NBS Basics

PhotogTom

Hi, I'm hoping someone can give me the basics of the NBS and how it works, etc.
My situation is that I've been on a Wireless broadband scheme for the past several years. Lots of problems with the signal in recent months. The engineer pulled some records and my signal has been declining for a very long time. The culprit is tree growth in the forestry around me. Line of sight wireless isn't going to work for me.
Already know there are no 3G signals available to me either.
So, what should I do?
From a bit of reading I suppose its hoof it to the local 3 store? If I do, I'm sure I'll be speaking with about 30 minutes training!
Again, the step by step basics and what the NBS scheme is supposed to cover would be very helpful.
In advance - many thanks. I've got to get this sorted as I work from home one or two days a week - and most nights it seems!

drunkmonkey

Yup hoof it to the local 3 store or agent (preferable the one nearest your house). The tree growth thing could be a problem with NBS as well. You may end up with Satellite which could take a few weeks to sort out.
Maybe you might not need Satellite and may have perfect 3G signal, to give you the best possible chance of getting reception go for the Huawei B260a Router, it's a little more expensive than the e122 but the reception is a lot better. Get it on an 18mt contract to drop down the initial price of the router. I think it makes it 49 euro, that's all you'll pay in the store.

PhotogTom

Thanks for the quick response. I'd be very, very doubtful if I have a 3G signal from 3 - or anyone else.
Also, just checked on the NBS map and I'm in a "grey" area. Not sure what that means - no NBS scheme available at all or no 3G signal and I'm, if I jump through the right hoops, eligible for a satellite connection?
Thouhgt I saw somewhere that October 2010 is the deadline for 100 per cent NBS coverage?
Also, can you give me the "basics" of the NBS scheme or a link where i can read up? I'm still not sure i've got it right!

drunkmonkey

I couldn't tell you without knowing where your house is, it could be NBS isn't live there or your in a Satellite only area.
basics are:
Buy a Modem, go home hope it works well.
if it doesn't you'll have a few hair pulling phone calls and then may be sent a repeater.
If repeater won't work then they'll send out some engineers. They'll make a call and see what's required.

Depending on where your house is, you may get satellite straight away and might not need a modem.

Pushing for satellite is a double edged sword, if your in an area with good 3G reception it can be a lot quicker than Satellite and you'll have a more generous usage limit. Satellite is a last resort.

PhotogTom

Are there areas where NBS isn't "live" yet or is it available everywhere?

drunkmonkey

check your pm's, I can tell you exactly what's it's like where you are;)

Walkman

If your area is grey you are not in an NBS area and will not get satellite or repeater. Green areas are live, yellow are planned within the next 30 days and red are planned with no go live date announced.......grey is not NBS. This however does not mean you do not have 3G coverage from 3 or one of the other networks

Sponge Bob

PhotogTom wrote: »

just checked on the NBS map and I'm in a "grey" area. Not sure what that means - no NBS scheme available at all or no 3G signal

No NBS available and no 'right' to satellite if the 3g signal fails. No 'right' to a 3g signal of any sort either.

Welecom to the "smart green" part of Ireland, you will have to wait for the URP/RBS to get going, aka the NBS for the rest of us.

PhotogTom

Thanks for the replies. While I'll check 3's 3g coverage, I'm quite sure we won't have any luck there. I've got to get this sorted for work reasons is nothing else.
So, it looks like satellite route for me. I'll check other posts but any suggestions on satellite providors?

watty

Digiweb and SBI (It's actually the same service, resold slightly differently). If Kasat launch in November 2010 to January 2011 is sucessful, then Satellite might be cheaper then.