Quote Originally Posted by andypaul View Post
Maybe best firstly to get someone with a gprs/3g phone (phills always seem to have flash phones) to see what the strength of the signal is like in the house.

On my experience of USB modems in the UK in various locations all over the place.

I do know the software on many of the USb modems works ok but best to use the full version of the connect software makes a big big difference in upload and download speed also and often more important it makes them more stable. Usb as many know from when many landline adsl modem had usb connections they do tend to drop off.

Another trick i know some field workers use is they keep a powered hub in between the modem and laptop so if they in a customers location they use the hub which seems to help things.

Also if possible its worth investigating what modem they supply and seeing if its worth buying a better modem possibly with an external connector or at least a permantly attached decent aerial i know some people i know use devices with connectable external aerials in remote areas and it makes a massive improvement to signal and over time to battery life.
Bandrich seem to be one maker with some decent models. With extendable aerials.
As you may well know be aware the upload speed is the weak point and I would expect many using these devices would be using Voip. So if you plan the same what others experience will tell you if worth the expense.

One good thing as its phill all you need is a now standard dual band device.

As your in that field i dont wanna teach you how to suck eggs.

I cant even point to cdo on a map so no local knowledge here.
No mate, is ok.
Good to see someone with experience also in this field.
With regards to battery life, you are correct, coz if the downlink signal is better, the cellular radio transmits at a lower power level, thus saving on battery life.
Nice reply mate.