I have good reports of the T-Mobile data card and have just ordered one. The
deal also include WiFi hotspot access
T-Mobile are a bit coy about their 3G coverage (you can check a specific
location, but I could not find a map), but my expectations is that it will
be much more restricted that their 1G mobile phone network but fine in the
major urban areas.
I'm not sure if this service supports European roaming, but if the other
operators are anything to go by roaming will be at a significant cost
premium.
As for hotspots I use BT OpenZone and this is a likely as any service to
appear on the is list of available connections and also has a number of
roaming partners which improves the chances of finding a hotspot
considerably (iPass allow roaming to BT OpenZone but check roaming charges)
WiFi access is hit and miss even in big urban centres while you are not
likely to be far from a hot spot you have to hunt them out. I have stayed in
8 central London hotels over the past six months and none has been in range
BT OpenZone or any of their roaming partners although you can often find a
nearby pub or café with access.
I have also found that in residential areas there are often many unprotected
wireless connection you can use (if you feel this is honest and ethical)
although manufactures have started shipping devices with security set on by
default, which is reducing this free access.
NetStumbler is a useful tool for finding wireless access points of all sorts
www.netstumbler.com/downloads/
Ewan Davis - Director - Woodcote Consulting
- Chairman - British Computer Society - Primary Health
Care Specialist Group
See our website at www.woodcote-consulting.com
[log in to unmask] Voice +44(0)1527 875340 DDI +44(0)1527 875341
Fax +44(0)1527 871196 Mobile +44(0) 7774 272724
-----Original Message-----
From: GP-UK [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Bromley
Sent: 20 January 2007 14:33
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Roaming WiFi access in the UK and Europe
Hi Alexander,
Welcome to a wet UK. I trust that you encountered the gales when you
arrived.
One possibility that you may wish to think about whilst in the UK is the
T-Mobile datacard contract for 12 months at £20.00 per month - unlimited
(fair use of 2gig per month). This may give you better access and better
value than Wi-fi which by looking at it is very patchy in the UK -
especially rural areas. I did have some information on wi-fi - will try and
look it out.
T-mobile - no idea of coverage though. I think the £20.00 deal is 'web 'n
walk'.
Best wishes
Paul Bromley
On 20/01/07, [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> Hi all
>
> Arrived here with my family 2 days ago - it was raining which has been
> the way I have arrived in England each and every time I have come
> here. I love being here though and we are looking forward to our 12
> months here and in Europe in a motorhome.
>
> I would like some advice.
>
> Can anyone on the list advise on the best way to gain WiFI coverage
> across the UK and Europe. I have heard that iPass has a substantial
> number of sites. Is iPass a good option or is there another provider
> who would give better coverage?
>
> Regards
>
> Alex
>
>
> Dr Alexander G Bennett
> formerly of Pomona, Qld Australia
> lately of Ferring, West Sussex
>
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