Free wireless internet and cheap 3G broadband article discussion

Kilty_2

hulltrucker wrote: »

Interesting that the modems come locked - this seems a little unfair when you actually buy the modem on PAYG - Does anyone know the legality of this situation?

All networks lock their PAYG mobile phones why would a modem be any different?

hulltrucker

Splott_Boy wrote: »

Are we saying that you get 1GB for £10 with the 3 option either way ?

Maybe I'm not understanding the deal properly, but wouldn't you have to 'overspend' by £99 on a contract before you lost out - perhaps the dongle isn't free on contract ? (Lets assume we don't mind being locked in for the contract duration for the moment).

Clarification would be much appreciated.

On the face of it that's true - but as Martin pointed out if you go 1GB over your monthly allowance this will cost you £102 on contract. I think the more important point is that the contract prices will stay the same over the contracted period (i.e £10 per month for 2 years) the liklihood is that as the market gets more competitive PAYG prices will hopefully reduce - for instance a £10 top up will last until you have used the whole 1GB rather than running out in 30 days

Lauraloo_3

Is it worth it??!! And am I being mad or do I only need a PC no phone line and not even a 3 networked mobile phone?? It sounds fab, also PC World are offering a free laptop - has anyone else got it and is it any good?? Many thanks guys!!

Dancing_Heart

Does anyone know about buying these dongles outright and what exactly are they called. I seem to be getting usb flash drive storage things coming up whenever I look for them? Just thought that might be a better way to go and do PAYG .. Many thanks

geekgirl

My mate bought his from the three shop in our local city centre. It cost him £99 for the usb dongle (but I have seen that if you are a student with a NUS card you can get it for £49) then came to my house for me to set it up for him.

If you are going to use it on a mac either make sure you get the drivers they are supposed to give you on a CD or download the drivers and apps pack from https://www.three.ie rather than the UK three website. Save a lot of time and trouble.

My friend bought one because he doesn't want a landline at home. He says it has been working fine for him.

point3

I signed up to a Vodafone USB modem contract after checking coverage on their website - it was showing as good 3G coverage (greater London).

Indoors I am struggling to get even a 2G signal and my average download rate was a pitiful 7Kbps :eek: . At the bottom of the garden I can pick up a 3G+ signal with download speeds of 400Kbps, but no way am I standing out in the garden all day :mad: .

Gonna give this another week's trial, but it's going back on the 14 day returns policy if it doesn't improve. It's a pity, as this service has great potential. 13% of UK households are now mobile only, so I can see this service will become more and more popular.

taff007

I bought mobile braodband from 3 last week. £10 per month for 1gb on a 24 month contract. USB modem was free and I managed to get another £16 off using quidco. (Also £10 accessory voucher as I started the order process then got disconnected from the web. Next day they sent an e-mail asking me to try again and added the free voucher as an incentive) Make sure you get the right usage limit otherwise it could prove very expensive.

Carphonewarehouse had a 'free' laptop offer, although the package worked out at £20 per month more than the mobile broadband cost alone. oO over 18 months the laptop costs you £360. Not sure of the spec but I'd be wary.

So far I have been impressed. Coverage for me seems fairly good in the area (North of Cardiff), although I haven't been able to connect where there is no 3g signal (make sure you check the coverage on the 3 website).

point3

hulltrucker wrote: »

On the face of it that's true - but as Martin pointed out if you go 1GB over your monthly allowance this will cost you £102 on contract. I think the more important point is that the contract prices will stay the same over the contracted period (i.e £10 per month for 2 years) the liklihood is that as the market gets more competitive PAYG prices will hopefully reduce - for instance a £10 top up will last until you have used the whole 1GB rather than running out in 30 days

I agree - prices will become more competitive, for both contract and PAYG.

To Splott Boy, the important thing to remember with contract is NEVER to go over the limit, as you are penalised quite heavily - £15 per 1GB over the limit on Vodafone, £102 per 1GB on 3 Mobile.

PAYG is better for occasional users (or for those wanting to top-up a regular broadband allowance).

For a regular user, then a contract is better value. As an example, costs for an equivalent service are:

Contract
Vodafone USB modem, 3GB per month on a 2 year contract
Costs £15 x 24 - £90 Quidco = £270 for 24 months
Equivalent to £11.25 per month

PAYG
3 Mobile USB modem + 24 x £15 top-up vouchers for 3GB monthly allowance = £99 - £4 Quidco + (24 x £15) = £455 for 24 months
Equivalent to £18.96 per month

millie

Do you need to be in a turbo area to get a connection as I was away at the weekend and mine would not work. It said it was connected but the pages would not load, every time I tried to open Google it just showed a blank screen and siad connecting.

taff007

I have been able to get a connection in a turbo area (HSPDA) and also in a 3G area. I have been unable to load any pages with a 2G signal.