I want to get the internet at home

[karmgirl]

I rent a room in a shared house so to ensure I pay for my own internet I want to get mobile internet.

What are the cheapest deals around and if I am on 02 network on my phone does that mean I can only have 02 mobile?

How can you tell if its going to be fast internet

[karmgirl]

Oh and I need to get a modem, what is this, will the mobile broadband plug in thing act as the modem?

[Oneeyedvic]

You can get various different mobile broadband packages - the best offer that I have come across is by 3. At the end of each month they tend to do some good offers - last months offer was 5GB download limit for �7.50 per month - including free modem on an 18 month contract. Usual price is �15 per month.

Vodaphone also do a package at �15 per month, but you have to pay for a modem unless it is a 24 month contract and it is a 3GB allowance.

o2 have an offer of �20 per month and includes wifi, but it is only ope to 60% of the population - though this also comes with home broadband free.

Tmobile also offer some good deals.

Best thing is to go each operator's site and look up mobile broadband

If you are using more than this (eg downloading videos / music a lot) then mobile broadband is not for you.

[karmgirl]

I think I will want to download a bit of music every now and again and maybe burn cd's. Is mobile broadband suitable for that?

[Oneeyedvic]

Yes that should be fine - sounds like you would be a light user.

[david1702198]

t-mobile are offering wireless broadband with a free modem just now for �15 per month, �10 for first 3 months

[Ethel]

Make sure there is coverage in your area.

I had to take mine back as there was no coverage whatsover so it proved useless.

There is a coverage map on each of the companies websites.

[karmgirl]

OMG i'm excited and scared. I've ordered my mobile broadband uh oh.

I went with T Mobile - �15 a month (24 month contract arghhh) 3GB and if you go over surfing time you don't get charged.

Looked on 3 mobile after though and found a slightly better deal. I could have had �15 per month (18 month contract) 5GB don't know about hidden charges if you go over.

I'm scared cus I don't like having long contracts - I'm on an 18 month mobile contract with 02 and I've only been on it 12 months but it feels like longer and I can't wait to come off that but that is �35 per month with �180 cashback with makes it �25 a month or soemthing.

What do you think of my mobile broadband choice? Good or bad?

[karmgirl]

Yep I've checked coverage - all ok.

Tell you what - these laptop deals they offer are quite good aren't they? �30 a month for laptop with internet over 24 months. Was tempted to go for that but I have got a laptop albeit not a great one I think the internet should be fine on it.

[Ethel]

Can we have a link? I can't see anything that says you don't get charged if you go over your allotted useage.

[karmgirl]

Ok hang on

[karmgirl]

http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/shop/mobile-phones/o ffers/broadband/

This is what I've bought

[karmgirl]

Mine is the Mobile Broadband Plus 24 months which is with the fair use policy

[karmgirl]

Oh I've only just noticed your post David - thats what I've just bought lol :)

[Ethel]

Very good.

I like the fact that if you go over your 3gb they don't charge you more, but may restrict your use.

Stops a scary bill.

[Ethel]

I hate the fact you can't use Skype.

As I don't have a landline, it would be useless to me, except as a secondary broadband.

[karmgirl]

Yeah thats quite good isnt it - the 3 offer may have been a bit better for me cus I could have had a shorter contract which would have been nice cus 24mths is a long time and I could have had 5GB but then I don't think they would have had the thing where you can go over but not get charged.

[karmgirl]

Can't I use Skype - what is Skype?

[Ethel]

Skype is Voice Over Internet Protocol (Voip).

I use it for all my phone calls, and Instant Messaging (like MSN).

I also use it to send texts to mobile phones.

Obviously TMobile want you use their phone for calls, not a free internet service.

[karmgirl]

Oh does that mean I can't use msn?

[Ethel]

You should be able to use it for instant messaging.

I'm not sure about that though. The t&cs clearly state Skype.