t-mobile.co.uk/usb - mobile broadband
The USB stick from t-mobile.co.uk/usb gives you mobile broadband access on your laptop where ever you have mobile coverage across the UK.
It's a flat rate charge so you'll never have to pay for hidden charges or extra costs, no matter how much you go online*. You can either pay a monthly rate starting at £15, or pay £4 for each day you use the service. If you only need it for emergencies or don't want to be tied to a 12 month or 24 month contract, then the day rate could be the one for you.
*Even though the monthly contract says you can go online as much as you want without limits, there is a fair use policy of 3GB for the web 'n' walk plus package and 10GB for the web 'n' walk max package. The fair use policy does allow you to go over the 3GB or 10GB limit a couple of months, but they will apply speed constraints on your service until you can learn to play nicely with everyone else. For full terms and conditions of the fair use policy, visit t-mobile.co.uk/usb and check the fine print before you sign up.
The day rate service also comes with a fair use limit of 40 MB per day, but they do say that they use the 'reasonable opinion' so you might get away with a few extra bytes, but check the terms and conditions and make your own judgment.
How does it work?
Well, depending on the package you sign up for, you'll get the rather bulky looking Web'n'walk USB modem for free on the monthly contract, or pay £99 on the pay as you go package. If you want the more compact USB modem stick you have to sign up for the monthly deals, and the stick is free on 24 month deals, and £19 on the 12 month packages.
Before you decide which deal to go for, have a good think about how much you'll use the daily service. You could get the 12 month contract + USB stick for £200, rather that pay £99 for the USB modem before you even apply the £4 a day charge. More that 25 days use and you could have had 365 days instead, plus the smaller USB stick. I know which one I'd go for, but check out the latest costs on t-mobile.co.uk/usb and make your own mind up.
European Coverage?
Mobile broadband outside of the UK is for the rich, stupid, or business user who doesn;t pay the bill. 3G connections are an eye watering £7.50 per MB, so if you do decide to connect your USB device, make sure you get what you need and unplug the thing quickly! Only download email headers, and only read the important ones. Viewing attachments are up to you, and good luck if you start to download music or videos.