Free wireless internet and cheap 3G broadband article discussion

Fliss_M

My sister's BF has moved out and as its in his name, taken the broadband & landline with him. She is in a new build flat block in the leeds LS1 area. But she will only be there till jan as then she is moving back to sheffield.

As this is the case I think she may be better getting a mobile broadband contract and think about getting a home contract once she moves

She is also changing to a sim only monthly contract. So I thought a mobile broadband contract with only a 30 day contract for now would be best

Can anyone advise if this sounds OK or has any other ideas or provider ideas? Thanks.

Lieutenant_Thrift

Confused enough by the choice of setting up home broadband in a new place. I've checked Broadband comparison sites and they all seem too expensive for something as fundamental to modern life as internet access.

Anyway, while I'm making my mind up (and for whoever is chosen to send a bloke in overalls around to connect us), I think I'll get a pay as you go mobile broadband USB stick to meet the necessity. My partner and I have contracts with o2 and Three respectively so have thought it will be cheaper to get one with them.

But hang on, I read about the cash back sites on here last night and signed up for two of them. Also the Broadband comparison sites seem to recommend Vodafone even although a BBC online article on Tuesday said it was the slowest mobile broadband by far.

I'm confused again. Can anyone advise on the cheapest and most reliable PAYG option bearing in mind that we already have contracts with o2 and 3 and cashback sites are out there?

Many thanks,

LT

johncaduk

Hi,
I always buy a pre-loaded stick from 3 mobile.co.uk. I get 12Gb of memory on a free dongle for about £97 (inc p&p). My last one, last week, I used topcashback.co.uk and got another £11.76 cashback which tracked in at validated the day after buying. I recommend you use the ariel extension included in the pack because the reception can be iffy indoors:D.

DonnyDave

I have a Vodafone TopUp and Go Mobile Broadband dongle for use when out and about.

It costs £15 per GB with no time limit on the top-up. I paid £39 earlier this year for it in a Vodafone shop. This includes the first GB, so the device is effectively £24.

The Vodafone website shows that £39 is still the price they charge, although I'm not sure whether other retailers charge less.

devizes18193

it depends ,on what and where you use it , can you get a signal , will there be gaps where you do not use it . 3 gives good value but a 30 day to use the allowance in . Vodafone the allowance lasts till used . The other thing things like online gameing and iplayer will suck data useage like you would not believe.

dil1976

I am currently looking for a cheap PAYG dongle for my laptop as my job sometimes requires me to stay away in hotels, although not very often.

Unfortunately internt access in most hotels I stay in is not cheap and my job doesn't require me to use the internet so I cant reclaim it back through expenses.

I will be mainly using it for browsing the net for a couple of hours a night and MSN messenger.

What would be the best deal for me?

Thanks in advance.

EmmaC1982

I've got a Vodafone one which is advertised as having the best speed...

Anyway, it is inconsistent to say the least. On a train journey from manchester to birmingham I managed to get about 10 minutes use in total! I know trains are notoriously bad for mobile signal but surely you can expect better than this! I mean surely working online during a train journey is what these things are all about.

Also when I got to birmingham I struggled to get a signal where I was staying - just 3 miles from the city centre!

However, in manchester I seem to be fine in most areas so I suppose it depends on network strength in certain areas. Which is a bit rubbish considering it is supposed to be mobile....

Ah, your original question about cheap deals - don't just get the best deal as it may be a waste of money if you can't get a signal. This gives signal maps:
www. bestmobilebroadband.co.uk/uk-mobile-broadband-coverage.aspx

I can't post links as a new user sorry!

desperate+determined

Hi,

Am currently waiting for BT to install landline and broadband. (approx another 10days) But I desperately need to have access to internet on evening (currently accessing while at work).

Can anyone suggest a good package or PAYG as want to be very MSE about this. Not sure where to start.

Thanks DD

PlutoinCapricorn

You can get a prepaid dongle from 3 shops: the three month/3gb one costs around £39.99. You get a few days to try it out. I use mine in the mornings as it can be a bit slow in the evenings.

Libraries often offer free internet use.

lelole

Hi there is a thread on here about the 3 network dongle that can be unlocked. Have a look and see what you think - can't link to it, but search this forum for "ZTE" and it should come up...