Three
Someone needs to tell them that you can more or less buy the same device at Three for £50 without a contract.
Orange has rejigged its mobile broadband offerings. It has also introduced a Wi-Fi modem for punters who want to share an HSDPA 3G link among several gadgets. The modem is the Novatel Wireless 3352, a new model that launches today. It can share the 7.2Mb/s HSDPA connection between five devices. It also contains a Micro SD card …
"the extra fiver gets you unlimited BT Openzone Wi-Fi access - surely unnecessary when you have a 3G-connected Wi-Fi gadget?"
You've obviously never tried using Orange's 3G network. Orange state they have the "most 3G coverage", but unfortunately it would seem they don't have "the most capacity". For example, can have full 3G signal strength, but can take minutes (if at all) to download a small 5 word email.
Phoned the Orange customer services about the inability to access data on their network and their response was
"Orange has the largest 3G coverage"
followed by
"Try turning off the 3G on your phone"
Nice.
Its called an HTC Desire. (bought before the contracts were cropped) from a generic retailer (rhymes with hard bone ware-cows) with generic HTC firmware including the wifi tether.
Why would I want to pay more charge a second device and get a second contract??
...mainly for Nokia Symbian series 60 3rd Edition Wifi Capable 'phones and above.
So instead of this MiFi, do this:
- Get a Nokia Symbian Series 60 3rd Edition Wifi 3G capable phone: e.g. the N82, N95 etc - perhaps around 60 to 80 quid or so off ebay
- Get Joikuspot software - cheap around 10 quid or so - turns your phone into a secure Wifi hotspot
- Use your data allowance with your usual main phone operator to operate this 'phone as a MiFi
OK the initial outlay isn't as cheap BUT:
- You use your existing data allowance - no extra pay as you go that has limited expiry time - simpler (only one account to manage) and cheaper in long run
- One less extra device to carry around if you use it as your main phone
- Some operators text you when approaching your monthly usage allowance, warning that standard charges will apply
- You get a *phone* with a reasonable camera and with N82 a proper flash
My suggestion may suit some - just like to make you aware. My suggestion with Joikuspot only provides ad-hoc wifi with WEP security - which is fine for general internet for most laptops, ipod touch's etc but some may require Wifi infrastructure mode - not currently supported by Symbian.