3 data card broadband

Timmy_d

Hi lads was thinking of getting this 3 broadband that you can plug into laptop and dont need phoneline,is it worth getting?

Bard

It's worth getting, yes, but keep in mind that's it's a USB connection (so it doesn't plug into a hub for sharing over a network) and you're sigining up for a 12 month contract.

See if you're covered first, then grab your passport or drivers license AND a recent (within last 3 months) bill or bank statement and head to your nearest store.

Duiske

Timmy_d wrote:

Hi lads was thinking of getting this 3 broadband that you can plug into laptop and dont need phoneline,is it worth getting?

Hi Timmy. I have the Usb version of this and its working fine. Getting about 400kb/s between 4pm and 11pm, and a little over 1mb outside these times. Great thread here about the pros and cons. Watty gives good explanations on why you may or may not get decent speeds. I would advise giving it a go anyway as you can always return it within 14 days for full refund if your not happy.

Timmy_d

$129 once off payment for usb,is that right? so u just buy it plug it in and away you go? 19.99 p/m thereafter eh? think il purchase

dumbyearbook

Timmy_d wrote:

Hi lads was thinking of getting this 3 broadband that you can plug into laptop and dont need phoneline,is it worth getting?

Hoave you thought of the new O2 Broadband?

Timmy_d

dumbyearbook wrote:

Hoave you thought of the new O2 Broadband?

i havnt actually,ant decent price difference between them?

Bard

If you're not already an O2 customer, O2 broadband is the same price as 3's for the first 3 months (i.e.: €20 per month) but jumps up to double that (€40) from the 4th month onward.

Yes, the 3 modem is dearer (€129 as opposed to €69) but within 3 months of their rental being 20 quid less, it's paid for itself. If you ARE an O2 customer already, it's €15 for the first 3 months, then €30 per month afterwards.

Also, 3 apparently have a much larger 3G coverage area than O2 at the moment. Plus they have a no-fuss 14 day money back guarantee if you're not happy (more). Granted, I currently work for 3 - but regardless of any loyalty there, theirs is still a better deal from what I can see.

burk

I got my 3 datacard in March and was quite happy for the first months with speeds above 100 kb/s. Recently the download speed is most of the time below 50 kb/s or even below 20 kb/s in the evenings and too bad to use Skype even though I have a very good signal strength. Probably there are just "to many" other users around in this area with loads of new apartments. I hope 3 will improve the network.

Urban Weigl

I've the 3DataModem and €19.99 package, and have to agree with Bard: it seems to be the best mobile broadband offer out there. I'm certainly happy with mine, especially considering the price.

And by the way, congrats on your new job, I didn't realise you worked for 3.

Footnote: Now if only 3 would put up a mast in or around Ballyhaunis, a town of 1,500, I'd be even happier... According to Siteviewer, only Vodafone and O2 have 3G coverage at the moment. I can get a 3 signal from my attic. I don't mind that much since I mainly use it while on the road, but it would definitely give me a warm fuzzy feeling if it worked here as well. I actually took the time to write to 3 head office about it some weeks ago, but have not received any response so far.

jimmycrackcorm

O2 might be a good bet for areas with no 3G as they have EDGE also. I'm finding that the 3 mobile BB on my HSDPA N95 often gives only the same or less than the Meteor EDGE.