Data dongle or upgrade phone package and Hot Spot

[jaslang1969]

Hi

Just looking for a bit of advice regarding internet access, skyping etc.

We have a caravan on the East coast and obviously there is no Wi-Fi so we and so I bought a 3 Dongle which is absolutely useless and picks up no signal at all.

So whilst there I used my Vodafone mobile as a Hot Spot and it worked great, but not sure whether the best long term solution is:

1) Upgrade my phone package to include extra data allowance (currently only on 500MB) and then continue with the Hot Spot method

2) Get a Vodafone 4G dongle on a monthly contract

We do have young children so there will be quite a bit of use including Skype, Youtube etc.

Any pro's, cons, suggestions greatly appreciated.

[john32]

I find the biggest downside with using a phone as a hotspot is the service is suspended when making a call.

[Retired-Charles]

@jaslang1969 - Either way would be fine however, have a look at Data costs to get an idea of how much data you'd need.

[jaslang1969]

Thanks for the replies.

The far cheaper option seems to be to upgrade my sim bundle, which appears to get me 20GB for an extra £5 on what I'm paying now.

But, what I don't understand is the Red Value 20GB Bundle is showing as £20 per month, but the next offer it shows me is the Red Value 10GB Bundle - but at a cost of £32 per month.

Half the data, but £12 per month more?

It's also showing the 4GB Bundle as £22/ month

Something doesn't add up :smileyfrustrated:

[jaslang1969]

Come on Vodafone - long term customer waiting to order a new product here

Just another question as well as the pricing discrepancies above.....

I use a Surface Pro, so a USB dongle is fine - but what if one of the kids is using an iPad at the same time. Can the dongle be used as a Hot Spot? Or is the only alternative a dongle + a data sim for the iPad?

Thanks

[Retired-Charles]

@jaslang1969 - For that, have a look at the Mobile Wi-Fi help page. As far as your other question, offers are currently available on SIm only plans.

[jaslang1969]

Thanks Charles

Is there any difference in performance between the dongle, WiFi unit or standard data sim.

I know my iPhone with contract Voda sim in it worked perfectly as a Hot Spot, allowing me to Skype video with no issues whatsoever - so I wouldn't want to buy something and find out it didn't get a signal or perform to the same level.

Thanks agin - you've been very helpful

[Retired-Charles]

@jaslang1969 - No worries, there would be no difference in performance.