Phone and Internet Reception

Transporter2
Transporter2 Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited March 2016 in New to Caravanning & Touring #1

Hi.

Im starting a Year on the road in a couple of weeks and wondering if any one uses their mobile phone and interenet successfully on sites.

My phone doesnt seem to bare wewll on a campsite for wifii signal.  I need to study whilst travelling.

Can anyone reccomend a mobile phone provider (ntework) or phone or dongle etc that is a fail safe option .

Be very grateful.... thanks  K

Comments

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,669 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #2

    To be honest, I don't think there is really a 'fail-safe' option.  Some sites do tend to be a little out of the way and so internet connection can be mediocre.  Even the CC have trouble in getting their 'purchasable' wi-fi to work consistently and they do stress that the network is for browsing and not downloading/ uploading/ large amounts of data. 

    When we are on site we use our own 3 network on my phone, which we find adequate for our needs, but not by any means 'fail-safe'.  This is as good as it gets as far as we have found.

    David

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited March 2016 #3

    expensive to buy and expensive to run, bit if you really MUST have internet wherever you arw the. satellite is the way to go...but hardly something a student would be looking at...

    other than that, i suggest having several sim cards and use the ine that has the best reception 3/4 g for the area you are in at the time....these can be data only payg sims....

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #4

    I have the 3network on my i-pad and that gives good coverage,

    but go on line to each of the providers and they give a map of their coverage ,so depending where you are going you can pick the best provider

     

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,860 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #5

    I am inclined to use site WiFi when available. However if that is not possible I use my smart phone as a WiFi point connected to my network (Virgin) and this seems to work quite well.

    David

  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
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    edited March 2016 #6

    Give Adam or Sophie a ring at Motorhome WiFi. They have become the 'go to people' for many motohomers. My experience of them is they give sensible advice rather than a sales pitch.  

    On mobile phones, my wife and I have different providers and usually find in Britain that my Vodaphone gives better coverage in rural areas - or it may be I'm more willing to walk a little further to get connected!

    Wi-fi problems on Club sites were discussed at the West Central Region Q&A with the CC explaining that a combination of site design, poor rural broad band services, and rising demand meant that too many members were dissatified with the service. The Club
    is spending another £250k this year to try and improve the wifi service.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #7

    I tether my iPad to my virgin phone and it works pretty well.  Virgin use the EE network.  I have an unlimited monthly contract which is quite expensive.  Shortly be getting a sim only card which will cut the cost considerably.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #8

    Even the Prime Minister couldn't get a mobile phone signal at his holiday home in Cornwall. I live 30 miles away and I can't get a signal either. 

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #9

    Transporter, we have a MiFi suppied by 3 mobile. It's on a yearly contract and we can run numerous appliances at the same time. Our costs us about £20pm for 15 GB. We have internet access across most of the country.

  • Transporter2
    Transporter2 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited March 2016 #10

    thank u everyone. Looks like i need to investigate 3, EE and Vodaphone.  Im currently with O2 but struggle with interet anywher so far.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #11

    thank u everyone. Looks like i need to investigate 3, EE and Vodaphone.  Im currently with O2 but struggle with interet anywher so far.

    EE, or Orange as was, does have the best coverage throughout the country we've found, but others are catching up fast.

  • Biggarmac
    Biggarmac Forum Participant Posts: 364
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    edited March 2016 #12

    Currys are currently selling an EE MiFi at £14.99 upfront cost (£39.99 from EE direct) and then £20 per month on a rolling monthly contract with 15 mgbits of usuge.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2016 #13

    Currys are currently selling an EE MiFi at £14.99 upfront cost (£39.99 from EE direct) and then £20 per month on a rolling monthly contract with 15 mgbits of usuge.

    Our 3 MiFi was free with our contract, but charges are very similar for a 12mth contract.

  • Transporter2
    Transporter2 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited March 2016 #14

    Thanks.  I got the Three Wifi today. Had the best coverage so we'll see.

  • DJCT
    DJCT Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited April 2016 #15

    Check out 'Skyroam' (www.skyroam.com). I have one and it seems to be working very well so far. Will work with any provider who has a signal in the area, wherever you are in the world. No need to lock into one provider then

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