Vodafone unveils pay-as-you-go mobile broadband

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Vodafone has launched a pay-as-you-go mobile-broadband modem.

The modem is capable of 3.6Mbps, but the operator clarified that the data-transfer speeds people will realistically see will lie between 1Mbps and 2Mbps. The modem went on sale in stores and online on Wednesday. Dubbed 'TopUp and Go', the modem also doubles as a 4GB memory stick.

The modem costs £39, but that price includes £15 credit — representing 1GB of usage. By comparison, O2's pay-as-you-go mobile-broadband plan provides 3GB of usage for £15, but that data has to be used up within 30 days of purchase. Vodafone's gigabyte has no time limit on it.

T-Mobile, 3 and Orange offer similar, time-limited versions of pay-as-you-go mobile broadband to that provided by O2.


Vodafone's mobile broadband modem is capable of speeds between 1Mbps and 2Mbps
 

Talkback

PAYG Mobile Broadband may sound bonkers to people used to all you can eat tariffs - but I reckon this could prove very popular with regular international travellers who want cheaper domestic rate data charges. Buy one of these at the airport on arrival, use for a few days whilst abroad and save a packet on your data charges...

Anyone who has tried using mobile broadband whilst travelling is likely to have encountered the bill shock when you have returned to the UK. Even though I don't pay my own bills, even our financial controller pulled me up after a trip to France where I had incurred over £100 of data roaming charges for just a few days use - and apparently that is small fry. There are urban myths of lonely business travellers racking up £4k bills by watching 'Lead Balloon' via the BBC iPlayer - anyone got any good stories of stupendous bills?

I hate to nit pick - but surely the top speed you quote of 3.6 Gbps should read 3.6 Mbps? - otherwise this service would be faster than Virgin's new fibre network!!

James B 17 December, 2008 14:56
Reply

Hi James,
Thanks for the interesting comment and for the keen-eyed spot of the error. You're completely correct: The incorrect measurement was introduced in the edit process, and we've now fixed it. We appreciate your keeping a close eye on our stories and for helping us keep them straight.
Karen

Karen Friar 17 December, 2008 16:30
Reply

Which one of our mobile operators will be first to realise the opportunity in front of them to really compete and beat fixed line broadband services. I am sure that the majority of users would be very happy indeed to switch their broadband and phone services completely over to a mobile operator - IF.
The big IF!! IF . . . the mobile operator improved service conditions for speed and bandwidth to be comparable to a landline operator in all respects and to match the price. In other words to become competitive completely - whoever gets there first will steal most of the market and become a very dominant and successful player.
It is progress and not stagnation and the mobile telcos should really be getting their teeth into it now rather than trying to fleece their users with high prices. Although there are masts and cell points to maintain there is not the expensive cabled network to keep in working order.

1000215420 16 January, 2009 22:56
Reply

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