The cost to unlock the Huawei E586 via DC Unlocker is €7, not €4.

diamonds

7 euros it is then! Thanks nifty.

My mifi was easy, usb to pc,open browser, mifi homepage, change, save. Unplug from pc. Much easier than usb modem software apn changes.

NiftyDigits

diamonds wrote: »

7 euros it is then! Thanks nifty.

My mifi was easy, usb to pc,open browser, mifi homepage, change, save. Unplug from pc. Much easier than usb modem software apn changes.

A point by point explanation for the OP

Though simple, can look like a complicated knot for the uninitiated.

NiftyDigits

So far it £40 for the MiFi unit, €7 to unlock it, €10 for the Carrefour Mobile Broadband SIM with €5 worth of credit onboard and perhaps an extra cost for the relevant radio App.

All this, with no guarantee that there will be adequate access to 3G services in the intended location.

mrp2121

making sure you don’t fall victim to extra bank or card charges is essential if you want your money to go further.
:A

Inga

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the explanations, especially the idiot proof ones, and all the links.

I am reasonably intelligent so should be able to work my way through, I just have no knowledge or expertise in this area so needed your advice.

Cheers.

Inga

Thanks for the reality check Nifty, having considered the costs over the medium term, (2-3 years, 2-3 Hols per year) I think the costs would be off set paying about £25-30 per holiday for not very good wifi access from the hotel.

The good thing about this is that we would have a greater choice of accommodation because we would have the choice of our own wifi.

Do you think that's a fair analysis?

diamonds

Indeed, hotel wifi can be saturated to hell & the internet connection used by hotel staff to "main reservation" and other systems, I have been in the best of the best hotels and found prices extortionate for speeds that are near dial-up.

You get choice where you want to stay & even if you wanted to take your ipad for a weekend away anywhere in Europe or even at a caravan or day at the seaside (ok its not the weather for it now) in the UK you can get a local sim for that country and change the APN on the Mifi to that sims APN details.

Have you considered a cheap mobile phone that makes a wifi "hotspot" ? It becomes multi purpose when abroad, a mobile & contact & wifi device all in one

Perhaps you even need a new mobile for your UK sim ?

I currently am using Windows 7 HTC Mozart since I broke my 3 MiFi, I just go to "settings" then "internet sharing" then "ON" so easy to do or change network name/password or APN details as no computer is needed as with a MiFi to plug in and change these details, its all done on the mobile.

When abroad (my HTC Mozart is unlocked to any sim, was locked to o2 UK) I put the local/national sim in my Mozart so I can use calls, texts /internet/sat nav/wifi on the local sim, I put my UK sim in a cheap as chips basic mobile for emergencies to stay in touch with UK BUT remembering to switch off voicemail before leaving as not to get charged for someone leaving a voicemail.

I currently have my second phone as this:http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/buy/ALCATEL_OT_228_OJT_WEB10
paid the £5.95 only as a payg upgrade on a old Orange payg sim I had, no £10 top-up needed, I choose this as most cheaper mobiles do not have a backlit keypad nor a internal antenna (usually headphones are dual antenna & headphones) & a mobile in my opinion should always have a backlit keypad, esp one for emergency use !! Also buttons on this model are seperate from each other and lit up when dark so day or night easy to remember and feel from bottom up - middle bottom key 0, up one level 8, up one level 5, up one level 2 - when you master this you know left of each key in middle row is lower number and right is higher number 0,8,5,2.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lg-optimus-l3-now-only-49-95-lowest-price-cpw-1335650

Is cheapest wifi hotspot/internet sharing mobile I know others may no know cheaper/better, sorry more info to consider...lol

TIP: When abroad ALWAYS take a multi plug extention and plug that into the convertor in the wall for all your UK plug items always use a surge protection one as UK electrics are more stable than continental and prone to surges, a must for high value electicals abroad. I have one of these eco saver ones http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=plug+extension&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-Address&prmd=imvnsa&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bpcl=35466521&biw=1311&bih=684&wrapid=tlif135130497511810&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=710966554871246470&sa=X&ei=GEeLUKOcEOOy0QXW4YGwCg&ved=0CHIQ8wIwAQ
http://www.365officesupplies.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_code=uk&Screen=g&Product_Code=222484&gshop=&goo=shp


Always better spending a little extra than continental electrical surges killing your expensive technology.

Ask away anything Inga, we are here to help