A few questions I have about mobile broadband

I've been having a browse through the networks and reading up information about mobile broadband but still abit lost and wonder if anyone could help me with the following questions.

1. I was talking to a guy in Carphone Warehouse and he told me the only provider that lets you return the USB dongle (if you can't get signal for instance) is 3, is this true?
2. Are there any packages out there that have a long time before I get to use up my allowance, or non-expiry if you like.
3. Do all USB dongles have a sim slot - dumb question but I've never used one before.
4. Anyone know if I can use a UK network mobile broadband in the Republic of Ireland? There's no coverage checker for there so I cant check..

Thanks for those that take the time to respond - means alot.

In reply to a post by kLay:

I've been having a browse through the networks and reading up information about mobile broadband but still abit lost and wonder if anyone could help me with the following questions.

1. I was talking to a guy in Carphone Warehouse and he told me the only provider that lets you return the USB dongle (if you can't get signal for instance) is 3, is this true?

No. This is not a choice for the provider, but UK law, that you can return any item up to 7 days after the purchase (providing it is still in its original condition).

In reply to a post by kLay:

2. Are there any packages out there that have a long time before I get to use up my allowance, or non-expiry if you like.

Not anymore - but if you look on Ebay, there may be some Vodafone sims that do this. A quick search in this forum will explain better than I can..

In reply to a post by kLay:

3. Do all USB dongles have a sim slot - dumb question but I've never used one before.

Yes

In reply to a post by kLay:

4. Anyone know if I can use a UK network mobile broadband in the Republic of Ireland? There's no coverage checker for there so I cant check..

Thanks for those that take the time to respond - means alot.

You can, but the data charges are horrific..

T-Mobile do a PAYG mobile broadband dongle (no contract needed) with 12 months internet pre-loaded. I do believe it has a "30-day happiness guarantee" so if things don't work out you can send it back but you should double check this. It also comes with a fair use policy that limits you to 2GB internet allowance per month which isn't very cool. If you buy directly from T-Mobile's web site it costs £149. If you search the auction site can find them for £95 (new).

No. This is not a choice for the provider, but UK law, that you can return any item up to 7 days after the purchase (providing it is still in its original condition).

I think it's worth clarifying that this is only the case when the service/goods are purchased online or by another means of "distance communication".

In reply to a post by simonh__:

No. This is not a choice for the provider, but UK law, that you can return any item up to 7 days after the purchase (providing it is still in its original condition).

I think it's worth clarifying that this is only the case when the service/goods are purchased online or by another means of "distance communication".

Good point, but you could easily use the Sale of Goods Act to argue that the goods are not in conformity of the contract if you cannot get a signal.. But, I'm not a lawyer..

Except that there's no inherent defect with the goods! (i.e. the dongle)

Indeed, but it does not work as advertised..

I'll give you a clue: there's nothing wrong with the goods, it's the service

Just to let you know that the latest (April - yes I know it is only just Feb!!) PC Pro magazine has an in depth article on mobile broadband - haven't read it yet as it only plopped through the letter box this morning but it may provide the answers to all your questions. You can't miss the magazine as it has a headline across the front page along the lines of 'the mobile broadband con' though I am not sure when it will hit the shops as I have it on subscription.

Len

Zen 8000 Active. Netgear DGN2000 Router.
Windows 7 Pro 64bit ; Windows XP Pro SP3 and iMac 9.1 and MacBook both running Snow Leopard

Be vary careful with 3 - they claim to have 3G everywhere, and if you visit the various forums, you'll quickly discover that these claims are exaggerated. I live out in the sticks, and there is only one 3G provider here, and that is Orange. However, that doesn't stop 3 claiming to provide a service here too.

Home ADSL: Be Unlimited LLU
Business ADSL:
Be LLU supplied by Andrews & Arnold
Orange 3G Business Everywhere Mobile BB