Using 3UK’s USB modem on a 125mph train
Right now I am whizzing along at somewhere in excess of 100mph on a train out of Kings Cross, heading up to the North East of England. The train, run by GNER, offers free wireless internet - a wickedly good and reliable service.
However I have spurned wifi for the moment — because I’ve been asked by quite a few people to try out the 3UK USB modem ‘at speed’. If you recall, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying using near-8mb-broadband-style speed from fixed locations over the past week. How would the device perform in real-world conditions?
Very well, actually.
At 125mph, the train is speding through cell zones thus making it quite difficult — even for a standard mobile phone call to stay connected. Across 30 minutes, my connection disconnected about 3 times. I immediately reconnected and was back surfing in no time at all. Download speeds were impressive. If anything, they are anecdotally faster than the onboard satellite wifi of the train.
I didn’t try Youtube or any bandwidth intensive services — instead I used the connection for web browsing, blogging (this post) and receiving email.
To be honest I didn’t expect the USB modem to be any good at speed so I’m impressed. But like using your mobile phone on a fast train, disconnections are to be expected.
I’ve been using the Vodafone 3G USB device for a few months, including use on Virgin Trains going up and down the country. What I’ve found is that it’s difficult to maintain a strong enough connection to get a bulletproof service with all the tunnels you go through along with the pockets of non-3G access. I’ve also found that there service defaults to 2G where it can’t get 3G which reminds me of the old dial-up days.
There have been a few instances where I’ve hit submit on an email and have patiently waited for a few minutes before the email has been sent. In most cases the service works well but you find that the slower the train goes the better. Pulling in to a station is like heaven when you’re surfing…
Posted by Nasser Ahmed on September 19th, 2007 at 1:04 pm.3 press office has confirmed that the modem is totally out of stock.
Posted by Ken on September 19th, 2007 at 5:56 pm.