Free wireless internet and cheap 3G broadband article discussion

Katie-Kat-Kins · 28 October 2010 at 2:23PM

I've just ventured into the world of laptops and net books and could do with a bit of help.

Currently we have a normal mondem for the desktop provided in a package with our phone service. Ideally I would like to be able to use this package with the laptop too, but without having to plug in. What do I need to do? Get a new wireless router I guess..... how much will this cost or can you get them free when you change broadband provider? What about the desktop, that is pre-wireless so would I need to keep the current moden as well, or can it be converted to wireless??

Second question - I will need to use the laptop on the move for business purposes, mainly just email, web browsing not watching films or downloading music. So unless I am in a wifi hotspot (which isn't likely) I will need to use 3G. I have a 500mb bundle on my orange phone, so I could just plug into that, do I just use the usb cable that came with the phone? The alternative would be to get a dongle, what sort of prices are these? What are the cheapest top ups?

Thanks

Omega_1 · 28 October 2010 at 5:38PM

I too have 500 mb with orange and I called them and they talked me through the installing of orange onto my notebook - then to use it you have to connect your phone to your notebook to access the internet via your phone. Dont use overseas though - VERY expensive and also suggest don't download any attachments when you check your e-mails otherwise you can gobble up your free allowance.

Donnie · 29 October 2010 at 2:16AM

Katie-Kat-Kins wrote: »

I've just ventured into the world of laptops and net books and could do with a bit of help.

Currently we have a normal mondem for the desktop provided in a package with our phone service. Ideally I would like to be able to use this package with the laptop too, but without having to plug in. What do I need to do? Get a new wireless router I guess..... how much will this cost or can you get them free when you change broadband provider? What about the desktop, that is pre-wireless so would I need to keep the current moden as well, or can it be converted to wireless??

Second question - I will need to use the laptop on the move for business purposes, mainly just email, web browsing not watching films or downloading music. So unless I am in a wifi hotspot (which isn't likely) I will need to use 3G. I have a 500mb bundle on my orange phone, so I could just plug into that, do I just use the usb cable that came with the phone? The alternative would be to get a dongle, what sort of prices are these? What are the cheapest top ups?

Thanks

Perhaps if you give details of your ISP and Internet package we can gain a broader idea of the options open to you. But yes, a wireless router is what you need.
Easy enough to make the Desktop wireless capable by using a USB or PCI Network card. Cost will be around £6.

Katie-Kat-Kins · 29 October 2010 at 9:54AM

Donnie wrote: »

Perhaps if you give details of your ISP and Internet package we can gain a broader idea of the options open to you. But yes, a wireless router is what you need.
Easy enough to make the Desktop wireless capable by using a USB or PCI Network card. Cost will be around £6.

Ok, currently we have telephone and broadband from Tiscali (now part of talk talk). We've been with them ages and I'm currently considering whether to move this Sky seem to be offering a slightly cheaper package as we already have TV with them. Happy to either stay or move as there isn't much in it.

Thanks for your help.

Donnie · 29 October 2010 at 7:28PM

Katie-Kat-Kins wrote: »

Ok, currently we have telephone and broadband from Tiscali (now part of talk talk). We've been with them ages and I'm currently considering whether to move this Sky seem to be offering a slightly cheaper package as we already have TV with them. Happy to either stay or move as there isn't much in it.

Thanks for your help.

I'm surprised that you say that you are still using a 'normal modem'.

Either should offer you a free wireless router if you haven't already got one.
Not that I would trust TalkTalk to do so in good faith.

Do you have LLU providers in your part of the country? Broadband Checker

In order to make your PC wireless, you need a Wireless PCI Adapter(easy to fit and more reliable) or a USB Wireless LAN Network Adapter. Both optons under £6.

How much are you paying currently?

Katie-Kat-Kins · 29 October 2010 at 8:50PM

If you knew how ancient our PC was you wouldn't be surprised!!!

Paying Tiscali/Talk Talk £18 for both phone and broadband, checking on here, we could get it down to about £16.

I know Talk Talk have terrible reviews, luckily I haven't had to deal with them at all, Tiscali were always ok and we just got switched when TT took over!

Anyway checked our address on Sam Knows - and when I checked LLUxDSL availability is came up with a huge great row of red crosses........ we are in the back of beyond for digital technology purposes, we only got sky because we are in the last group of places to go digital and our picture sucked, so it doesnt surprise me that we don't have LLU whatever that might be!

Donnie · 29 October 2010 at 10:12PM

Katie-Kat-Kins wrote: »

If you knew how ancient our PC was you wouldn't be surprised!!!

Paying Tiscali/Talk Talk £18 for both phone and broadband, checking on here, we could get it down to about £16.

I know Talk Talk have terrible reviews, luckily I haven't had to deal with them at all, Tiscali were always ok and we just got switched when TT took over!

Anyway checked our address on Sam Knows - and when I checked LLUxDSL availability is came up with a huge great row of red crosses........ we are in the back of beyond for digital technology purposes, we only got sky because we are in the last group of places to go digital and our picture sucked, so it doesnt surprise me that we don't have LLU whatever that might be!

If you choose to stay with TalkTalk, ask them for a free wireless router. Sky will supply a free one if you migrate to them.

snoman · 3 December 2010 at 10:31PM

While I was out near some local shops today, I was playing with my new HTC Wildfire and testing for Wi-Fi hotspots, of which there were quite a lot. I saw a free BT FON site listed, which I clicked on and discovered that it really was free - no log in required and I'm not even a BT customer. I thought this system was restricted to registered users - could it have been a phishing site?

I think it must be genuine because it is listed on the BTFON website.

DK11 · 24 May 2012 at 4:38PM

Worth checking out samba mobile if you've got a laptop or ipad. They offer free 3G broadband in return for watching their ads. I was on their trial last year and I've just got my new sim as they've just launched to the public. They use the 3 network so it's the same service but for free - works great.