Internet access in a caravan

[Vicky]

Hello,
Does anyone know the best way to access the internet while on holiday in a caravan? I’ve heard mobile broadband is fairly reliable and relatively cheap per month. Does anyone use mobile broadband with a laptop? If so who is the best provider to go with?
Many thanks,
Vicky

[Darren]

I know a few sites now have free braodband where you get an access code and can use whilst on park, but they are quite difficult to find.

I don't use mobile broadband myself but my sister does and it only allows you a small amount of bandwith but its fine for checking emails etc.

I can't remember which network she is on although Vodafone do seem to be promoting it the most.

[dianebb72]

Hi Vicky, I use a 3 dongle which is as Darren says is ok for accessing e-mails etc but for anything else it would be hard pushed as it can be slow. The best bit for me is the fact that I can get on the net if I need to, rather than have to wait till I get home, it's worth the £10 a month I pay.

[keira]

well ive been asking this question myself as i was thinking of getting a laptop but £10 a months a lot to me i dont pay that at home

[Andy]

Hi Keira,

You must have a good deal with your internet provider!

If you’re going to use your laptop most days to access the internet then £10 a month (approx 33p per day) is pretty reasonable I think.

Andy

[Vicky]

Thanks for your tips Darren and Diane, we‘ll consider it for next season :D

[keira]

hi andy i know £10 is not a lot if your only paying that but you still have your monthly broadband at home dont you so it will add up

[Andy]

Hi Keira,
It will add up but for us it might be worth the extra cost as we went to an internet café several times last season and paid £1 per hour.
Andy

[Darren]

You can get Internet access for free in a lot of libraries although you normally need to be a local and have a utility bill.

I spent quite a bit of time up in Ayr on Craig Tara last season, I went to the local library and told them my circumstances and they gave me a temporary pass, maybe that could be worth a try for yourself?

[keira]

no good to me darren i want to sit in comfort in my van lol

[Andy]

I don’t blame you Keira!! ;)
In our local library there used to be queue of people waiting to use the computers and in my view there is nothing worse than queuing. I’d rather pay £1 per hour at an internet café.

[keira]

ive never been in a internet cafe andy are there a lot

keira x

[Andy]

Hi Keira,

There are several internet café around it’s just a matter of finding a reasonably priced one. We use a local one when we’re at our caravan. I believe there is one on Briar Way, Skegness which might be worth checking out.

Additional info can be found here: http://www.ufindus.com/internet_cafe/skegness

Andy

[colingemski@aol.com]

Hi
I spend a lot of time at my van, so much so that I have decided to get rid of my home broadband. I use an orange dongle and am allowed 3 Gig of downloads per month. I have yet to exceed my limit, although I don't download movies or songs etc. I do download software updates etc and surf the web quite a bit. We are in Wolsingham in County Durham and at the moment my speed is 7.2 Mbs, not broadband speed, but if you are in a van, life ain't so much about rushing. The dongle was free and the cost is £15 per month, for me it is worth every penny
Cheers
Col & Mo

[Teakbank12]

no good to me darren i want to sit in comfort in my van lol

Our first choice when onsite is to use my BTMobile with lead to connect to laptop BUT i only have 20mb a month usage before it gets expensive.

Our second choice is to wander down to Mablethorpe library which we joined (require a utility bill & one other form of id), the only downside is if its full of silver surfers early morning OR kids later in the day :(
Ideal for picking up mail when in town shopping.

Our third choice which is relatively new is the 3 dongle mobile broadband i purchased last summer via a cheap deal on Quidco it wa shalf price! £7-50 a month with 5GB usage on an 18 month contract & we also use on the canalboat.
Of course it depends where you are located for signal strength, please check before buying via the website postcode checker !!
We have no problem using this dongle in our caravan & rarely struggle to find a signal on the canal (unless in a cutting).
It even works at home so is a good backup to my home broadband.
Apart from "3" i believe vodaphone also do a reasonable deal.

Having internet access may seem sad when holidaying BUT when you are advertising caravan rental weeks you get loads of enquiries which need answering instantly...plus of course we are all addicted to online forums arent we :)

[caravanwindowman]

our site as wifi but at the moment is down ,due to the BT line, but you can use mobile broadband, u need to check what the best signal is in your area, at skipsea its orange but its £10 a month which is ok but i need to have a 18 month contract, but if you can get o2 they do a pay as you go, so u just buy the dongle for around £30 and then just top it up as and when.

[barbqnev]

at pv you can get a code for use at the lakeside cafe/bar on your laptop for free or you can use a dongle (£15.00) a month for 3gb,the coverage is scattered at pv for 3g(hi speed),but normal gprs available everywhere...if you want it go to vodaphone and check out the lastest contracts...i think you can get 3gb and a laptop for free over a 18 mth contract now!!!!!

[TheOriginalOssett]

Viper Telecoms do Broadband and telephone dual package at £19.99 per month.
Tel: 0845 5082954