Need broadband? Ready to switch? Get fair, unbiased advice in a language you understand so you make the right choice.
Part Time Broadband - Ask Our Expert
If you’re having technical, service or supply problems, or just have a question you want answering, why not write to OurExpert@BroadbandChoices.co.uk
Michael Phillips is product director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk and can help with anything from contractual problems, to giving technical advice or telling you how to speed up those slow movie downloads.
Our expert says...
Hi Brett
There are three distinct pathways that you could tread here, namely mobile, pay as you go or no-contract broadband. We’ll tackle no-contract broadband first, because it’s the easiest of the three to evaluate.
No-Contract Broadband
At face value, a broadband deal that comes without contractual obligation seems ideally suited to your needs. However, there are a number of reasons why you should think twice before opting for such a deal:
• No-contract deals tend to be somewhat impractical. There’s a lot of waiting around for installation to happen, so if you only have a three week window then that might not be enough time to see the installation through.
• The connection itself could cost you a fee of up to £50, depending on the provider.
• The provider will expect you to give a notice period before you cancel the connection. If you do not give enough notice then you may be subject to further charges.
• There may also be a cancellation fee involved.
• Some providers can lock you in for up to 18 months which, in itself, can be as restrictive as an actual contract.
Pay As You Go and Mobile Broadband
This option should adequately fit your circumstances. You’ll only pay for the bandwidth you use over the three week period that you’re in the UK, making this alternative both practical and economical. Here’s a quick overview of some pay as you go deals currently on offer in the marketplace:
• Metronet offer a pay as you go deal at a basic rate of £11.75. You’re limited to a 419Mb download usage restriction; the charge for each 1 Mb that you use above the allotted amount is 15p. This charge is capped at a ceiling of £22.74.
• T-Mobile’s (www.t-mobile.co.uk) ‘Web ‘n’ Walk’ package allows you internet access through a portable USB modem at a cost of £4 a day. There is an initial payment of £99.99 for the modem, but no hidden charges after this payment. There is the option to pay monthly at £20, with a free modem, but the minimum contract length is 24 months.
• 3 Mobile (www.three.co.uk) also offer pay as you go mobile broadband deals starting at £10 a month. Each extra Mb used outside of your allotted amount will cost you an extra pound, and an initial outlay of £99.99 will have to be made for the ‘dongle’, or portable USB modem as it’s more commonly known as!
Other Options – 3G Connectivity
Connect to the internet on your laptop via a 3G mobile phone. Most 3G phones can be hooked up to your computer or laptop and used as a modem via a cable supplied by your provider. You’ll also need software and a data plan, without these your laptop will not know how to communicate through the phone line. Again, these items can be obtained from your provider. Not all 3G handsets will be able to handle this practice though, so check before you buy.
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