Hi All,
Before I start, I just need to confess - I am a sucker and I have fallen for it again... I have got my self a N95 but that's a different story, this is about my trusted friend - The N80.
Background:
In Sweden it has become very popular to get a so called "Mobile Broadband" contract i.e. 3,6 Mbit/s - provided there is "Turbo 3G" coverage in the area. Otherwise it reverts to "normal" 3G.
All the main Mobile Phone Operators in Sweden e.g. Telia, Tele2, Telenor and 3 etc. has (starter) packages providing you with a 3G USB Modem (these can take a SIM card - identical hardware to what Vodafone, T-Mobile and O2 provides in the UK) including a flat/free rate tariff on data traffic and very reasonable monthly charges that naturally adds up to a nice sum (for the operators) in a 12 month contract period, which is what these packages are based on - like anywhere else in the world. However this is where my problem lays... I do not need(or want) to sign up for a 12 month contract as I am only going to be there a few weeks on holiday *but* do want and need internet access - preferably a bit faster than 56k but even this would do.
Choices:
However, I have found out that a few Operators provide a package were you pay a lump sum up front (approx. 1500Kr (Swedish Krona) ~ GBP �110 ~ USD $220). With this you get a similarly advantageous deal on the data traffic + you get the all-important 3G USB Modem. Now, I pushed the customer service people a bit and asked if it was possible to subscribe to data traffic tariff - ONLY - without opting for the 3G Modem, surprisingly they said - YES. ...and even more surprisingly... this would only cost some 600Kr for an entire months subscription (~GBP �44/USD $88).
The Question:
You can see where I am going with this... Is there a way to use my N80 as a 3G USB modem hooked up to a Laptop? Preferably connected using the pop-port cable but bluetooth would do as well, just need to add a dongle but am slightly suspicious about the speed and reliability).
Summary of questions:
1). Can the N80 be used as a 3G Modem hooked up with a laptop?
2). If yes, then how?
3). If no, then any advice on contract free USB/PCI-E 3G devices are most welcome.
4). Bonus question: Does anyone have any operator/tariff details for Finland with regards to Mobile Broadband?
Thanks in advance & best regards,
HH
P.S. Anyone got the details for NA - Nokiacs Anonymous...? 😉