Mobile Broadband options?

[ButtermilkJa]

I'm considering buying a mobile broadband package from one of the mobile phone operators. I'm currently on a bill phone with 3 Ireland and although they have the best 3G network in Ireland (supposedly), and have the cheapest product, I have heard that their service can be very hit and miss. When it can't connect through 3G it resorts back to GPRS, which I believe 02 have the best network for.

One of the things I would need to do is upload files to remote ftp sites as I am a web designer. I have heard that some people with '3' have problems doing this.

Has anyone any experiences, good or bad, with any of the networks?

 

[ClubMan]

?

 

[Technologist]

With any of the 3.5g offerings Vodfone, O2 or 3, read the small print very carefully when it comes to upload speeds. When they say 'surf the net', they mean 'read web pages'.

I had mixed results with '3' and FTP. Switching to passive mode helped sometimes and sometimes didn't. It depends on your FTP server. So, if you can try before you buy or get it on appro, that helps.

3 offers a great roaming deal (on its foreign affiliates) compared to O2 or Vodafone.

 

[bigjoe_dub]

i think one of them (02 may be wrong though) will let you try it for 30 days and if you are not happy you just hand it back. maybe worth doing this for a test to see what it is like.

 

[ButtermilkJa]

Well FTP is one of the main areas I would have concern with. Also, after reading through the posts linked to by ClubMan, it seems that connecting to a VPN is also not supported. Again, one of the main uses I would have.

I can currently check my POP3 email on my mobile phone so if mobile broadband is not going to offer me much extra then I think I'll leave it.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Joleen]

Does anyone know if O2 mobile broadband allows you to connect to a VPN??

I see below the 3G does not support this so wondering if all the mobile broadband providers are the same! I have searched their website and can't find any information! (I also tried ringing but was on hold )

Thanks
J

 

[wirelessdude]

FTP and VPN should be fine with both Vodafone and O2

 

[Pique318]

Would that not depend on the VPN security also ?

 

[Betsy Og]

3 do a 14 day money back trial as well.

 

[bigjoe_dub]

vpn does work on VF and 02. just another way of connecting like dialup or wired bb or wireless.

am sure 3 is the same but have not tried it.

 

[westside]

a relative of mine has 3g and VPN works fine

 

[Technologist]

Is that 3g from '3' or 3g from O2 or Vodafone?

 

[redstar]

I use VPN with my Vodafone 3G USB modem. Works fine. Should work with O2 as it is the same modem and technology, just re-branded for O2.

 

[rmelly]

I'm considering going for the 3's 3G Pay Monthly Mobile Broadband and will be dropping into a store this evening to get more info.

One thing I need to confirm is VPN support as I have read conflicting reports on it.

Can anyone answer following:

1. Are you signing up to a 1 year contract (or longer?) with the 3 Pay Monthly Mobile Broadband?
2. Is there a specific 'happiness guarantee' with 3, as per O2, and if so how long? The generic T & C for 3 make reference to '14 day money back guarantee'.