> I have Vodafone 3G wireless broadband, but they are a pain trying to
> cancel the roaming data package and I detest talking to a robot called
> Lara - it doesn't understand me swearing at it and it's unctuous vocal
> tones wind me up something chronic.

I have a USB Vodem/data plan that might be surplus to requirements - belongs to 
client but project dead in the water at present. It's on a monthly plan of $50 for up to 
1GB, next 1GB is $10, after that $0.50/MB (yes, $500 per 1GB!!!) If something like 
that would suit for your remaining time in NZ perhaps we could arrange something.

Yeah, Vodafone can be painful to deal with. Seems like the more you know the less 
they do. I wanted the Vodem to work on a D-Link 3G mobile router so I could share 
the connection between several WiFi and hardwired devices, and setup Dynamic 
DNS. Took me about 2 weeks to get it working...ran into every roadblock possible, 
funny in retrospect...

First phone call to their main toll free number gives only two options "pre-paid or on 
account customer?" then whichever one you choose "enter account number" - but 
I'm not a customer yet!

In the shop "no we don't have a demo unit, you have to buy it and sign a contract 
first"

"we can't tell you your web login, it can only be sent by SMS to the Vodafone cell 
phone you don't have"

"no, we're not allowed to tell you the APN name, it's a secret"

"we don't support the D-Link device, ask them about it, or buy one of ours which we 
also have no information on"

"no, we absolutely don't block any traffic in any direction"

"yes, by default all incoming connection requests are blocked"

etc, etc,

-- 
Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions
16 English Street, St Andrews,
Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
Ph: +64 7 849 0069
Fax: +64 7 849 0071
Cell: +64 27 433 4069
eMail:  brent.brown@clear.net.nz


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