We are traveling to Italy and France for five weeks in a motorhome. I am hoping to update facebook and email friends while visiting and following the Tour de France Is there a way to get what would be 3g type service ? what is the status of internet service in Europe now ? I have read that its not easy finding hot spots anymore. I would like to have an aircard if that is possible? I have very little computer networking experience
James,
There are most certainly Cellular "Aircards" available in Europe (as usual, they're always way ahead of us with cellular technology). My RS Guide on the "France" tour last year had Internet access where ever we went, even on the Coach (except for the day that a lightning storm shut down the local Cell towers).
However I don't have any information on the pricing or how to obtain the cards. I'm not sure whether these are available on PAYG plans, or only on term plans (which would probably require residency in Europe)?
Wi-Fi is increasingly available in many locations. Your best bet might to stop at a Starbucks, Net Café or whatever every day or so and update your Facebook and E-mail at that time (using your own Netbook or Laptop).
Hopefully one of the others will have further information on Air Cards.
has anyone tried either one of these services
I've been using mobility pass for a couple of years. It works like a charm. Having no friends, I only use it to coordinate travel, so the cost is minimal.
In France you should be able to find public WiFi spots but Italy has strict anti-terror laws that make finding public WiFi difficult.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/010909-italy-antiterror-law-stunts-wi-fi.html
re. mobility pass. For the iPhone their site says (in part): "With your international voice and data sim card. ...."
That's THEIR sim card, right? ... meaning we'd be jail-breaking the phone? If so, what is the downside? (Last trip we bought the AT&T package which was, as I recall, fairly pricey. This appears cheaper, but _____.)