Re: Short term alternative to ADSL wanted

"HVB" <hvbnntp@googlemail.com> wrote in message
news:ed7np2dnja9ur4erj77j7u7mp93doonbaq@4ax.com...
> Hello group,
>
> I seek the advice of group on the following matter.
>
> I'm going to be based away from home for a few months (3 to 6).
>
> The place I'm going to (mainland UK) currently has no fixed PSTN
> facility. I'm so used to having my ADSL that I'll feel digitally poor
> without it... though I suppose I could use the extra time I'll have on
> my hands to have an affair. ;-) (only kidding!)
>
> Anyway...
>
> I could get a PSTN line installed at my own expense (£124.99 with BT).
> This is a bit steep for what could be just three months and I'd still
> have to pay for ADSL on top of that. Adding on ADSL costs, I would
> therefore be looking at something in the region of £185 for three
> months internet access. Which is a lot.
>
> There is no cable, LLU or public WiFi service in the area.
>
> It is on top of a hill, so mobile coverage should be reasonable for
> most networks - for instance, the coverage checker for '3' shows that
> video service is available.
>
> I am wondering if GPRS or some other mobile data service (3G?) might
> be suitable for short-term internet access.
>
> I'm a bit green on this subject, having never needed to use any kind
> of mobile data service before - other than sending SMS messages.
> Please excuse my almost complete ignorance.
>
> I don't need anything too fancy, just enough bandwidth for email and
> general surfing - no streaming, gaming, binaries or p2p. At a guess
> 56kbps would be a realistic minimum, but it would be nice to have more
> if technically possible and affordable.
>
> Not averse to buying hardware if it'll work out cheaper overall than
> the fixed PSTN + ADSL alternative. I just don't know what I need.
>
> I'm having a bit of trouble identifying what kit I'd need and suitable
> service providers/tariffs.
>
> I have a laptop with bluetooth and a Nokia 6230 phone, also with
> bluetooth. I'm wondering if I could link the two up and use the
> mobile as a 'modem'. Do I still need an ISP? I could borrow a 6021
> if that's likely to be any better.
>
> The 6230 is a works provided phone, with a Voda SIM (no data) but it's
> unlocked so I can use another SIM in it. Or do I need something else?
> Maybe a GPRS PC-Card? A different mobile? I would really welcome
> some guidance on the hardware side of things.
>
> Given the short term nature, I'd imagine PAYG to be cheaper, but most
> providers seem a little shy about any kind of mobile data services -
> except Vodafone where it's an eyewatering £7.50/MB.
>
> Can anyone suggest a cheap(er) alternative that isn't going to tie me
> into an expensive long-term contract? Or is this idea just a
> non-starter?
>

What you could do is get the T-Mobile £7.50pm SIM only plan (50 min a month
and no annual contract) and stick the Web n Walk add on on it. Total cost
£15pm with a 1GB cap. Stick the T-Mobile SIM in your 6230 and use it as a
bluetooth modem. According to the T&Cs it's not allowed but it seems that
providing you don't take the piss T-Mobile turn a blind eye. Or if you wish,
see if you can get T-Mobile CS to add the £12.50pm Web n Walk plus to the
same SIM, cost goes up to 20 quid a month, but you get a 3GB cap and modem
access is allowed in the T&Cs.
T-Mobile SIM only plan here...
http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/Dispatcher...al_sim_only_pm

--
Cheers, Steve.
Change from jealous to sad to reply.