Unlimited mobile data - can it replace home broadband?

Bounderby

Just been informed of yet another Virgin increase to my broadband bill, and I'm wondering whether upgrading my mobile package and using it as my sole internet access is viable.

With the increase, my home broadband will be ~£30/mo and my mobile plan is ~£7/mo (on 3), with 500mb data.

I have no home phone, and live on my own. I have an internet TV which I stream Netflix to, a tablet, netbook, and home PC, all of which I would want online but not simultaneously. The mobile is a Sony Xperia Z.

I could get the 'One Plan' on 3 for £15/mo which allows unlimited data and use of tethering? I don't know much about tethering, but what is the drawback here? Limited download speed I assume, but would it be sufficient to stream Netflix?

I'm guessing there are drawbacks or everyone would be doing it. But if someone could tell me my options that would be great. Thanks

Bounderby

Anyone with any info on this? I've been reading up this afternoon and it looks like my phone can be a wifi hotspot with the one plan, but I still haven't found out what the download speed would be.
I have turned the hotspot on but get a message saying the current SIM isn't designed for tethering. I can't buy a PAYG from 3 to just check it out as tethering is only available on the monthly tariffs.

One thing I can't understand, is why would anyone get a mobile broadband sim, which is expensive for not much data, when you get unlimited data using tethering with your mobile? Isn't it just a case of not having a SIM card directly in your tablet or whatever? What am I missing please?

Cornucopia

It is the speed that will be the issue.

There may also be lower reliability (ie. more fluctuations in speed/service).

This will probably only seriously affect your video content - and you may be able to get around that by using download options.

£15/mo sounds pretty cheap - I'd be tempted to give it a go as long as your network coverage at home was adequate.

Cheaper landline broadband options exist, too.

Buzby

Only mobile PHONE SIM cards will offer tethering, and come with voice and text minutes. Yes, you can tether but it is not a fixed BB alternative. The reason? Bandwidth is dynamic.

There is little point working out the optimum speed only to discover is actually crawls because of the time of day and the number of users using your local base station, and even those using other BTSs but the same common fibre backbone.

Mobile Broadband is not yet ready to replace a direct connection.

Bounderby

Thanks for the replies.
I'm suppose that when 4G is ubiquitous, that's when the replacement will be worthwhile - but at what cost...

wiogs

Bounderby wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.
I'm suppose that when 4G is ubiquitous, that's when the replacement will be worthwhile - but at what cost...

Don't hold your breath. 3G is far from ubiquitous.

in_my_bumble_opinion

giffgaff's £12 PAYG sim is your friend (unlimited data, tethers fine, minutes and texts included, my friend who has it gets consistent speeds without a problem)

alternatively get a mifi from CEX second hand fro about £30 and buy 3GB/3 month pay in advance sims from ebay for about £11/£12 a pop. Consistent speeds where I live.

wiogs

in_my_bumble_opinion wrote: »

giffgaff's £12 PAYG sim is your friend (unlimited data, tethers fine, minutes and texts included, my friend who has it gets consistent speeds without a problem)

alternatively get a mifi from CEX second hand fro about £30 and buy 3GB/3 month pay in advance sims from ebay for about £11/£12 a pop. Consistent speeds where I live.

Although this is in fact against giffgaff policy.

http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Using-giffgaff/Tethering-policy/ta-p/7816336

in_my_bumble_opinion

wiogs wrote: »

Although this is in fact against giffgaff policy.

http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Using-giffgaff/Tethering-policy/ta-p/7816336

My friend has been tethering for yonks without a problem.

Giffgaff's 'policy' is irrelevant as there is no contract, it's prepay. It either tethers or it doesn't....as it turns out, it does.

wiogs

I was only pointing out the policy.

in_my_bumble_opinion

wiogs wrote: »

I was only pointing out the policy.

Sorry, didn't mean to sound like I was having a go, just saying that their policy doesn't mean very much in the real world.