Short-Term but reliable internet access

TimTom · 26 Jan 2017 at 22:37

I am soon to move into rented accomodation for 2-3 months whilst working away and will not move into a permanent address until after that time.

What's the best option to get good internet access during that time as there will be times I will need to work from 'home'? I don't want to get tied into any long-term contracts as I will need to re-assess when I find somewhere more permanent.

Caged · 26 Jan 2017 at 22:48

Where are you?

Englander91 · 26 Jan 2017 at 22:48

What approximate data usage do you think you'd need?

Zefan · 26 Jan 2017 at 22:50

Where abouts are you going to be? If you're in London or another big city there's a chance that a wireless provider is operating.

If not, I know that plusnet have a "no contract" option. I believe it's a 10 day notice to cancel, but you pay more per month for the privilege and there's still the usual one-time fees when you join. Go here https://www.plus.net/home-broadband/ and then pick "no annual contract" from the drop down box.

TimTom · 26 Jan 2017 at 23:40

Caged said:
Where are you?

Surrey/London border

TimTom · 26 Jan 2017 at 23:40

Englander91 said:
What approximate data usage do you think you'd need?

Not a huge amount, no downloading or anything like that

TimTom · 26 Jan 2017 at 23:41

Zefan said:
Where abouts are you going to be? If you're in London or another big city there's a chance that a wireless provider is operating.

If not, I know that plusnet have a "no contract" option. I believe it's a 10 day notice to cancel, but you pay more per month for the privilege and there's still the usual one-time fees when you join. Go here https://www.plus.net/home-broadband/ and then pick "no annual contract" from the drop down box.

Thank you

MissChief · 26 Jan 2017 at 23:43

Now TV do no contract broadband and if you'd like it, TV too. Runs on Sky's network and infrastructure so should be very reliable.

http://www.nowtv.com/broadband-and-tv

TimTom · 27 Jan 2017 at 11:00

MissChief said:
Now TV do no contract broadband and if you'd like it, TV too. Runs on Sky's network and infrastructure so should be very reliable.

http://www.nowtv.com/broadband-and-tv

Thanks

joeyjojo · 27 Jan 2017 at 11:35

There are at least three good options for monthly internet, see https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18764828

If the property has a phone line that's probably the way to go. If it needs installing/activating you could be waiting several weeks.

In London there's that wireless provider too, can't remember the name.

BigT · 27 Jan 2017 at 11:38

Do you have a mobile phone contract that might let you up your usage for a while and a phone you can tether to? Provided you're not going to consume lots of bandwidth that might be a cost effective solution that doesn't need any up front costs.

ScoTTyBEEE · 27 Jan 2017 at 18:57

Yeah just use your phone if you're not downloading. Or buy one of those 24gb three data sims off amazon for £25 odd.

Use pdanet if your plan doesn't allow tethering and it will hide it.

Update: Those 24gb sims were for a short time only, but the 12gb one should be enough with no downloading for a few months.

Caged · 27 Jan 2017 at 19:34

If you're working away for a length of time then get your employer to provide you with a mifi card. If you want to stream Netflix then yeah, find another solution as well so as not to take the mick.

Kol · 27 Jan 2017 at 20:55

BigT said:
Do you have a mobile phone contract that might let you up your usage for a while and a phone you can tether to? Provided you're not going to consume lots of bandwidth that might be a cost effective solution that doesn't need any up front costs.

Relish? Pretty much Zone 1 only so Surrey/London border he's wayyyy out unfortunately.

Caged · 28 Jan 2017 at 13:41

Pulse8 will do you a one-month contract on line rental and FTTC. If you're moving due to work I would push to be able to expense this and not bother with a 4G service.

Rroff · 28 Jan 2017 at 13:48

BigT said:
Do you have a mobile phone contract that might let you up your usage for a while and a phone you can tether to? Provided you're not going to consume lots of bandwidth that might be a cost effective solution that doesn't need any up front costs.

This is pretty much what I do - £20/m 20GB 4G with Voda (not currently available) works pretty well for temporary internet access unless you get unlucky area wise.

Last place I used it had solid 55MBit/s down, 25Mbit/s up and ~30ms latency and was pretty much like using VDSL though obviously that varies hugely.

Mel_P · 28 Jan 2017 at 22:36

Buy a "MiFi" - there are some good deals on "3" e.g. many GB / lasts 30 days PAYG - then just top up again.