Internet access in Spain - Off-topic

I'm hoping that someone here can give me some advice on getting temporary high speed internet access in Spain. I've never been to Europe, so I'm not sure how it works over there.
I am going to be staying in an apartment in Torredembarra, Spain for about 2 months. I have been told that there is currently no internet connectivity in the apartment unit and no guarantee that free wifi access is available within range. I will be living and working from there, and my livelihood depends upon high-speed internet access, so I need to figure this out before I go.
Would it be better to find a pay-as-you-go cell plan that includes 3G data, or to look into having DSL/Cable/etc installed at the apartment for 2 months? Here is some additional info that I'm factoring in:
I will need to make and receive phone calls from/to the states while there, as well as having a local cell phone. I'm thinking about using Skype In/Out for calls to the states. I'm even considering getting TMobile HotSpot @ Home service to make calls from any wifi hotspot. But regardless, I will be getting a local pay-as-you-go cell plan. Any other ideas?
My notebook has bluetooth, wifi, and gprs/edge built in (sony viao), but no 3G. Would it be better to get a 3G card for it, or connect via bluetooth to a 3G mobile phone? Can I make calls at the same time as data is being used?
I'm not interested in spending all day at a cafe or bar with free wifi. I need to be able to work from the apartment, or I just won't be very productive.
If it is available, I hope to purchase an unlocked HTC Kaiser while over there. If that isn't available, then any suggestions on what to get?
I need to be able to use SSH from where ever I am to manage servers remotely. So a windows mobile device with data is preferred.
Because of all this, I'm thinking that I should not worry about the DSL/cable thing and just get a 3G cell phone/plan. Since I need a phone anyway, why get a phone and land service? Or would it be cheaper to get a cheap cell plan and land service? Any feedback on this?
If I was to get a mobile data plan, can I get 3G data plans on a pay-as-you-go basis, or do you have to sign up for a contract?
What mobile phone provider would be best for this situation? What handset?
Can I get DSL/cable installed in a residence for only a couple months? How long does it take to get installed once ordered? How much does it cost per month?
What kind of costs would be involved, assuming I am using a fair amount of data? I'm prepared to spend some money on this, but of course I'd rather be as economical as possible while still having a good solution.
Please offer your advice! If you know of another forum that would be more appropriate for this type of question, please let me know. I couldn't figure out where to post this.
Thanks!
In case it helps, I have a USA T-Mobile MDA (Wizard) with gprs/edge support but no 3G support.

Related

HSDPA Connectivity options in UK

Hi there,
I've had a quick look around the forums and see posts which are in other countries - so I wanted to ask in a new thread.
I'm in the UK and considering getting a TyTN2 (currently on an Xda Orbit).
I have some questions which im having a little trouble in finding definitive answers to -
1. Is it possible to use the TyTN2 as a 'modem'? i.e connect to the Internet at high speed and 'relay' the information to my laptop? if so, would that mean connecting the laptop and the TyTN2 via a cable? wifi? bluetooth?
2. If the above can be done wirelessly, is it then possible to share on 2 laptops? (I have a main Dell XPS M1710 and a XPS M1330 for more portable needs)
3. I'm currently with O2 for my voice calls. I can get another providers service and was looking at the 3 network for it's nice pricing, however it looks like I have to connect using their specific modem. Is it possible to connect to 3's network using the TyTN2?
4. The other operators Vodafone, Orange T mobile etc - would it be a case of sgning up to an airtime deal and popping the SIM card into the TyTN2, syncing to my laptop and away I go ?
I live around the West London, Heathrow area and am here 99% of my time - I understand full speed HSDPA won't be available all the time when travelling away and could be at much reduced speeds etc - at that point, what is 'surfing' on the screen like on the TyTN2? I find browsing on the Orbit using wifi a bit of a strain on that small screen, any better on the TyTN2? I 'doubt' it really and thats why Iwant to use my laptops screen(s)
Apologies if this is covered in other posts, I could only find sporadic info and from other countries etc
Any ideas and responses well appreciated !
cheers, Dennis Cooper!
DennisCooper said:
1. Is it possible to use the TyTN2 as a 'modem'? i.e connect to the Internet at high speed and 'relay' the information to my laptop? if so, would that mean connecting the laptop and the TyTN2 via a cable? wifi? bluetooth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use TyTN II as modem, but it's not exactly a *modem* - it uses network sharing application instead. Basically the idea is that TyTN becomes something like 'access point', which acts as a gateway to the internet for your computer. Connectivity options are USB cable and Bluetooth. I use both of them without much hassle, but I don't know how to do it in Windows world (I'm a Linux-boy
2. If the above can be done wirelessly, is it then possible to share on 2 laptops? (I have a main Dell XPS M1710 and a XPS M1330 for more portable needs)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so. Unless you'll manage to set up whole thing like that:
TyTN II --> internet sharing --> XPS M1710 --> internet sharing --> XPS M1330
But I never tried such configuration.
3. I'm currently with O2 for my voice calls. I can get another providers service and was looking at the 3 network for it's nice pricing, however it looks like I have to connect using their specific modem. Is it possible to connect to 3's network using the TyTN2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is possible. They have recently introduced their Mobile Broadband offer (£10 / 1GB / month) into pay as you go, so you don't have to buy separate modem. Just get their payg SIM card, put it into Kaiser, activate Mobile Broadband add-on, get connection settings from their website, and use Internet Sharing app, as mentioned above. Should work.
4. The other operators Vodafone, Orange T mobile etc - would it be a case of sgning up to an airtime deal and popping the SIM card into the TyTN2, syncing to my laptop and away I go ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only know how it works for T-Mobile. They have £1 per day internet access offer on pay as you go. However, there are some catches:
1) T&C don't allow to use it modems for computers (such as Kaiser and your laptops), BUT practically it works without any problems.
2) There is 40 MB daily limit, which is not 'fixed' - meaning that if you exceed it, you will be still able to use the service - but T-Mobile will have an eye on you, and will have right to cancel your card straight away if you'll keep exceeding it too often.
3) Their payg SIM cards are NOT allowed to use HSDPA service, meaning mere 384 kbps, without any chance to upgrade it - even if you are within HSDPA coverage.
So, basically - if you're light user, T-Mobile pay as you go option should be OK for you, but when you plan to use internet on the go more often - Three's Mobile Broadband should be a better deal for you.
Of course, you also have option to sign up for contract, for example T-Mobile's Flext + web'n'walk, which would give you both voice minutes, as well as internet access on the go, but it's up to you.
I live around the West London, Heathrow area and am here 99% of my time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha! Just like me (TW14)
- I understand full speed HSDPA won't be available all the time when travelling away and could be at much reduced speeds etc - at that point, what is 'surfing' on the screen like on the TyTN2? I find browsing on the Orbit using wifi a bit of a strain on that small screen, any better on the TyTN2? I 'doubt' it really and thats why Iwant to use my laptops screen(s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what is HSDPA coverage by O2, but I'm on T-Mobile, and they basically have HSDPA deployed all around London already, with some sites upgraded to 3.6 Mbps speed.
When it comes to surfing on the screen, I recommend using Opera Mini 4. It's waaay better tha Pocket IE, and it's also much faster. It gives really great browsing experience in your pocket!
eva_d,
I am considering the tytn ii with the Flext 25 + web'n'walk from t-mobile, with it being 1gb a month unlimited internet access and my phone hsdpa compatible, does this price plan allow me to use hsdpa in london where i work rather than GPRS in a 3G covereage area?
thanks... sorry dennis to hijack your thread...
joelsoo said:
I am considering the tytn ii with the Flext 25 + web'n'walk from t-mobile, with it being 1gb a month unlimited internet access and my phone hsdpa compatible, does this price plan allow me to use hsdpa in london where i work rather than GPRS in a 3G covereage area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it allows HSDPA use.
I would check with t-mobile about the hsdpa theres a few posts about saying that t-mobile pulled hsdpa from the basic web and walk after mid october last year and made it availble to web and walk plus and the next higher tarrif. im on the £35 flext and web and walk basic and get hsdpa but i signed up in april last year. basically double check with t-mobile that you will get hsdpa on the w+w basic before you take out the contract.
united002 said:
I would check with t-mobile about the hsdpa theres a few posts about saying that t-mobile pulled hsdpa from the basic web and walk after mid october last year and made it availble to web and walk plus and the next higher tarrif. im on the £35 flext and web and walk basic and get hsdpa but i signed up in april last year. basically double check with t-mobile that you will get hsdpa on the w+w basic before you take out the contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, and was told the same by the cust service rep on the phone. However i added the basic £7.50 W&W, and after enabling HSDPA in Kaisertweak, am getting recieving it anyway!
i just sent a message to tmobile and one of their customer represensatives called me up and say if i'm in a 3g area it will be running on HSDPA even on the flext 25 and web and walk.
however they say to take note on the 1gb cap per month data fair usage policy.
if that's the case, i think i'd sign on for the contract within the next few days together with the vario III
however i have an offer for an iphone for 300 quid contract free.... so i am abit of a fix of which one to go for...
Schooleydoo said:
This is true, and was told the same by the cust service rep on the phone. However i added the basic £7.50 W&W, and after enabling HSDPA in Kaisertweak, am getting recieving it anyway!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have basic WnW package (£7.50/month), and I do get HSDPA, but I've started my contract in 2006. However, explanation for not giving HSDPA access in basic WnW seems to be fair and reasonable (although not necessarily loved by users) - as that basic package is designed to give internet connectivity directly from mobile phone, which would not be used as modem for computers. In such case, 384kbps (non-HSDPA) speed seems reasonable for use in phone only. When it comes to use it from computer, then it's low - but then you also need to get WnW Plus or Max packages...
I am going to upgrade do WnW Plus pretty soon, anyway. It's only £5 more per month, but allows legally use my Kaiser as modem, and also gives me full T-Mobile's WiFi hotspots access across UK.

Dial Up Internet question....

Here is an interesting theory I have, and I want to know if it would work, and if so, how would I set it up...
I have a GREAT service providor... They customer service is top notch, I get unlimited TXT, MMS, Voice, and Internet fur under $60 a month including all taxes and fees.. I get free roaming on AT&T & T-mobile towers when I am outside of the "home" area.... But there is one place they are lacking...
Their internet is only a 9.6k connection... So it is painful to surf the web, unless on wifi.. the internet works fine for tomtom traffic updates, update the weather, and, well, that is about it.... Now, thinking WAY back, I used to have a Motorola MPx200 smartphone (still have it actually)... If I remember correctly, at a friends house who lived in an AT&T area outside of my home area, we teathered my phone to his computer and used it as a dialup modem, and if I remember right, we were able to connect at atleast 28.8k or 33.6k.... I know.. not broadband by any means, but a hell of a lot better than 9.6k.... Now here is the question... I spend most of my time outside of my "home" area and usually use AT&T's towers.... Would it be possible to somehow setup some dialup account in my settings to attempt to get a 56kish connection for my phone? That way I could browse the web and such in a little more user friendly way? Is it possible?
Please don't flame me or Einstein and tell me to get a "Real" carrier or drop them for AT&T, etc... As I said, they have great customer service which I appreciate, they only provide UNLOCKED phones to their customers so they can take the phones to any GSM carrier they wish.. They even spent an afternoon with me at one point setting up my Tilt so it works as flawlessly as it can on their network (once I already had it unlocked). I;ve been with them for over 5 years, and not planning on leaving any time soon (plus, where else could I pay this and get everything I am getting????)
Thank in advance for your input on this...

Recommend me a phone provider in the UK

Hi Everyone,
I'm moving to the UK at the end of the month. And would like to know who would be the best phone provider to go with.
I don't want to go on a contract (prefer pay-as-you-go)...
I would like to use my handset as a mobile broadband modem as well...
I will only need about 300 minutes per month for calls.
Let me know if you need anymore info.
Thanks,
Dave
o2 is the least worst IMO
On the assumption you are only planning on getting a new SIM then check out all of the operators SIM only 30 day tariffs.
In all cases you get inclusive minutes and SMS, the ability to add extras, a data tariff being the biggie, and all for a fixed monthly fee but with no long term commitment.
As for which operator, ask the people in the area you will be moving to as to which has the best coverage. Don't trust the operator's web site for this info.
deedee's spot on with finding out someone in area to see about signal..
The 2 i would recommend if you was going "pay as you go" would be:
o2 £15 p/m unlimited data and unlimited texts, really it's 1000's of texts and 500MB data per month, who i currently use, one prob is taht they cut down certain features on pay as go internet so i have set up full internet email but no MMS, imagine wouldn't allow tethering?
T-Mobile £10 p/m Unlimited Data & Internet, can't find any terms regards texts but the internet is 40MB per day, i will be moving to T-Mobile very soon as it runs out in 31 January the offer.
Hope that helps.
thanks guys.. looks like the included internet (500mb / month) won't cut it for me...
i might have to get a mobile broadband usb dongle + SIM for my mobile
T-mobile's policy is "Fair Usage" they won't and I'm pretty sure Can't do anything if you go over the limit.
They'll just continuously hassle you to upgrade to the next package, blacklist 150 or something

[Q] how do i get 3g with tmobile sim

i have g tab unlocked 3g wifi us version.i took my sim out of my samsung highlight i have internet plan with t mobile it is not a smart phone.i put the sim in the tablet and the phone works butt no internet or 3g i get a message from tmobile to get a dif net plan is this the only way to get the internet wile travaling i do get the internet from wifi at home I AM NEW TO THIS I DONT KNOW ANY TERMS OR NAMES USED IM TRYING TO LEARN CAN SOMEONE HELP WITH STEP BY STEP FOR 50 YEAR OLD DUMMY THANKS MIKE
it is not going to work, best on TMOUS u could achieve is voice+edge.
Now that they have caught you, best you can get is Voice and no data plan, so u would have to rely on APs or free wifi.
This is until enough of us complain to have them either make another plan for us, or modify a current plan to allow for voice and edge. Your SGT is limited on TMOUS by hardware, so no 3G.

Three data usage VPN and Tethering?

Hi all,
so in the past couple of weeks my BroadBand has pretty much failed, I live on the edge of being able to get it. At 768kps and with 4g just round the corner, I'm thinking is it worth revisiting mobile BB in my area. This week I recieved my Three.co.uk SIM for testing viability as I know thier data plans are better than most. My normal Tariff is from o2 and has a 4GB limit, the speed i currently get on it is under 5Mbs, on Three however I got 8Mbs to 10Mbs+.
I am woundering though, as I know tethering is normally not permited unless to buy a addon with Three; would running a VPN on the computer negate this and allow someone to tether?
Thoughts on this are welcome.

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