3G Dongles and Marinas: Which Networks Work Where
This log entry was scribed by shipmate jellyellie on February 4, 2010
Posted Under: Living Aboard, Marinas, Technology
Posted Under: Living Aboard, Marinas, Technology
Following on from my recent post on connecting to the internet afloat, I thought it would be very useful to compile a guide stating the mobile broadband coverage in different marinas/anchorages around the UK. Using this data, you can choose which network would be best to join in your marina.
Your feedback is vital: please leave a comment sharing your experiences with mobile broadband around the UK. Please include the marina, network, and comments. I will put the data from your comments into this main post, and keep this updated regularly.
| Marina | Network | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport | 3 | “Excellent at all states of tide, and throughout peak and offpeak times of usage.” |
| Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport | Vodafone | “Works very well and no problems with connections, speed or downloads.” |
| Royal Clarence Marina, Gosport | O2 | “Works well, not quite as fast as 3 network (as of 2009).” |
| Yarmouth, IoW | 3 | “Absolutely fine - connects, holds the connection, decent speed.” |
| Brightlingsea, Essex | Vodafone | “The local service is useless but we use a Vodafone mobile connected in to our onboard computer and it works fine.” |
Reader Comments
I’ve used a Vodafone dongle extensively around the UK & Ireland Coast, Off Iceland, Greenland, Nova Scotia, Spain, Madeira, Canaries, Cabo Verde Islands & even off Morrocco & Mauretania & have had a strong signal when others onboard had no coverage at all - mind you the cost outside the UK is prohibitive but still good to catch up on e-mails and news.
As a fellow Victor 34′er I saw your blog. We are at Brightlingsea, the local service is useless but we use a vodsfone mobile connected in to our on board computer and it works fine. We have just come back from Shotley marina and we used a wireless card and got fast free internet. Thanks Shotley!