USB Modem for sale in Europe?

Nancy,

I've never heard of anyone selling USB MoDems in Europe, but I suspect the cost might be quite high to use them?

The preferred solution in the both Europe and North America these days seems to be wireless "Air Cards" that plug into a USB port and use the cellular network for connection to the net. I noticed people using them when I was in Europe a few weeks ago, and since the cell coverage is so good there are very few places they can't find a connection.

However, these are currently VERY expensive, so I doubt that would be a realistic solution for the average traveller. My cell network here is advertising these quite aggressively and even providing the Air Card at no cost if the customer signs onto "a plan". However, I'm not willing to pay $50/month~ for wireless access when I have access at home for far less cost.

The roaming charges to use a North American Air Card on European data networks would probably be extreme, however I don't have any definite information on the prices.

If you're staying at the Hotels listed in Rick's books, you'll probably find that many offer Wi-Fi access (sometimes at a small charge, sometimes free). Some Starbucks and McDonalds also offer Wi-Fi (with a purchase) and many Net Cafes are also providing this feature for those that are travelling with their own Laptops.

Happy travels!

What about the paid wireless services? They seem to be very common, ones like those from BT, or The Cloud, Boingo? Anyone had any experience with using them?

Thanks everyone. It looks like I've been using the wrong word in my question about the modem. I'm actually looking for an aircard to connect to the internet on my netbook.

A modem will require you to get a dial-up connection or over cable. How would you do that in Europe?
the easiest way, but the cheapest is to get a call phone and a prepaid SIM card.You also need to a cable to connect your Netbook to the phone and some software in some cases.

Nancy, you may need to distinguish between a USB modem (which runs at 56K and plugs into a phone line), and a USB wireless device (which runs at about 500K and uses the cell phone network).

In the USA, a USB modem costs about $40 and you use it with a dial-up connection. The USB wireless devices vary in price, but the service costs about $50 per month. As was already stated, the service may be very expensive in Europe.

I can't say about Italy or France, but in the UK several companies offer pay as you go connections over a wireless USB plug-in. I recently bought one for 25 pounds and bought a month of service for 15.

Paul, how did it work out for you? Would you recommend the company?

The company was T-Mobile, which doesn't have the best coverage in the UK. The connection dropped now and again but it was worth it not to be dependant on finding a wifi connection.

Nancy,

I did a bit of research because I am intereste din that too.
Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.mobilitypass.com/international_mobile_broadband_usb_modem.html

Nancy
I also blog, and didn't find any problem with wifi, such as coffee houses, hotel lobbies, and at the airport. Some places you have to pay for the wifi, but it was not hard to find a connection.

If you're not able to find a USB modem, then dont' fret.

I would avoid MobilityPass.com like the plague. I recently bought one of their wireless usb modems at an inflated price while I was in the States and when I returned to France and tried it, I paid more than $48 for a 6 minute and 3 second connection. All I did was look at a couple of emails on gmail and go to a couple of websites. I signed in on one and then disconnected. I just wanted to see how much it would cost me to do so little. So unless your name is Rockefeller, give this mobile broadband provider a big miss. I'm not researching WIND in Italy as we're going there in September. They have a prepaid card. www.wind.it

Nancy,

To add to my earlier post, I wouldn't bother with USB Cellular cards as they'll likely be expensive and probably unnecessary. I've also been keeping a Blog this trip and have found that virtually all Hotels have Wi-Fi, either free or for a small charge. There have been a few times when I couldn't update the Blog for a day or two but that's not really a problem. My readers will just have to wait.

I usually come back to the Hotel by about 22:00 or so and update the Blog then, just before bedtime (while the day is still fresh in my mind).

Cheers!

We have travelled over a fair bit of Europe in the last 5 years and have seldom had a problem finding WiFi connections, sometimes free, sometimes with charges attached.