3 is the one
PERHAPS a confusing headline, but in response to Peter Ponting's query of the best service to use to connect to the internet whilst cruising, it seems there is only 3 that is reliable.
We received four replies from people connecting to the internet whilst on the move and every one of them recommends 3.
Our own Keith Gudgin tells us:
I have been using a 3 mobile broadband dongle for over two years now with only one night when I could not get a signal. Towns and villages are okay and I have found if I am near a main road or railway line then the signal is generally good too.
It costs me £15 per month for 10GB. See them below. I have no commercial interest in the company either.
I have only had one day this year when I could not get a signal at all and that was on the Shroppie, I was out in the sticks in a cutting so I wasn't surprised.
I dumped the Orange phone as it was absolutely useless.
My O2 phone is patchy but I'm generally not worried about that. I keep it so as not to put all my eggs in the same basket so to speak.
http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Device_support?show=dongles
Running a business
Running a business from our boat, we have tried them all, Will Graham writes. They all tend to be hit and miss, but far the best for us has been the 3 network—currently you can get 15G on Mifi for around £15-18 per month, or a phone contract 'The One Plan' for £15 per month which includes wifi tethering to your laptop (compatible phone required).If you are fortunate enough to have your own BT Openzone password then you need a wifi booster such as one provided by this company
http://www.faculty-x.net/motorhomewifi
It will extend the range of your wifi, pop it on the roof of your boat, plug in and install the software, and watch those wifi hotspots pop up as long as they are nearby.
I have no affiliation with either of these companies!
Always have a signal
Mike Brunning tells us he also uses 3 Mi-Fi, and finds this very good, though sometimes a bit slow when away out in the sticks but as yet I have always had a signal.
Thoroughly recommend
I can thoroughly recommend the 3 network for use around the system, Robert Hawkins tells us. For about £16.00 I am getting 15Gb. The speed is reasonable in most places, except where I winter.
Here it's a bit slow. Coverage throughout the rest of the system has been excellent.
Another dumps Orange
Richard Tanner has tried different systems to connect to the internet and remarks, dump Orange and try 3 mobile.
Use a dongle or mifi with an external antenna socket and an external antenna. This is my set up and works very well.
No other
There were no other systems recommended, so Peter—and other boaters who are wanting to know the best system—3 is the one!