Internet connections: Mb/s; Gigabytes; 4g and 5g, oh my.

[Andy in Germany]

This may be fairly academic; we've just tested my computer on a Hotspot and it won't connect, so it may be the O2 offering after all.

 

[classic33]

Something to ponder over.
What device will it be if you go for vodafone? They offer different devices under the same name depending on whether you choose 5G or 4G.

https://www.4g.co.uk/reviews/vodafone-gigacube/

I did wonder, checked and got the above. Which I realise is UK based in other options, but gives an indication of what the devices are like in use.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Something to ponder over.
What device will it be if you go for vodafone? They offer different devices under the same name depending on whether you choose 5G or 4G.

https://www.4g.co.uk/reviews/vodafone-gigacube/

I did wonder, checked and got the above. Which I realise is UK based in other options, but gives an indication of what the devices are like in use.

That's encouraging, possibly. However, if my laptop won't connect to a hotspot here, doesn't that man it just doesn't connect to hotspots? I've tried several times to use the Bluetooth without success.

We've found an Alditalk offer for 30GB that would use my smart phone, but I have no idea if that would work.

 

[classic33]

That's encouraging, possibly. However, if my laptop won't connect to a hotspot here, doesn't that man it just doesn't connect to hotspots? I've tried several times to use the Bluetooth without success.

We've found an Alditalk offer for 30GB that would use my smart phone, but I have no idea if that would work.

Did your computer connect to a hotspot before?

 

[Andy in Germany]

Did your computer connect to a hotspot before?

I don't know: it connects to the Wlan but I don't know if that works the same way.

 

[classic33]

I don't know: it connects to the Wlan but I don't know if that works the same way.

Bluetooth is a seperate, near contact, method of connection. Seperate from your Wlan connection, which is what you'll be using.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Bluetooth is a seperate, near contact, method of connection. Seperate from your Wlan connection, which is what you'll be using.

Okay, so Hotspot = Wlan box as far as the computer is concerned. That's quite a relief.

 

[si_c]

I'd generally recommend getting more data allowance than you think you need, 30GB per month is very low - the moment you get any significant windows updates for example you run the risk of using it up and getting excess data charges.

I'd also suggest looking at the options for fixed line internet service - they often work out significantly cheaper than the mobile equivalent, tend to be more reliable and offer more consistent performance during peak hours.

Also note that a lot of service providers block using a hotspot on your phone to provide data services to another computer - this really is heavily dependent upon the market though so it's a case of checking to see if it works or not and checking with the provider directly.

Edit: just out of curiousity at my data usage, my work laptop has used more than 300GB in the last 30 days, my gaming PC just under 800GB. That's not including phones, TV or other smart devices.

 

[PaulSB]

I often read threads like these as I find I can learn something. I have learned today, and I'm quite astonished. I would describe myself as a light user; email, Googling, WhatsApp, Messenger, SMS, occasional GCN, CC forum and Facebook. I thought my data usage is low and I was amazed by the volumes in this thread. I confess I thought them ridiculous. I decided check my own usage. Jaw-dropping, gobsmacked! Everything at home is via WiFi/broadband.

This may be of some help to @Andy in Germany , it may not? My mobile usage in the past month was 895MB. When I'm out I will always take advantage of WiFi, which I think most people would agree is widely available and free in the UK, at least anywhere I use my phone it is. Mostly my mobile usage would be checking and replying on WhatsApp and Messenger. With this level of usage I think my "ridiculous" thought is put in perspective.

I decided to check my WiFi data usage for the last month on my phone and laptop. The phone was 114GB and the laptop 16GB. I decided to dig a little deeper:

Mobile (114 GB):
Facebook 96
Chrome 4.5
Playstore 3.9
Instagram 1
Guardian 1
Others 7.6 in total

Laptop (16 GB):
Chrome 7.6
System 4.0
Skype 1.7 ( I haven't used Skype in a decade or more. That's going in a few minutes!!)
Others 2.7

Facebook is clearly the big one. I am not, or so I thought, a heavy Facebook user. I've now read FB use is a very heavy on data as it involves images and video. I follow a number of musicians and comedians on FB. I often watch their content via FB on my phone. Only very rarely on the laptop. I didn't think I was streaming video!! Clearly I am. It's given me reason to think hard about FB.

So, Andy I don't watch TV, films, sports, stream (?), occasionally use YouTube. I do Google stuff, read email, CC forum, WhatsApp, Messenger. If I was making the choice I would either go for 200 GB or if I chose 100 GB find a method to significantly reduce the amount of video I watch via FB...............but then I'd probably watch it elsewhere.

I opened by saying I read these threads as I find there can be learning. There most certainly has been this morning.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I'd generally recommend getting more data allowance than you think you need, 30GB per month is very low - the moment you get any significant windows updates for example you run the risk of using it up and getting excess data charges.

I'd also suggest looking at the options for fixed line internet service - they often work out significantly cheaper than the mobile equivalent, tend to be more reliable and offer more consistent performance during peak hours.

Also note that a lot of service providers block using a hotspot on your phone to provide data services to another computer - this really is heavily dependent upon the market though so it's a case of checking to see if it works or not and checking with the provider directly.

Edit: just out of curiousity at my data usage, my work laptop has used more than 300GB in the last 30 days, my gaming PC just under 800GB. That's not including phones, TV or other smart devices.

I can run updates at the family apartment which will keep data usage down, besides, I'mm apparently not going to get any updates on Win11 soon so that's one problem less.

The best fixed line connection costs more and is max 16 MB/s. I've tried finding other providers in my last apartment, and it was a disaster: oh, they were happy to take the contract but then reported they couldn't find the service at this address. It took six weeks to cancel the main contract, and they still insisted on a six-month notice for the "sports TV" contract, which I'd not asked for, so I'm inclined to stick with what I know works for other residents in the building.

I've managed to use about 9GB in the last 30 days. I don't use Farcebook which may help.

 

[PaulSB]

I should add my football club to the list above. Rovers use FB extensively to update fans, manager and player interviews, match highlights etc. As I said a lot of learning today.

 

[albion]

30GB should be fine, though initially I would set youtube playing quality to low 480p or less initially.
Monitor daily.
And check all purchase options via mydealz.de Mobile, you need to confirm hotspotting is allowed.

Does the village get 5G ?

 

[Gwylan]

]

Can you get a SIM based service?
Because if you can, you can take the box around with you and have internet wherever you can get 230v.
Not hostage to that phone socket or needing " installation, €50 please"
Alternatively if you don't use much or need blistering fast internet then you can use your phone as a hotspot.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I've ordered a flatrate on my phone for the next 30 days; this doesn't help my home internet but it means I can at least stay in touch with family and new employer if need be. The card cancels automatically after 30 days so I don't have to worry about that.

The contract only seems to work for phones/tablets (because of course we wouldn't want to make things too easy for customers, would we?) so I'll still need to get a hotspot box, but my experience with 'smart' phones is that they will break down or suddenly stop random functions from working anyway so I prefer to keep the two separate.

 

[albion]

It is a fast changing landscape, at least as far as 5G is concerned.