Hey all,

I am likely to require a mobile broadband connection as my primary internet access in the near future, and have been investigating options. Thought I'd come here and share my findings and ask for any insights anyone has.

1) Selection of Provider

I'll jump straight in here and say that there is no way I'm going with Telecom. Saw a newspaper ad recently (and just looked online); they charge $56.19 for 1GB (the largest plan), with the second GB being $11.25, and then excess usage at 57c per megabyte. Say, I use 3GB, I owe Telecom $636.44 for the month. And thats on a 24 month contract.

*parp*

So looking at Vodafone, I can get 3GB on no contract (no way I'm putting my scrawl-scribbling hand near a 24 month contract) for $79.95 per month, and then double that for another ten bucks - $89.95 for 6GB. That'd be $2,347.44 on Telecom. Per month.

So although Telecom is better known for more consistent speeds, I'm really into have a decent datacap :)

2) Select of Device

This is a hard one, I can choose from a) the new Vodem Stick b) the old USB Vodem and c) the Expresscard version (Mobile Connect Card). The Expresscard is not comaptible with mac's (https://www.vodafone.co.nz/personal/plans-services/3G-broadband/3G-broadband-devices/index.jsp) so thats out.

Original USB Vodems can be had for around $100 or so on Trademe; a Vodem stick would need to be purchased from Vodafone from my initial glances (as is new). The old units are only HSDPA/UMTS (3G) 2100 MHz, whereas new sticks are HSDPA/UMTS (3G) 2100/900MHz.

From what I understand, this means that I can use the '3G Broadband' network (HSDPA 900MHz), however the coverage checker on the Vodafone site shows there there is basically no-where (well, in central Dunedin) that has coverage for this service.

To this end - do you think it is worth saving ~$150 and getting an older second hand vodem, or should I just throw down the RRP and grab the new stick Vodem?

Does anyone have experience with the new HSPDA network? Most reviews are of the older standard 3G network - unless I am mis-understanding everything ;)

And does 3G coverage and 3G Broadband coverage basically mean the same thing?

Anyway, I look forward to hearing what you all think :D