Internet access

[keithgdg]

Hi all

What do you all do for internet access? I know that wifi access can be available in marinas but we won't be using them, too expensive. I have access to phone calls using internet via viber and skype but will need data for weather forecasts, ybw, and other such internet based stuff. I'm currently with O2 and was wondering if there exists a sim that I could use throughout the med without incurring outrageous charges?

 

[colind3782]

Not with O2, they charge £1.99 for 15mb which lasts no time at all.

 

[keithgdg]

Ouch (

 

[rivonia]

We used to use a dongle but now use a Mi Fi Works where ever there is a signal.

 

[Carmel2]

You are not going to find a one solution fits all scenario across Europe, well not at affordable rate. Ask around as and when you arrive, deals change faster than a political U turn these days.

 

[SamanthaTabs]

So far in the Algarve TMN, Spain including Balearics Vodafone, Northern Sardinia Wind and in Sicily TIM. So Carmel is right, find out what's best where you are then just buy the SIM card and you're good to go. Marina services can be good, ask to try before paying for a full week or more.

 

[miyagimoon]

Some networks SIM Cards will only work in their USB Dongle. Turkcell (Turkey & Northern Cyprus) for example.

 

[charles_reed]

As already reported, there's no one solution that fits every country.

I've used PAYG in Nokia mobile phones with Telefonica in Spain, TIM in Italy, Bouygues in France, WIND in Greece and T-Mobile in Croatia. Currently I'm using Vodafone contract with a Huawei USB modem or the same SIM in a mobile on Linux.
Prior cellular data in France (early 2000s) was SFR or Vodafone both equally expensive and unsatisfactory.

I've long since given up on WiFi provided in marinas (dreadfully expensive and lacking bandwidth) or cafes/bars (rife with nasties, inconvenience and costs excessive).

What I have found is that bargain deals are always available, for short periods and frequently unknown in the retail outlets (ie you have to go to the HO or telesales). I've had them with TIM, Bouygues, TMobile, WIND (a year's data for nowt) and latterly with Vodafone Greece.

On the whole the mobile phones have used least power, got the best reception but needed a degree of technical competence.

You can get all SIM cards to work in a mobile but you have to do a degree of hacking on their software. So-called dongles are a different matter.

 

[Spi D]

It is not entirely true that there is no solution for more countries.

Your need (amount of mb) decides what solution is best money wise. Coverage and wanted quality of service will point you to certain technologies and providers.

Check aorund, the market changes constantly. Yesterday I was introduced (at work) to http://www.voopii.com/ - an example of an innovative approach with several payment plans.

Apparently a one off entre fee (buy the device) and then pretty cheap data. Device is ie. a pocket hotspot that handle the connection to the interent and shows itself to your devices just like wifi.

We previously used or tested iPass and Flexinets but found them more expensive than claimed.

 

[Carmel2]

Voopii is a good case in point; look at the Greek wind deal we are on in comparison. We get the mifi unit and sim for free and for a monthly charge of 24.90€ we get 30GB. I still think it pays to look for a local deal.

 

[Inachos486]

Hi,
Check out Metis Air. We have it installed on our Feelng 486 in Greece and can now have access to internet on board, no probs and no on going costs.

 

[keithgdg]

Hi,
Check out Metis Air. We have it installed on our Feelng 486 in Greece and can now have access to internet on board, no probs and no on going costs.

Thanks for the info. I've looked at it on line and have a question, what do you do about passwords when you try to get online? Other than that it looks good, if a bit expensive for the 3G model. I assume I will need that type, ie the 3G one.

Thanks though.

 

[pelissima]

Hi,
Check out Metis Air. We have it installed on our Feelng 486 in Greece and can now have access to internet on board, no probs and no on going costs.

At no on going costs I assume it is not the 3G version. So you enter a new port, you see which cafe has the strongest signal and pay them a visit. You have a coffee and you ask for their passwd. Then back on board and you are in. Pls explain if I got it wrong. Re the 3G version I would be very curious to see how effective it is in areas where I only get slim signal. Unfort the prices are exotic for me

 

[mocruising]

We got a Vodafone dongle first then a Vodafone Mifi, then went over to a Wind dongle as they did not require an annual contract at the time all this was in Greece. When we moved over to Turkey last spring we bought a Turkcell router and data card. We gave up with wifi even with a booster and external aerial it was too hit and miss. We also have (Now) an unlocked router that will take any data sim, (Still no good in Turkey though) it a great bit of kit purchased it in Saudi but guess they are available worldwide. They all seem to be made by the same company anyway, Huayi (Spelling) Its a lottery what you pay for your data packages PAYG but we even managed to watch the Tour De France and Wimbledon last summer in Turkey. Comms. are important too us so we just pay the going rate.