How to get internet to Tablet without broadband?

NiftyDigits

Who cares what Fiona says? Wait for the definitive response.

Lifeforms

The o2 one is basically a mifi unit, of which there are a few out there, but start up costs generally aren't the cheapest. If you can unlock that, then you could potentially use whatever sim you want in it. You can buy them fairly cheap off ebay too, locked and otherwise.

Generally each provider does something like a mifi unit. I use a 3 one, locked, but have never needed to unlock it, as they're reasonably cheap when you buy the sims off of places like ebay, or amazon.

If you go for a mifi unit, try and match it up to the best mobile reception in the area as there's no use doing one if the receptions inherently poor to begin with. If you live in the middle of a large town/city chances that isn't an issue, but if your parents live outside of mass coverage, it is a consideration.

Also to make them aware if they discover picture heavy sites, or the wonders of you tube, or catch up TV, potentially the amounts you think might be enough, wont be enough. But for email, browsing a few sites it'll be fine.

Depending what your start up costs are for it, you might well have been better going for a 3g version tablet. Less messy, less to go wrong with non-technological types.

The o2 one does look quite a nice cheap starter one however! Quite tempted to add to collection

elektra

You could have a read of these threads

Ovivo https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3981617
https://www.ovivomobile.com

Samba https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3970087
http://www.sambamobile.com/Home/IndexIpad

spud17

If they want something to try out

http://shop.o2.co.uk/promo/o2mobilebroadband/tab/Pay_and_Go?chosenStarterKitId=0|474940

1GB data to use in 3mths, £10.32 + £25 Topcashback = Dongle + £15 profit!

Suggestions that it's unlocked.

Thanks to HDUK.

NiftyDigits

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Who cares what Fiona says? Wait for the definitive response.

SIM Lock. Will try to unlock it later.

doberryfirkin

You haven't said what tablet, but I bought a cheap BB Playbook recently and use giffgaff for internet access. popped the giffgaff sim into an old bluetooth mobile phone and tethered the playbook to it. Works a treat.

NiftyDigits

espresso wrote: »

Do you know of an unlock solution for the O2 supplier ZTE MF60 that works - preferably free?

Unlocked it...though not for free. Not expensive though. Tested and working.

macman

OP, am I the only one who is wondering why you bought them a tablet that you say they don't want, that will only work practically over a broadband connection that they haven't got?
A triple bundle with VM is usually litle more than a double, as Idiophreak pointed out, so why not try and negotiate a cheaper broadband deal? 3G is the only other possibility, and is going to be expensive and possibly slow, or maybe not available at all.

NiftyDigits

espresso wrote: »

Do you know of an unlock solution for the O2 supplier ZTE MF60 that works - preferably free?

Hope that you bought one in time, as the CashBack has plunged to £5.

Im_just_careful

Whatever the source, a MiFi type unit is probably the best answer. If "3" works OK at the planned location then the Huawei E5331 Value MiFi sold with PAYG 3 months of data (3GB total) (Pay As You Go +3) for £59.99 would be a good place to start.

After the 3 months then similar SIMs are sold on Amazon for about £10 for another 3 months.

Alternatively look at Plusnet value broadband after the first 3 months and sell the MiFi !