Remote internet access?

[Panter]

Is it possible to access the internet from the side of a mountain for example?
I'm thinking of a dongle that you can access the same network thingy that mobiles use, is that how it works?

Anyone have any experiences or recommendations?

It's mainly for when we're away in the caravan at weekends and want to find local info etc but I'd also like to explore the possibility of working from home and taking more holidays.

 

[beanzontoast]

Is it possible to access the internet from the side of a mountain for example?
I'm thinking of a dongle that you can access the same network thingy that mobiles use, is that how it works?

Anyone have any experiences or recommendations?

It's mainly for when we're away in the caravan at weekends and want to find local info etc but I'd also like to explore the possibility of working from home and taking more holidays.

I looked into getting a mobile broadband dongle for a month (pre-pay £X for Y amount of data) for when we were going to Lincolnshire, but couldn't find a network that offered a guaranteed signal for where we would be staying. Best check the postcodes of where you are thinking of using it with the available networks. Otherwise, I think it's a great idea and am looking forward to trying it.

 

[Flying Dodo]

All the networks do deals for a USB modem which plugs into a laptop, for around £15 pm, or you pay around £30-£40 as a one-off and then use it on a pay-as-you basis, where you pay based on how much data you then use - £10-£15 per Gb. Download speeds may not be so good.

Fine, if you just want to check the weather forecast, but you're planning on looking at some porn, hanging off a mountain, it could get expensive..........

 

[Chrisz]

Get yourself a 3G dongle - so long as you have reasonable mobile phone signal it should work ok. Be prepared though - they're rather slow!

 

[jay clock]

yes, but depends on signal, and places that are remote are less likely to have it. I have a £30 dongle from O2 which works fine (needs Windows [poss Mac but NOT Linux]). You then pay as you go = £2 a day £15 a month etc. As long as you do not spend time downloading vids that is ample for emailing and internetting

 

[Panter]

Thanks all, much appreciated

There won't be any downloads, just remote pc access really and usual internet browsing.
I know this ais a bit of a "piece of string" question, but who generally gives the most coverage?
I can't really give a specific location, it jsut needs to give the best chance of a signal from as many places as poccible really.

Chrisz, is it just 3G that are particularly slow, or are they all the same ?

 

[marinyork]

Remote access varies. It's hard enough getting it to work well in some cities and towns sometimes. You're best off researching whether it'd be any good where you are wanting to go.

 

[Panter]

Ok, thanks for that. The trouble is we're all over the place so i guess I'll just go with O2 (best coverage generally?) and hope for the best.
We're away most weekend so I think the monthly plan will be the best value.

 

[marinyork]

O2 coverage maps are available. They are more a kind of guide than accurate.

 

[Panter]

Thank you, thats useful to know. I'll investigate.

 

[I am Spartacus]

GPRS is real slow.. like using analogue US Robotics modems like in olden/happy days.. 3G is quicker.... like ol'fashioned ISDN in olden days... want you want is a signal that gives HSPDA and on this you can stream video if required...and plenty quick enough for modern websites.. but Wiggle is still shite.
n.b signal strength is prime focus..
o2 has good coverage... T mobile or 3. well would you really..? ok if you are under 14 I suppose

 

[HJ]

Is it possible to access the internet from the side of a mountain for example?
I'm thinking of a dongle that you can access the same network thingy that mobiles use, is that how it works?

Anyone have any experiences or recommendations?

It's mainly for when we're away in the caravan at weekends and want to find local info etc but I'd also like to explore the possibility of working from home and taking more holidays.

It depends on where you are, there are fairly strong signals in the Fort William area, so Nevis is possible. Also Aviemore have coverage, so the west side of Cairngorm is also possible, but signal coverage can be patchy...

 

[Panter]

Thanks guys.
I'm going o get an O2 one and hope for the best