Square Mile Internet, anyone using it?

[yachtbits]

Hi

is anyone using or know anyone that is using Square Mile Internet access in a marina?

is it any good?

do you know many people how have taken it on?

cheers

kev

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sales@yachtbits.co.uk
marine electrics & electronics

 

[mjf]

I only get a 'weak' signal in my marina so have not taken it up yet.

However a couple of people have done the w/e password option and claim it to be ok.

I was going to sign up for 1yr but when I asked where else it would allow me to Hot Spot the answer was a less than compelling 'most other marinas'.

They also have a one off charge of £80 on top of the annual sub which seems to me a 'slush fund' to buy into other set-ups yet to be confirmed.

End result is I am waiting a little while to see how this whole Hot Spot thing resolves. It seems to me a bit like the old VHS/Betamax video thing and you can left high and dry with the 'wrong' service - I really do not want to get tied into the marina system that limits use to boating only when I reckon you ought to be able to log in everywhere there is a signal. ie airports / cafes etc.

Maybe I am being naive. That said I struggle to justify the expense only for w/e's & holidays

Will be interested in what others say as the cost is roughly that of a broadband signal at home.


Michael

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[gonfishing]

Quite agree with you. I have made several attempts at contacting the service , with a view to marketing and expanding the service as it is not being actively promoted here in Swansea, unfotunately no response from the service provider so at this moment in time I think they are a non starter they have certainly made no effort this end to even try and bolster the service, or market it in any form or fashion apart from 1 happy triallist who is not being charged!!!

NO IT'S NOT ME!!!!!

Julian

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[Renegade_Master]

Re: what this wireless thingyt?

They are meant to be installing it in our Marina for free? well nothings actually free in Spain for long.
Anyway we cruised into a bit of old blighty, Gib, tother day and tried to log on there, as they have it running. Got on no probs, was on it for about an hour all for nowt.

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[leamans]

Using it in Port Solent, have been for about 6 months now, was worthwhile for me as I also live there and we are too far from the local exchange for BT Broadband.

I waited until the boat show as they did a PR deal to waive the set-up fee (seeing as there is not actually anything to set-up!).

Have used it alot at home and on the boat, although if I am honest the signal is a bit flakey during the day, which may be related to a lot of the businesses (probably Ancasta's lot watching music videos!) hogging all the bandwidth, evenings are fine and actually pretty fast, think they have a 2MB connection.

My advice would be to get an external wireless adapter / ariel as these seem better at picking up a weak signal, the ones built into laptop screens and PCIMCA cards aren't really up to the job. Squaremile have always been pretty helpful when I've spoken to them, even leant me one of their external wireless adapters to try it out, although if you want to buy one it's pretty pricey at £150 VAT.

Hope that helps, PM me if you have any questions,

Steve...

PS, it adds a whole new dimension to 'Working at Home' great to be able to lounge on the deck with a cold beer rather than in a stuffy windowless office!

 

[amf]

Steve,

Our boat is on L pontoon at Port Solent and I couldn't get a signal at all. Do you know if the signal gets weaker the further away from the lock you are? I was using an internal notebook card so I may try with a PCMCIA card. What is the speed like at weekends? (the only time I will use it).

Cheers

Andrew

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[leamans]

Andrew,

Apparently there are a couple of ariels dotted around, I've only seen the one on the lock so far. I know there are plans to make The Watermark one of the hotspots (Internet cafe style) so hopefully that will improve the reception.

We're on L pontoon too, although the carpark at the moment, but should be re-launched and back on L44 for Easter, say hello next time you're passing,


Steve...

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[mjf]

Ah, I am on D pontoon and get ,as I say, a weak signal. Will take the laptop on walkies next week and see if the signal gets better and where.

Might sign up if they drop the 80 quid.

Michael

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[amf]

Will do. We're out of the water too at the moment. Going back in next week to L28.

Looks like everyone's going back in for Easter!

Cheers

Andrew

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[leamans]

Weekends seem fine by the way, more reliable from what I can tell. Most of the businesses are closed then, and although I mentioned them swallowing up all the bandwidth, I expect the main problem is that they have not been set-up properly and so when one is having problems they take the rest of us out. I have raised it with Squaremile, I'll post any response.

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[Stack]

i have used this in swansea, and many other locations - it has been excellent.

i have helped them get more users because it benefits me. try calling them 01628 483 010 and speak with Sam - he is really helpful and you will probably get a deal on subscription if you are willing to help them...?

ref setup fee, i heard that may have been dropped this month?


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[MedDreamer]

Big report on the ITV news last night about how easily "hackable" the Hotspot WI-FI networks are.

Showed one guy outside a coffee shop looking on his laptop at photos on the hard disk of a guy sat some distance away (obviously no coverage problem there) and another guy in Liverpool Street Station reading someone elses e-mails.

Seems there is some way to go on security yet.

Martyn

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