data only sim for HUBBA

[marianken]

I wish to trial a HUBBA by Buzz Connect to pick up a 3G signal in AB35 where coverage is patchy. This requires a full size data SIM but Vodafone only supply micro data only sims. Any ideas ?

[headcheese]

Hello,

If you buy a data only sim (one of the micro ones) and then ask for a sim swap on to a standard sim then it might work.

Alternatively get a full sized Pay As You Go sim with data services enabled (one that would normally be put in a phone) and use that. If you wanted a pay monthly setup the have a look at the sim only deals, even though they aren't specific to Mobile Broadband they will usually have data services activated on them.

Most sims have data services asociated with them these days, due to the prolific use of smart phones. The main difference with Mobile Broadband sims is that they don't have voice services activated on them. So generally you should be OK with a sim as long as it's the right size. It's probably worth confirming that you can use data services with that particular sim at point of purchase.

The key thing is that you configure the hubba to use the APN associated with the sim (APN details here)

That Hubba looks like a pretty mad bit of kit. Given that you can set it up as a mobile router it would be worth keeping an eye on it's data useage, and knowing what your data allowance is to avoid any nasty bills or the speedy consumption of PAYG data allowances.

One thing that I thought was a bit funny was that on the hubba page it says "Clever algorithms test surrounding transmitters to see which can offer the fastest connection and lock on, as opposed to a traditional dongle that will connect to just the nearest."

The decision as to what mast a device uses is usually made by the BSC or RNC (what masts/cells are conencted to), and this decision is made based on signla strength. This principle is key to handover and mobility (being able to maintain calls/data conenctivity whilst on the move). If devices could take charge of this decision then it would effectively end up in an arguement with the network. The boffins that make things like the Hubba have probably worked all this out, but you might get better results from a saucepan.

Let us know how you get on with things, and if you run inot problems let us know and we'll see what we can do tohelp.

Cheers

HC

[marianken]

Hi HC, many thanks for prompt reply. We want the internet in AB35 5PY (holiday hopme) where coverage is patchy and we are surrounded by hills/ mountains. From what you say, it seems unlikely that we will be able to pick up any 3G. Our alternative is to buy a tablet with 3G - as long as we can use PAYG. The other us is in out motorhome.

MK

[headcheese]

Hi,

No worries, here to help and all that.

According to the coverage checker the signal in the area you mentioned is limited to limited/slow speeds. This means that you're probably going to get a 2G signal which is pretty slow for itnernet access.

The nearest high/variable speed (3G) covered area to the postcode you gave is in Forfar, which looks to be well over 30 miles away. Whilst some devices are better at picking up signal than others and there may be some enhancements that devices can make you're generally limited to the signal being provided to the location you're in, unless you're on the edge of 3G coverage or have weak 3G coverage. Unless that Hubba thing can do some crazy enhancement then you're going to be limited to 2G connectivity. Really what I'm saying is that the device you're using won't make a huge amount of difference, and coverage is dictated by the sites in the locality and the technology they support.

So yes, based on your postcode I'd be very surprised if you managed to pick up 3G in that area. You'll get some level of connectivity over 2G but is will be significantly slower than 3G.

I appreciate that doesn't really help, but at least you know what's available in the stated area.

As a thought it might be worth asking the people the make the Hubba if it will pick up a 3G signal from a site over 30 miles away when the hubba is placed in a valley. If they say yes, then it might be worth giving it a go, but if the answer is no, then using a hubba won't make any difference.

Cheers

HC