3G Data Card

[koster]

I want to use a 3G data card, and have found that these are offered by Vodaphone, O2 and Orange.

However, the only network offering 3G coverage in my area is Three.

Can I use one of the 3G data cards from the other networks on the Three network? Will there be any problems, apart from paying the full cost of the card?

[robski]

I work in the industry so take what I say as correct.

You cant use 3 through another card and even if you could, at present, 3 are a closed 3g network which means you cant use their 3g service to view web pages, only specific pages that 3 allow on their own phones, so for example, you cant view this website or any other poular website. This may change in the future as 3 is coming under alot of pressure to open up their network.

It may be worth trying T-Mobile as they have recently released a 3G card

[koster]

Thanks. Unfortunately there is no T-Mobile 3G coverage in my area. The only network that I've found that has 3G coverage here (HU17 9QN, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire) is Three.

[robski]

then unfortunately your out of luck! i would recommend broadband but from your postcode I can see you cant get it.

depending on your budget, there is satellite broadband which does not need a landline and has 100% coverage in UK so check out
http://www.skymarket.co.uk/internetaccess_satellitebroad band.php

and

www.bentleytelecom.co.uk

for more info

[koster]

Broadband is available here, the postcode search gives an erroneous result because Hull and surrounding area is the only area in the country not to be covered by BT - we have our own telephone company, Kingston Communications.

Anyway it's not the landline I'm interested in at the moment, but fast Internet wherever I am. I haven't looked into it, but satellite broadband sounds like it would be far too expensive.

[robski]

I have used all the 3g cards in my line of work and trust me, they are not as good as they sound. Even if you have good coverage they are only up to about 256k if there is little traffic on the network and 128k is much more of a regular speed

A much more cost effective way is to get a wi-fi laptop and use wifi hotspots as there is a minimal charge and no subscription

[mdun123]

This site has a few links for 3g coverage http://www.3gcoverage.co.uk