Broadband Advice

[thedoc46]

Hi,

I'm currently in the US which is why I'm asking all you UK folk.. A quick stint on the net hasn't come up with much...

My father in law is now living back in England and will be renting a flat in Surrey for the next 6months. He has only a laptop.

What are his internet options? The old boy is an internet fiend.. He loves to spend hrs upon hrs online, reading about the declining housing market and cycling sites. He also loves to stream cycling events, so a reasonable connection is needed. No gaming for the old chap. Just regular old internet pages and the occasional streamed cycling race.

He doesn't have access to a BT line and probably won't be getting one cos he's only renting at that location for 6months. What are his options?

Over here in the USA we can get 3G EVDO laptop cards for $60 a month. Is there something similar over in Blighty? At least that way when he departs from the flat, he can take his interenet connection with him. I'm sure if he wants ADSL, then he'll need to sign up to a 12month contract for both the BT and ADSL line... This to me seems the easiest option for him...

I guess he could be persuaded to go with Sky Digital or a local cable provider if there was no 12mnoth contract in place..

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Paul11]

he will need a phone line for internet through all companies, including sky

aother option is cable but im sure there will be a 12 month contract to install a phone line/broadband with them too

you could get a plug in dongle that gives internet direct to the laptop but that can work out expensive . and depends on his coverage as to how good a signal he would get.

last option is to find a very nice neighbour who is using wirless and ask them if he can contribute towards their monthly cost and share their access..

search. ntl/virgin and read thier info for cable
bt definately has 12 months contract
search 3, orange, vodafone to see mobile internet dongle options

 

[iraiguana]

Internet dongles are not very quick, I had a 3 one and only work reasonably when you have a strong HDSPA (or whatever its called) signal. I always had a nightmare with signal dropping on it and just gave up in the end.

 

[Paul11]

Internet dongles are not very quick, I had a 3 one and only work reasonably when you have a strong HDSPA (or whatever its called) signal. I always had a nightmare with signal dropping on it and just gave up in the end.

this generally depends on where you are.

a mate of mine had one and could not get a signal in his house (kind of defeated the purpose)

but if he went to the end of the street, it was rock solid.

bit of luck needed if you go with this option, and i generally wouldnt recommend it if he likes to surf pron,,,,, i mean websites, a lot.

worst case, is you pay for the 12mnth contract with BT (£120) even if you only use 6 months is the best option... then he can get internet company that doesnt tie you in to 12 months

he will probablly have a £125 install fee too though for a new BT line if the house doesnt have one already ....