| DrBob |
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| 03/06/2008 10:41 |
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Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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Well we've finally done it. Finished work and off on a 4 month trip to take the boat down from Scotland to Lagos where we are going to leave it for a while before deciding where to next. Bought a nice asus for wifi connections and an external wifi adapter with a bit more power. After the first week up the east coast and through the canal there were very few (free) wifi points.
Any one got any ideas on web access via phones? Problem will be that we will only be in the UK for a few days then a month in Ireland, a month in Spain and a month in Portugal so roaming charges are expensive. Do we need to get 3g or GPRS access or are we likely to see more free access via Wifi (plan is the west coast of Ireland route)?
......and for all of you who have stayed in Lagos, what is the preferred method of internet access there. Plan is to be there to next summer.
I've done a trawl through the search but its useless compared to what we had last year. Talk about progress.
Dr Bob
| PlanB |
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| 03/06/2008 15:38 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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We came down to the Med from London three years ago, coast hopping. I don't think we ever failed to find free or cheap internet in the marina or very close. There weren't many wifi hotspots then but I'd bet that has changed. Sorry , didn't stop at Lagos!
| temptress |
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| 03/06/2008 16:20 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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Quote:
.....Do we need to get 3g or GPRS access or are we likely to see more free access via Wi-Fi .....
You will need 3G BUT these services are designed for you to stay in one country. They are very Very expensive if used outside the country of contract - beware - this is currently the subject of an EU competition enquiry, You can get very cheap (and unlimited) 3G deals in most countries - even on PAY as you go SIMS - but these can quickly run into hundreds of pounds of data charges as you cross orders.
There are plenty of Wi-Fi connections you can get onto - but ask yourself “How much time do I need to be online for?”. Weather Info etc is easily available on the route you are taking................
| steveallan |
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| 03/06/2008 16:57 |
Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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We did the trip from the UK to Lagos last year and found free or cheap wifi all the way to Lagos. Free wifi is available in Lagos from the bars on the marina.
Enjoy your trip.
| steveallan |
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| 03/06/2008 17:11 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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For info on Lagos try this site
http://www.lagosnavigators.net/
| DrBob |
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| 03/06/2008 18:08 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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Temptress. I'm looking for access to update the blog site and keep up with the news and read this forum! At the current rate updating the blog thats about 30 mins a time + forum time. I'll look out for a PAYG 3g in Spain.
Anyone know what the west coast of Ireland will be like for wifi or if a PAYG for 3g is cheap there?
I've got ssb on board which gives me the weather info.
Dr Bob
| DrBob |
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| 03/06/2008 18:13 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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Steveallan. Thanks for the info and link. Very useful. Were all the wifi hotspots free or were they like in the UK taken over by the big boys?
Last year in the UK, Square Mile gave us access for £5 a month (with limits - but enough) and now BT openzone have taken them over and want £15 - and I'm not even sure if they have good Marina coverage with quite a few marinas not having BT openzone.
Dr Bob
| Conachair |
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| 03/06/2008 18:18 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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Dunno about Ireland but YOIGO is a good option payg card in Spain. Capped at €1.30 a day for internet access , phonehouse do the cards. Ugrib is great for weather as well if you haven't got it yet, free software and you can define the area you want the forecast for and just download that.
Have a good trip!
| anteak |
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| 03/06/2008 18:56 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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WiFi access for the cost of a drink in the South Bar or Lazyjacks - both in the marina.
Alternatively you could take your laptop into town and go to the Cultural Centre. Very pleasant and within the city centre free hotspot catchment.
| anteak |
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| 03/06/2008 19:05 |
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Re: Internet connections in Atlantic Ireland, spain and portugal
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Sorry, forgot to say that my post refers to Lagos - before you try to find those bars in Atlantic Ireland!