Temporary broadband for ten days while new connection is turned on

Macano

Hi all
I am moving home end of the month but Sky will take about ten days to get our broadband up, meaning we have a little broadband shadow to fill.
I have seen there are some temporary hire options, but the cost ran to about £100. Ideally I just want some pay-as-you go option for a few days. However, we will obviously need some kind if router to ensure our devices are able to connect and stay connected. Any advice would be much appreciated.

MattMattMattUK

Macano said:

Hi all
I am moving home end of the month but Sky will take about ten days to get our broadband up, meaning we have a little broadband shadow to fill.
I have seen there are some temporary hire options, but the cost ran to about £100. Ideally I just want some pay-as-you go option for a few days. However, we will obviously need some kind if router to ensure our devices are able to connect and stay connected. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Tether your phone to the device you specifically need to use or just cope without broadband for ten days. I imagine it will take longer than ten days to get properly unpacked anyway. 

iniltous

Mobile is the only practical way to go , as stated use an existing phone as a hot spot and connecting your devices to that , or buy a MiFi type device to do the same job , although thus will probably cost a bit more than using your existing mobile , it could  be useful as a backup if the main service fails, or to fill in , should installation of the main service be delayed , if its only 10 days and you have unlimited data on an existing phone , setting it as a mobile hotspot is probably the best option 

ButterCheese

As above - if you have sufficient 4g or 5g coverage then hotspot from one of your phones.  You can get a SIM router for about £40 but then you'd also have to wait for that and your data SIM to be delivered. 

If you go on Moneysupermarket and search for SIM only deals, then select contract length = 1 month, it'll give you a list of options.  There is one for £15 with unlimited data, but it's only £15 for the first month.  Months 2-12 are £31 so make sure you cancel, and ensure there are no hidden exclusions regarding cancelling after 1 month.

It all sounds too much faff for me and a lot of money for 1 weeks internet (assuming you have to wait 3 days for the SIM to be delivered anyway).

Could you not ask a neighbour to use their internet for a bit? 

Macano

Thanks all. The issue is that we will have Ring doorbells and cams to get onto the internet, so it kind of implies the coverage needs to be 24/7. My assumption is that this won't be possible with the phone connection? Particularly when i leave the house with my phone. I see 3 have a deal that amounts to about £70 for a one off month of coverage. Right now that is looking to be the best option.

MattMattMattUK

Macano said:

Thanks all. The issue is that we will have Ring doorbells and cams to get onto the internet, so it kind of implies the coverage needs to be 24/7. My assumption is that this won't be possible with the phone connection? Particularly when i leave the house with my phone. I see 3 have a deal that amounts to about £70 for a one off month of coverage. Right now that is looking to be the best option.

I would say it would be easier to just wait, you can cope for ten days without a Ring doorbell. 

400ixl

As above, can you really not live without those for 10 days?

Use mobile to tether the essential items when you are in the house. Outside of that it can wait until you are connected.

Waste of £70 really otherwise, unless you will have use for the 5G router and SIM at other times.

Macano

400ixl said:

As above, can you really not live without those for 10 days?

Use mobile to tether the essential items when you are in the house. Outside of that it can wait until you are connected.

Waste of £70 really otherwise, unless you will have use for the 5G router and SIM at other times.

A technical question related to this: I have never tried to have tethering on for an extended period. Could the phone theoretically provide wifi while we sleep? I suppose this would get the job done.

flaneurs_lobster

My recent solution to a similar situation.

4G MiFI router from CeX £18.

Superdrug Mobile Unlimited Data SIM £20/mth.

There are cheaper unlimited SIMs available but this was the easiest to obtain OTC same day.

Assume you know which networks give sufficient indoor coverage at your new gaff? Don't believe the online coverage maps.

flaneurs_lobster

Macano said:

A technical question related to this: I have never tried to have tethering on for an extended period. Could the phone theoretically provide wifi while we sleep? I suppose this would get the job done.

I've done this for a month, the phone was knackered by the process. I'd risk it with an old phone but not my shiny new iPhone 27.

400ixl

Macano said:

400ixl said:

As above, can you really not live without those for 10 days?

Use mobile to tether the essential items when you are in the house. Outside of that it can wait until you are connected.

Waste of £70 really otherwise, unless you will have use for the 5G router and SIM at other times.

A technical question related to this: I have never tried to have tethering on for an extended period. Could the phone theoretically provide wifi while we sleep? I suppose this would get the job done.

Yes, best to leave it plugged in though. Curious as to what you would need to be tethered whilst you are asleep though that couldn't just be on the phone itself.