Free wireless internet and cheap 3G broadband article discussion

cornishrex

point3 wrote: »

These modems (Huawei) are locked, but can be unlocked. It costs €15 and will upgrade the firmware to enable the modem to run at 7.2Mbps too.

To do this you need to sign up to KulanKendi, buy the credits, download the software and connect your modem. KulanKendi 'reads' the modem and calculates an unlocking code - you then press 'Execute' to unlock and flash the firmware. Not had a chance to try it yet, but lots of people are reporting success on various forums.

Sorry, I think my second question has already been answered by point3, as above - looks like the dongles are upgradeable thankfully ... still would like views about vodafone PAYG though, and and any thoughts about the the provider with the best UK wide coverage - is it orange? In which case if Orange is merging with Vodafone soon then maybe vodafone's coverage will improve; currently it seems to be crap over Devon.

highguyuk

Lots of posts cornishrex!

PAYG modems are only £49.99 on Three Mobile if you can get a student to purchase one for you. This made this a good deal for me, and why I went with 3 Mobile.

I'd imagine that this "original" modem will be like an old mobile phone soon. Useable but out of date. The stick, which is like a memory pen, looks better and is easier than this mini mouse and USB lead.

point3

Just as an update to my previous post, I wasn't able to make use of Vodafone's USB mobile broadband service, but my brother could. He is currently able to receive download speeds over 1.5Mbps in his corner of the world (Midlands) so he's been handed over the package.

For anyone else thinking of taking out a Vodafone contract, then I'd still recommend it. Consult the online coverage checker first, but if you find that the service is not actually available when you receive the modem then there is a 14 day period in which you could cancel. Use Quidco if signing up online, as there is a £90 cashback offer with a code for a free Plantronics Bluetooth headset as well.

point3

As an afterthought, has anyone had success in getting Vodafone's Content Control lifted? I tried doing it online, but the supplied SMS code didn't work.

cristinakaren

Hi Lauraloo,
Before you consider signing up to 3 mobile broadband I'd read this review first over on the comsumer vent board:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=8596047

Karen

more_money_for_me

We are thinking about this option as well either with 3 or with T mobile. What I am unclear about is how we would be charged abroad. Understand how UK useage is charged but can we use abroad and if so what cost?

mummyyummy_2

ok i may be a little thick and behind the times here but is this basically internet connection without a land-line? is it just the same as using a landlined connected broadband? and what about security/hackers etc? is it like a wireless connection? thanks

mum2one

you have to be careful with the connection of 3 as there areas of connection are not the best.

They are called doodles, thou i called it the knobby thing. im personally on TMobile with mine, I had the old style, but have upgraded to the doodle.
My 1st contract was 18mths, upgraded, so the unit was free, just pay the line rental, mines £19.99 a mth. Thou i noticed in 2days Sun newspaper TMobile have an advert that on 2 yr contract doodle is free and its £15 a month. ,

They are an absolute godsend, I would not be without mine, they dont use a landline, basically inside the doodle unit there is a sim card and this stores your info, if yo take the laptop out and about, i travel 5 times a yr down to Devon to see friends, but as Im a mature student with the Ou still need to have access to computers and the net.

Its not a wireless connection as such as it fits into the slot at side or back of computer, (the slot u use if your downloading photos etc. Nobody else can et onto your network as its not wireless, its the same as using a mobile phone, just becuase your switched on doesnt mean that anyone else can can get into your account.

redux

I've been keeping an eye on 3 Ireland, which introduces broadband on 3Pay on 29th February. Their contract version has 10 GB for €20 a month, and would have Like Home roaming in UK.

I'm not sure they'd accept UK credit cards except physically in their shops though, so maybe a visit on a cheap flight ...

labp04

more_money_for_me wrote: »

We are thinking about this option as well either with 3 or with T mobile. What I am unclear about is how we would be charged abroad. Understand how UK useage is charged but can we use abroad and if so what cost?

If you look at 3 web site there is a list of where the connection can be used in Europe without any extra cost and I guess 3 would be happy to tell you their charges for other parts of Europe