Experiences of Mobile Broadband Abroad

**accelerator** · 03-09-08

Hi All

I would like to hear of any of your experiences of using mobile broadband abroad, good or bad.

Also, I have heard of some people getting very high bills for mobile broadband usage abroad, so any tips you can share for keeping your bill to a minimum / making sure it doesn't get out of control, would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

**ep90** · 03-09-08

Bad - it's a rip off. I try and use hotel wi-fi when abroad as 3G mobile internet is so expensive it's not worth considering. If one of the programs on your PC decides to download an update it may cost you £100 without you even noticing. While it's possible to turn windows update off, your bound to be caught out by adobe or some other piece of software.

**marky** · 03-09-08

I use a old vodaphone 3g data card and do need to upgrade to hsdpa/mobile broadband

I have not generally had any problems abroad - though yes it is very expensive. About £8/mb which I believe is the same cost for both.

Regarding coverage - I was in India for most of September 2006 and at one stage was in an old palace (hotel)(no internet) in Rajasthan and we were suffering frequent power cuts. Not just the palace but the surrounding villages as well. I had a perfect (yet expensive) 3g connection throughout - I could work by the light of the laptop and check stats / mails.

Mobile Broadband should in theory be better coverage still ? I hope so as I am looking to upgrade soon ...

Hope this helps / was kinda thing you were after ?

**accelerator** · 03-09-08

Originally Posted by marky

Mobile Broadband should in theory be better coverage still ? I hope so as I am looking to upgrade soon ...

Hope this helps / was kinda thing you were after ?

Regarding upgrading, I think the thing is that the limiting factor for performance is usually the quality of the network available, the latest 3.5G HSDPA modem will only be of benefit where such networks exists, so in the majority of situations there probably won't currently be a difference between an old 3G datacard and the latest USB modem sticks.

Thanks for the comments, and yes they help.

I am particularly interested in any roaming issues that people have had, e.g. is it possible to control what networks you roam to, and if not, have you been hit with very high roaming charges.

Thanks.

**thatrandomguy** · 03-09-08

While I don't have any experiences of Mobile Broadband abroad myself, there is a nicely put together article on International Wireless Broadband providers (US based). Covers all the major companies and shows Verizon and AT&T as being the best. Useful obviously if you're over there.

Any other reviews of other countries out there?

**fizzbird** · 03-09-08

Originally Posted by accelerator

I am particularly interested in any roaming issues that people have had, e.g. is it possible to control what networks you roam to, and if not, have you been hit with very high roaming charges.

Could be worth considering a pay as you go option once you are at your destination?

**eymedia** · 04-09-08

Second those who say it's expensive... my tip is this:

Don't leave your laptop switched on overnight and Bluetooth enabled on your phone, otherwise you might get back home to find Windows has downloaded a 100MB update at £8 per MB :cry

**gimme4free** · 04-09-08

I stop at MacDonalds when Im on the road n need the net

**selena12321** · 12-09-08

sorry I am not experienced of Mobile Broadband abroad myself.

**Shane** · 12-09-08

I've a vodafone 3g card, which is generally pretty useless when I really need it

I can connect at home all day long but the minute I'm miles away from wifi or LAN and need a connection I invariably spend 20 minutes trying to get a connection :td then when I finally do I blow through the monthly allowance in one or two sessions

needless to say I won't be renewing it in january, although I think they do one for £9.99per 24 hours use abroad !? but then it's soemthing daft like £4.99 per MEG !! if not in one of the included countries.