cheapest way to connect to internet with mobile phone?

Donnie

espresso has already posted details of a 'free' ISP.

There are quite a few 0845 providers.

All are slow in comparision to GPRS/3G.

CHR15

You're right, I didn't go to the link.

The ISP I referred to is supplied to Government workers whilst working remotely. Nothing sensitive about it, just not to be broadcast all over the interweb.

I agree about the speed, It was painful, even had to switch of pictures!

But if it's the only way!!!!

compmad1

I've been at work and only just read all your useful posts. Thanks.
On my normal phone I have got a contract for 250 free minutes with O2. It is one that I get cash back on so I expect to have the phone free and free calls. I did this last year and it worked fine, although it was a bit fiddly.
Despite the comparable slowness with an 0845 number as opposed to GPRS, if I tried that method out would the minutes used in connecting my laptop to the Internet be free? (i.e. counted in the inclusive minutes if I did not go over.)
I don't really use my phone all that much and probably have about 200 unused minutes left on it every month. I think you pay more money on PAYG with 0845 numbers. I don't know how much more, but I'm not clear on the position with contract phones. Can anyone advise? Thanks.

Donnie

First of all, you would have to check if you could use your inclusive bundle for Data calls.
Secondly you would have to check if 0845 numbers are included within. Otherwise, you should use the ISP in espresso's link.

compmad1

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between 3G and GPRS and which is supposed to be the best? Thanks.

Hermann

GPRS is essentially the 2nd generation mobile technology whilst 3G is the 3rd generation technology.

GPRS allowed a higher data transfer rate than 1st generation.

3G allows a higher rate of data transfer than 2nd generation.

Its a bit like dial up, broadband, and broadband max.

Which is right for you depends on what you want to do and how much data you transfer and where you're going to use it. There is no simple answer.

GPRS might be cheaper for you if you don't use much and aren't bothered about speed.

GPRS explanation here ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Packet_Radio_Service

3G explanation here .....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3G

The Modaco forums and the mobiholics forums have loads of info on the different pricing and technologies.

http://www.modaco.com/forums.html

http://www.mobiholics.com/

Pricing seems to be changing at the moment so its a bit difficult to keep up to date.

UK best deals were between the Orange £1 a day and TMobiles SIM only contract with a webnwalk package (was around £15 a month so cheaper than Orange if used regularly)

Its different abroad you get hammered for roaming, seems its best to by a local sim card for the country you're in.

gustav

espresso wrote: »

There are many ways to surf the net on PAYG and if you actually want to dial a connection rather than use GPRS...

Yes. This is what I was trying to do, as its cheaper than using the mobile operators Internet access (I think).
I can access the net using Orange's internet access ex phone, but its bloody expensive :eek: . (think I might dump Orange sometime soon.)

Hermann

gustav wrote: »

Yes. This is what I was trying to do, as its cheaper than using the mobile operators Internet access (I think).
I can access the net using Orange's internet access ex phone, but its bloody expensive :eek: . (think I might dump Orange sometime soon.)

Would the Orange daily bundle at £1 a day not be cheaper than dial up over a mobile?

compmad1

There are many ways to surf the net on PAYG and if you actually want to dial a connection rather than use GPRS, try using GeoISP.

PS Like your sig.[/QUOTE]

Can somebody explain how I would do this please? I already belong to 18185. How would I connect my mobile to my laptop and set up the dialing? Thanks.