Of Broadband USB modems and other woes

culabula

Some of you may be interested in hearing of my recent experiences with the new Voodoo broadband USB modem and the 3 Ireland HSDPA card.

I bought the USB modem a) because it works with my MacBook (and suits it) but b) because the staff in two Vodafone shops in Galway informed me that the unlimited data option @ 49€ a month applied both in the north of Ireland and the UK. This was the killer for me (although it won't of course apply to most of you).

As MT calls are free in the north this seemed plausible enough but I remained somewhat sceptical. I checked unbilled calls every day online but all use while in the north was billed at zero between the 08/12 and the 21/12 except for the one time the modem strayed to the Orange UK net near Portadown and a charge was posted for this within hours. I had therefore no reason to doubt the veracity of the staff's claims.

On the morning of the 22/12 the bill rocketed to 430+€; I instantly called CC, was not offered much sympathy despite the fact that the whole sale was based on erroneous information and eventually a Team Manager said I could return it -but only to the shop in Galway. I said that this was ridiculous, it would cost at least 150€ to so do to recover 129,99€ and why couldn't I leave it into Grafton St where I am to be found 3 times a week. But he was adamant.

On the 29/12 I phoned the shop in Galway and spoke to the manageress who once again claimed that the data usage in the north was free. I informed her that it definitely was not. She was most helpful, agreed it was her fault, spoke to Head Office, phoned me back and refuted the Team Manager's claims and said I could leave it back for a refund in any shop. This has now been done and I have been refunded. I have received a final bill of 610€ (it was used just six times in the north) and I have refused point blank to pay it.

The alternative was a mysterious 'other tariff' variously quoted to me as 75€, 79€, 90€, 95€ and 99€ -which would allow roaming everywhere without further penalty. Then I was informed that this had been withdrawn owing to inaccurate billing throughout Europe. Then I was finally told that the add-on maybe does still exist, is 90€ (with VAT) and is on top of the 49€. In fact, at no time during this sorry saga have I ever been given the impression that anyone in Vodafone Ireland is singing from the same hymn sheet about any aspect of this otherwise wonderful device.

Several friends have obtained these; one, a musician got his for his MacBook and was told, in the flagship store on Grafton St that it was 'free to use' in the north -where he often gigs.

The second I was refunded by Voodoo I legged it to 3 and (eventually) got the datacard -which of course I am forced to use with a PC. So far, all is fine. The card is only 40, the tariff is 40 and I am assured that 50% of the 3gig allowance is available to me while in the north. Though on foot of the '3 like home' announcement, I wonder if not all is now useable? The following is taken from the FAQ -"3 Like Home applies to all Voice Calls, Video Calls, Text Messaging, Picture & Video Messaging and *Data usage* by all Pay Monthly and 3Pay customers. "

In any case, it's a bargain and I can't wait until tomorrow night to give it a full lash in Dublin (no HSDPA near Lisburn). It sure beats the 3UK equivalent offering @ 70€ approx for 1 gig.

Incidentally, 3 wouldn't let me have it as you cannot sign up to them with a northern address, the loonies. I have no such problem with any of their competitors all of whom I have an account with and all of whom I pay by credit card. I had to request a favour from a friend to get it in her name.

I'll post on performance etc., when back in Dublin.