Thinking of getting mobile broadband

Shane732

I'm hoping some of you guys might be able to help me with a few queries I have....

Firstly this won't be my only broadband connection - I have Eircom DSL (1mb), which sucks. I'm going over the monthly usage allowance, which is 10gb. I'm probably going to upgrade this back to the unlimited download usage.

I've checked the map and there seems to be a mast within 2-3 miles of me - shorter as the crow flies, although I'm not too sure where it is to be honest. Anyway 3, O2 and Meteor all seem to be broadcasting off the mast.

I'll be downloading fairly high amounts of data from itunes etc... and will also be using the connection to watch lectures etc. Also some p2p stuff.

From looking at the midband speed test thread anything from 3mb up appears to be a very good connection for midband. Would I be correct in saying that 3mb is a good speed for midband?

Ideally I'm thinking of going for mi-fi, probably the B260a router. That way I'll be able to position the router in the position where there is the best signal. Will this help?

I have an iphone4 with O2 and can get a 3G signal here in my room. Unfortunately the signal I pick up is usually less than 1mb download.... Is this much of an indication of the speed that I'll get with the router? The speed test does vary with the iphone - sometimes I can get 2.5 - 3.0mb.

Basically if the speed isn't better than 1mb then there isn't much point in me getting mobile broadband as I do get 1mb from eircom.

Which of the above would you recommend as being the best provider?

Shane732

Also how do I qualify for the NBS? What's the benefit of it?

Sorry about the questions but I'm struggling to find the info I'm looking for!

DonJose

I'm on the Eircom 3mb package and need a faster connection for my business which involves uploading large files. I became aware that one of Meteors masts is close to my house, less than 1km. They offer a 14 day return so if the connection isnt to your liking you can get a full refund. I setup the dongle and this is what I'm getting



compared to my Eircom fixed broadband connection

Shane732

DonJose wrote: »

I'm on the Eircom 3mb package and need a faster connection for my business which involves uploading large files. I became aware that one of Meteors masts is close to my house, less than 1km. They offer a 14 day return so if the connection isnt to your liking you can get a full refund. I setup the dongle and this is what I'm getting



compared to my Eircom fixed broadband connection

Wow that's impressive... Have you got a clear view to the mast?

I think I've got a pretty clear view to the mast....

Jes*s if I could get speeds like that I'd be in heaven!!!

Crappy 1mb really sucks.

DonJose

I can't actually see the mast, I think its on top of a nearby 4 storey hotel. I can't get connected downstairs, just upstairs with the dongle taped to the top of the window in the direction of the mast. I'm buying a 3G wireless router to send the signal downstairs, hope I don't lose much speed. Anyway find out who owns the mass and see if they have a 14 day money back guarantee, I know Meteor do.

Shane732

From what I can see O2, Meteor and 3 seem to be broadcasting from the mast. Vodafone broadcasr from a different mast in the other direction.

I friend of mine has 3 mobile broadband and he's getting 3mbs just down to road from me. I'm in a higher location with a better view so I'd imagine I should get a better signal.

As the crow flies there probably isn't that much of a distance between the two of us.

I think I'll give three a go.