2801 GPRS and EDGE

Question; are the TIM 30 day block consecutive days or "take 'em as you use them?"

Also, you might want to look at wireless access points; there are a vast number dotted around as [b]if[/b] you have a laptop and [b]if[/b] it's wireless, it's a really simple affair.

Try searching for points at [url]www.jiwire.com[/url]. I found a number of options that start at EUR1 for 30 mins (30 mins that can be used anytime, for as long as needed.) Some spots need you to 'join' different companies to access them, but it's not a killer of an affair.

.......you need to be close to a hotspot, but it's an alternative to all the other alternatives(!)

Thats 13 miles away but costs you $21 to join

Yes - the TIM option is for consecutive days - but considering you get 1GB of traffic for €30 seems a good deal - they also do a contract for 500MB for only €10 a month but the offer ends April 2006

[url]http://www.privati.tim.it/pr/pr_dettaglio/0,,3_7524_7525,00.html[/url]

Exclusively for pre pay customers - I think I have understood the web page right! (No I have changed my mind - you have to sign up for Relax - ) - The first option is the best

And I got it wrong - its only €20 for 30 days - so even cheaper - not bad for 1GB of traffic

[url]http://www.privati.tim.it/pr/pr_dettaglio/0,,3_39_327_6979,00.html[/url]

And correct me if I am wrong it looks like it costs 6 cents a KB to use in the UK

[url]http://www.privati.tim.it/pr/pr_dettaglio/0,,5_70_518,00.html[/url]

available to prepay or contract!

.....might just set up my own wireless in Salano & charge a few bob to those gullible Britz. Hmmmmmm......

You're right about the nearest Wireless point; I've got a work connection that means it's free to connect & so all I need to do is to synch regularly. Nipping to La Spez or Srazana doesn't seem too much of a hardship. (once in the morning (brioche time!) another at midday (chow-down time) and again in the evening (ditto!); at least work fits me dining schedule ;)

The TIM option looks interesting though. Let me know how it goes if you decide to take that option.

[LEFT][quote=tuscanhills].....might just set up my own wireless in Salano & charge a few bob to those gullible Britz. Hmmmmmm......[/quote]

Anyone know of any wireless connections available in Lunigiana......? ;)

Cheers, I.M. Gullible [/LEFT]

Salve Tutti,
For those that are unaware of the language that is being spoken on this thread, may i offer some assistance.

I too, need to connect to the internet when we arrive in Abruzzo in a few weeks time and as there is no ADSL line, in other words we can't have broadband up at the house through a telephone socket, we looked to use a mobile phone connection.

Vodaphone offer a piece of equipment called a 'connect card' & this fits into the expansion slot on your computer. This is in effect the computers mobile phone. With this comes a package which is what is being spoken of in the previous posts. Normally, when you sign up to an Internet service provider (ISP) in the UK, you either have continual usage, broadband, or pay as you use, in other words, the more use surf the internet, the more you pay.

In this case using a mobile connection, as the technology is more expensive, they offer packages that need you to anticipate how much information you are likely to want to send or receive. In effect you are paying for your computer to be on the phone talking, not you.

The more data you are likely to transfer the more expensive the package. I don't know how to relate mgbytes/kilobytes to an average e-mail etc. Perhaps someone could help me out on this one.
Also, if i do not send or receive data how long can i stay on the net? What would be the best package for someone that just wants to check his e-mail box once a day, send 1/2 emails a day & read the Italymag forum? What happens if i stay on longer that my monthly declared allocation?

When we're all up and running out there, i'll post & let you know what i've got, how much & whether it's value for money......unless someone out there has already set themselves up and can post the info now?

For instance upto Robs last post on this thread - was 13Kb on Italy mag forum.

The living in Italy ([url]www.livinginitaly.co.uk[/url]) home page is 32Kb

My hotmail account which has many messages per page came in at 80Kb for the first listing

A 100 page pdf file is 610Kb

[QUOTE=derekL][LEFT]

Anyone know of any wireless connections available in Lunigiana......? ;)

Cheers, I.M. Gullible [/LEFT][/QUOTE]

[url]www.jiwire.com[/url] lists the nearest points - La Spezia was the closest I found to Villafranca, Aulla and Pontremoli.

Of course there are internet cafes around in both Pontremoli (near the old Bridge - one down from the foot stone bridge) and one in Aulla near the station

But the whole point is I want access to the internet from home - where I can print stuff out etc and scan stuff in

You should be able to see the size of any web page by right clicking somewhere inactive on the page and choosing properties. Further - with the TIM service you can monitor your Internet traffic and credit on the phone at any point - I have looked at the Vodafone option - but you seemed tied into a contract. - And I am not always in Italy.

[LEFT]
Glen,
I use 3G & GPRS connections (using a connect card) regularly for work. I can also use bluetooth from my laptop to use my Nokia phone GPRS connection. I know it's expensive and I really only used these connections if I'm out and about. My company pays the bills.
Anyway, take a look at the vodafone connection charges here in Ireland!!

[URL="http://www.vodafone.ie/dataservices/gprs/prices/index.jsp?datatariffs=true"]http://www.vodafone.ie/dataservices/gprs/prices/index.jsp?datatariffs=true[/URL]

The difference is unbelievable and, if your figures are correct, the TIM deals look well worth it.
Are we being shafted by the mobile companies over here? I think so.
Consumers here are increasingly using the phrase 'Rip-Off Ireland'. Too true!

To get an idea of your average KB usage, dial-up to your internet provider and then surf and mail as usual. When done, double-click your connection icon (the 2 small connected computer screens) in the taskbar. Before disconnecting, note the amount of data that has been transferred during the connection.
I use a connection management tool called [URL="http://www.win-media.com/"]'Amazing Dialer'[/URL]
This tool keeps a record of your daily, weekly, monthly connection time and what costs are involved.

[/LEFT]

The only thing I have to add - is that Telecom Italia runs great deals - (land line phone) - but people complain about the service.

So maybe TIM get you hooked in then change the offers - ?

I have only just discovered it - If I had watched it for over a year I might have a different view - however - from my understanding of the Web Page - and my reading ITalian is better than my speaking - but I could still be way off the mark - which is why I have posted the weblinks - so others can read it for themselves -

however - the way I read it - because its prepay - you can choose to leave it - and sign up with someone else if the going gets bad - but maybe there is something in the small print that links your Codice Fiscale - so you cant accept new offers - but I havent found it.

Can anyone see anything in this offer - in the T&C - that is a problem - someone that is good at reading ITalian - and even better - doesnt get bored reading the small print?

I would also like to add - as I dont have ADSL in Lunigiana - I have considered Telecom ITalia and Satellite - but you are paying €14 odd plus IVA to Telecom ITalia and for the Satellite service - so the mobile seems an excllent option at only €20 all in - so sure its not 2MB - but as I am only there for the odd week now and again - it seems the best option - especially - as I really dont want a satellite dish on my House.

I do wonder tho - if the signal for GPRS is strong enough - cos sometimes when I am on the mobile - I have to walk around the house to get the best signal - can you get mobile phone repeaters/boosters? (Next source of investigation)

And this leads me onto the Freecom Freeview DVB-T package for my laptop - Freeview in ITaly offers loads of channels (but I think - I still have to pay for the local TV licence - but how does this work for people with Camper vans travelling across Europe?

[LEFT]
As Tuscanhills briefly mentioned, it might be an idea to investigate whether any locals have set up some private wireless network groups. It's quite common out here in the sticks, north of Dublin, and they're charging an average of €25-€30 per month (after you buy your own dish etc.).
I'll put money on a few networks being available around Aulla, Villafranca & Pontremoli.
[/LEFT]

[QUOTE=Rob]Salve Tutti,
For those that are unaware of the language that is being spoken on this thread, may i offer some assistance.

I too, need to connect to the internet when we arrive in Abruzzo in a few weeks time and as there is no ADSL line, in other words we can't have broadband up at the house through a telephone socket, we looked to use a mobile phone connection.

Vodaphone offer a piece of equipment called a 'connect card' & this fits into the expansion slot on your computer. This is in effect the computers mobile phone. With this comes a package which is what is being spoken of in the previous posts. Normally, when you sign up to an Internet service provider (ISP) in the UK, you either have continual usage, broadband, or pay as you use, in other words, the more use surf the internet, the more you pay.

In this case using a mobile connection, as the technology is more expensive, they offer packages that need you to anticipate how much information you are likely to want to send or receive. In effect you are paying for your computer to be on the phone talking, not you.

The more data you are likely to transfer the more expensive the package. I don't know how to relate mgbytes/kilobytes to an average e-mail etc. Perhaps someone could help me out on this one.
Also, if i do not send or receive data how long can i stay on the net? What would be the best package for someone that just wants to check his e-mail box once a day, send 1/2 emails a day & read the Italymag forum? What happens if i stay on longer that my monthly declared allocation?

When we're all up and running out there, i'll post & let you know what i've got, how much & whether it's value for money......unless someone out there has already set themselves up and can post the info now?[/QUOTE]

I have been using the GPRS card and the tariff: Vodafone 30 ore in liberta, it costs €20 per month and until september you get double the amount of hours, i.e. 60 hours each month. independent of amount of data. This has been sufficient for me initially but I have now got an ISDN line with telecom italia. I'm in Abruzzo countryside (montefino) and there is no ADSL yet. however the ISDN also has an unlimited offer called Teleconomia Internet I think. ISDN telephone line rental is around €33 bimonthly and the unlimited ISDN is another €25 each month. Perfect for me as I work over the Internet. Worthwhile looking into it if you're staying long-term and don't want to bother about amount of data etc. as it does add up quickly! However Telecom Italia are notoriously a pain in teh ass and we waited 4 months for it. All good now hopefully - I'll be returning to Italy at the end of this month :)

Simone

link to Vodafone 30 ore tariff (in English): [url]http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/italia/voda.html[/url]

[QUOTE=derekL][LEFT]
.....I'll put money on a few networks being available around Aulla, Villafranca & Pontremoli.
[/LEFT][/QUOTE]
I'm off for a bit of a 'sniff' this weekend & will report back ;)

Ciao Montefino,
....Montefino, is that across the valley from Castiglione?

What is the difference between an ISDN line & an ADSL line?

Grazie L'anticipo
Rob

ISDN involves having 2 telephone lines fitted and runs at 128Kbs - you have to pay rent for 2 lines. With Telecom Italia thats about €30.

ADSL - uses a filter - on a normal telephone line - but the Communal Switchboard has to be upgraded and can operate up to speeds of 8Mbps (64 times faster)

At the moment in UK - the normal is 1Mbs tho a few do 2Mbs

On mobile phones:

GPRS goes to 80Kbs but with the bolt on EGPRS or EDGE has the capability of working to 236Kbs (this is at the local Antennae stage/service provider not your phone) (tho - there is talk that is can go to twice that - but I havent found a provider to go to that)

UMTS (3G) goes to 384 Kbs (normally only available in Cities).
Quote from [url]www.umts-forum.org[/url] "3G/UMTS in its initial phase offers theoretical bit rates of up to 384 kbps in high mobility situations, rising as high as 2 Mbps in stationary/nomadic user environments."

From an earlier post - it would seem that Italy is far more advanced than the UK for prepay cheap internet - O2 costs £2.35 per MB

TIM (or Wind or Vodafone) cost about €20 for 500MB

With TIM's current offer of 500MB standard plus 500MB (1GB) - for €20 - thats about £14 for a GB - on O2 that will cost you £2350. Why is Italy so different?

[quote=Rob]Ciao Montefino,
....Montefino, is that across the valley from Castiglione?

What is the difference between an ISDN line & an ADSL line?

Grazie L'anticipo
Rob[/quote]

The difference between ISDN and ADSL is significant.

[LEFT]ISDN or Integrated Services Digital Network uses two channel types, B and D, the first is 64kbps in bandwidth and the second is 16kbps. There are two type B channels in the normal ISDN which can be used for either data or voice traffic. Data can use both channels and provide you with 128kbps data however when you use the phone it will take up one of these channels. You also need special equipment to both data and phone to use this type of line.[/LEFT]

[LEFT]ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This uses a normal land line and the phone company basically send two signals down the same phone line one high frequency for data and the other lower frequency for voice. You have to install a splitter to separate the signals and can carry on using your normal land line. For the data side you need an ADSL modem or router to connect to your computer(s) both data and voice will work without any affect on the other. Data rates on ADSL can vary from 256kbps download (recieve) and 128kbps upload (send) all the way up to 24Mbps download and 1Mbps upload, but the latter tends only to be the likes of London! Normally you will be able to get a much better rate than ISDN.

PM me if you need anyomre infomation[/LEFT]

[url]http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/operators.html[/url]

If you go to this previously advertised website - search the UK offers - then search the Italian offers (thanks to montefino)

only Italy - seems to offer - high capacity "data" offers at a special price for a mobile phone.

How can vodafone for Italy offer a brilliant service but in the UK - offer nothing?

It's almost worth getting an Italian SIM card and using it in the UK!!!!!

To get ADSL locally - you have to get chatting with the locals - and getting Telecom Italia - to upgrade the local Switchboard - has anyone done this - I know of a friend who posted leaflets in a Village in Bedfordshire to get it upgraded - and it worked - (well with BT)

I wanted an ISDN line fitted last year with Telecom Italia - but the reply came back they run out of money - I am thinking for my situation - that GPRS (as long as I get a good enough signal in my house) - is the best option.

I think a £14 experiment is worth it

And because I can do it all online - before I get to Italy - and test in the UK - albeit rather expensive - its got to be worth a go!

Note: I have edited and corrected my ISDN vs ADSL post

[QUOTE=Rob]Ciao Montefino,
....Montefino, is that across the valley from Castiglione?

What is the difference between an ISDN line & an ADSL line?

Grazie L'anticipo
Rob[/QUOTE]

sorry Rob, haven't seen this until now. Yes, Montefino is across the valley from Castiglione. We're not actually in the village itself but in Contrada Muraglie, in a single house with no immediate neighbours :)

ISDN was good enough for me - my main requirement is that I can access the VPN server of the company I work for. This wasn't possible with GPRS but possible with ISDN. Furthermore, I used ISDN ages ago when living in Germany and before ADSL even existed and I found it sufficient. I work over the Internet but don't normally use it to up-or download huge amounts of data.

Cheers

Montefino.

[QUOTE=GlenB]To get ADSL locally - you have to get chatting with the locals - and getting Telecom Italia - to upgrade the local Switchboard - has anyone done this - I know of a friend who posted leaflets in a Village in Bedfordshire to get it upgraded - and it worked - (well with BT)

[/QUOTE]

They're petitioning for ADSL in Capestrano, I picked up a leaflet there. I'm hoping to modify it and get my local community to help us start a petition where I am.

[QUOTE=GlenB]To get ADSL locally - you have to get chatting with the locals - and getting Telecom Italia - to upgrade the local Switchboard - has anyone done this - I know of a friend who posted leaflets in a Village in Bedfordshire to get it upgraded - and it worked - (well with BT)

I wanted an ISDN line fitted last year with Telecom Italia - but the reply came back they run out of money - I am thinking for my situation - that GPRS (as long as I get a good enough signal in my house) - is the best option.

I think a £14 experiment is worth it

And because I can do it all online - before I get to Italy - and test in the UK - albeit rather expensive - its got to be worth a go!

Note: I have edited and corrected my ISDN vs ADSL post[/QUOTE]

Glen,

had been watching this thread with interest and came to the same conclusion about GPRS myself. You can get a Vodafone GPRS card off ebay for about £50 and download the software from vodafones italian web-site. I would assume that a pre-pay Vodafone Italia sim card would work too, saving on call charges and the cost of line rental if you'r not there all the time.

Andy

[quote=GlenB][URL="http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/operators.html"]http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/operators.html[/URL]

If you go to this previously advertised website - search the UK offers - then search the Italian offers (thanks to montefino)

only Italy - seems to offer - high capacity "data" offers at a special price for a mobile phone.

How can vodafone for Italy offer a brilliant service but in the UK - offer nothing?

It's almost worth getting an Italian SIM card and using it in the UK!!!!![/quote]

[LEFT]Well done GlenB - this is a great web site I think getting a TIM SIM for us to use in Puglia may be the answer! [/LEFT]

[QUOTE=andy s]Glen,

I would assume that a pre-pay Vodafone Italia sim card would work too, saving on call charges and the cost of line rental if you'r not there all the time.

Andy[/QUOTE]

yes, any ordinary Vodafone Sim card works in the GPRS card. Obviously when you buy it new (which I did) you get a sim card with it (this is just a data sim though, you can't use it in your mobile). I ended up buying 3 additional mobile Sim cards so I could activate the '30 ore in liberta' offer on all three and then change them over once the free time on one had run out. I spend at least 50 hours online each week, so for me the GPRS was only a short-term solution. I have to say though that it IS faster than ordinary dial-up, in fact I was quite impressed. Similar to other forum members, I tried investigating GPRS in the UK before I went over to Italy just to get a hang of it but it was extremely expensive and you could only get it on contract!! Is the UK behind or what?? In Italy, contract mobile phones are very rare. Loads of people no longer have a landline as a pay as you go mobile is cheaper!

Well I have signed up for an iBox with [url]www.tim.it[/url]

And I pay €0.016/kb so for 4MB thats about £45 (with Orange u get 4MB for £4 on pay as you go) - so yes its not cheap - but - of course I am doing roaming (external to the Country where the SIM card operates) whilst using it in the UK. I checked with Orange and u can buy a SIM for £1 and then top up with the bundle - interestingly - they used to do unlimited access for 1 day at only a £1 a day - but they have withdrawn it!!!

I bought myself a SIM free Nokia 3220 (about £70) I wanted a new phone!!! - which I believe is not stocked anymore - carphonewarehouse do it but u would have to unlock it and lose your guarantee - but I found it at [url]www.mphone.co.uk[/url] - and bought a data cable (USB), seemed to be the cheapest option. Note: my existing TIM PAYG SIM card worked - I have owned it for 18 months.

It offers GPRS (80 Kbs) and EDGE (177Kbs (EDGE limit 236Kbs)).

I set it up today. I had to download the latest version of Nokia PC Suite 6.7 (on my UK ADSL connection) - then set up using the Nokia setup file - it all worked like a dream - because I had set up an account with ibox on tim - it all happened automatically.- No usernames or passwords - all in English - as it was Nokia - but I reckon I would have coped in Italian. I use my phone in Italian - troubles me sometimes - but I soon work it out.

Roaming in the UK - apparently via T-mobile - and got a 112Kbs connection rate. (So that must be using EDGE technology.)

On TIM I can check my account on line and top it up - apparently on Orange in the UK - this service is only available on Contract!!! Note: topping up online - is excellent for the following 2 reasons - 1) u arent fluent in Italian yet to follow the instructions on the phone - by credit card. 2) If you used to go and top up by buying a top up card in a Tabacchi - you can top up before u leave for Italy!

TIM offer 2 packages to PAYG - 1GB for 30 days - or 9GB for 30 days evenings and weekends - what I cant seem to find out tho - is the rate I would expect to get - I live in Bucks - and only getting 112Kbs.

TIM says my area in Italy cannot get UMTS but can get GPRS(EDGE). So I shall have to wait and see.

Well I must say it has been a fun experiment!!!!

GlenB that's interesting.

I'd tried hotspotting, but this was a total fag; it's a long schlepp into La Spezia (the closest Luni hotspot) & then there's also the parking up, connecting etc... Feasible, but too much like hard work!

So, I've just bought a PC card for the phone ([url=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6854297107&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1]from good old eBay for £30[/url]) and plan a quick jaunt to get a TIM Maxxi card to put into it.

I'm not sure on coverage in 'the sticks' of Luni, but will keep posting updates.....

[LEFT]
Ok, I'd just like to clarify a few things if I may?
The TIM Maxxi card... is this simply a pre-pay card option with GPRS?

Reading the TIM website (English version), it states that it costs €5 every time you charge the phone (top-up?). Is this correct? Quite expensive, if so!

iBox... from my understanding, is this TIM's email?

I think I read on the forum a while back that, even for a PAYG account in Italy, you need to show documentation etc. Codice Fiscale? Is that all they're looking for?

If I'm not in Italy permanently, only now and again - and not really intending to do any work there, I was thinking that my best option might be to just get a PAYG phone for sending and receiving calls/text and hook it up to the laptop when, or if, I ever needed to use the internet.
Anyway, I've got a spare (GPRS only) voda connect card which I suppose I could unblock, but this would mean either having two SIMS or swapping one between the phone and the card. Not sure it would be worth the extra expense or the effort.
What do you think? One SIM and one device?

[/LEFT]

Both TIM and WIND will sell a PAYG sim to you. Sometimes for only €5 (including €5 credit), depending on their special offers. Usually you have to present your codice fiscale and passport both of which are photocopied. Then that's it, assuming you have an unlocked simfree phone. There is always a small recharge fee. It is on a sliding scale for TIM. Sometimes it seems easier to recharge online - Banca Posta allow this. Or cards can be easily bought in supermarkets etc.:)

Reading the TIM website (English version), it states that it costs €5 every time you charge the phone (top-up?). Is this correct? Quite expensive, if so!

Yes - but the more you credit it each time the less you pay.

[B]Hi have a look at WIND MEGA NO LIMIT, its 20 euro a month but in actual fact you get 3000 euros worth of data transfer.
I'm in northern tuscany in the hills and have been using it for the last year with no problems.
You obviously need a wind sim card (cheap)
Check their web site
Ciao Brianm [/B]

I have been reading this thread with interest as I have been unsuccessful in connecting to the internet so far! Originally I bought a voadfone connect card (the original one not the latest 3G) At the time it was cheaper to buy a wind data card, but that meant reconfiguring the software to wind - much too complicated for me, so I never used it. It was then suggested that I just buy a data cable and connect via my mobile phone with my Italian sim card. I managed to set up a free connection to Tiscali on my laptop here in the UK. There is a number which automatically gets dialed when I connect. However I cannot test whether it will work or not from the UK. I tried puting 0039 in front of the number - but nothing! I then bought a data cable (USB) and plugged it into both the mobile and laptop and it doesn't work! All I seem to be doing is spending money and still not being able to connect. I am returning to Italy at Easter and really need to be able to work whilst out there. Anyone suggest an idiot proof solution?

Hi Ferginitaly

if you trying to dial from italy to the uk it's 0044 and don't use the frist zero in the number,
or 0039 uk to italy.

Hope this help

I'm getting a unlocked vodafone 3g connect card today and I'm in italy next week, I'll let you know how I get on.

you can check coverage for GSM and UMTS for TIM on this link
[url]http://www.119.tim.it/jcda/umts/119j_pagina_libera_umts/1,,Italia,00.html[/url]

.....my card came yesterday & I'm still grumping at it. I'm trying to connect using my T-Mobile (UK) SIM but it's not working.....really need to buy a TIM Maxxi facile card & then try it(!)

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[QUOTE=ferginitaly]I have been reading this thread with interest as I have been unsuccessful in connecting to the internet so far! Originally I bought a voadfone connect card (the original one not the latest 3G) ... Anyone suggest an idiot proof solution?[/QUOTE]

For general information - look at

see - [url]http://www.wind.it/it/privati/servizi/wind_privati_servizio524.php[/url]

send a text with GPRS SI to 4533

invia un SMS con testo "GPRS SI" al 4533

tho its probably better to register with wind on line

[url]https://155.libero.it/pls/portal30/w155.PKG_REGISTRAZIONE.PAGE1[/url]

I believe you can do simlar things like recharge your credit and look at usage etc as per TIM

You probably need enough credit on your phone to be accepted

Again I dont think there is such as a thing as username and password - once you have setup the 155 service - I think the combination of your mobile phone software and the 155 service is all automatic - looking at GSM (the old method of connecting via mobile phone - this did require username and password) -

With GPRS - You should not even need to set up the telephone number to call - it should all be automatic.

Also make sure you have the latest PC Connectivity software for your phone on your PC (Should make the installation a lot less painful)

Sorry I need to to clarify - had you signed up to [url]www.tiscali.it?[/url] That sounds like standard modem connection - for GPRS - you have to set up an account with the telephone company - so it needs to be TIM or Wind or ...

Do you actually have an Italian SIM card?

From tiscali:

How do I use Tiscali Mobile with GPRS?
You can still get access to all Tiscali WAP services if you are a GPRS user. Simply bookmark our address in your phone: [url]http://mobile.tiscali.co.uk[/url]. To find out how to get GPRS, please contact your mobile operator.

[QUOTE=libero]Hi Ferginitaly

if you trying to dial from italy to the uk it's 0044 and don't use the frist zero in the number,
or 0039 uk to italy.

Hope this help

I'm getting a unlocked vodafone 3g connect card today and I'm in italy next week, I'll let you know how I get on.

you can check coverage for GSM and UMTS for TIM on this link
[url]http://www.119.tim.it/jcda/umts/119j_pagina_libera_umts/1,,Italia,00.html[/url][/QUOTE]
Thanks for your reply. Sorry I meant 0039 not 0033! I've edited it. I tried puting 0039 in front of the numbers given by Tiscali - but nothing! I couldn't try it out in Italy as I couldn't get the mobile to work with the laptop! I will be interested to hear how you get on with the vodafone card. Are you planning to use a Voadfone sim or an Italian sim?

[QUOTE=GlenB]For general information - look at

see - [url]http://www.wind.it/it/privati/servizi/wind_privati_servizio524.php[/url]

send a text with GPRS SI to 4533

invia un SMS con testo "GPRS SI" al 4533

tho its probably better to register with wind on line

[url]https://155.libero.it/pls/portal30/w155.PKG_REGISTRAZIONE.PAGE1[/url]

I believe you can do simlar things like recharge your credit and look at usage etc as per TIM

You probably need enough credit on your phone to be accepted

Again I dont think there is such as a thing as username and password - once you have setup the 155 service - I think the combination of your mobile phone software and the 155 service is all automatic - looking at GSM (the old method of connecting via mobile phone - this did require username and password) -

With GPRS - You should not even need to set up the telephone number to call - it should all be automatic.

Also make sure you have the latest PC Connectivity software for your phone on your PC (Should make the installation a lot less painful)

Sorry I need to to clarify - had you signed up to [url]www.tiscali.it?[/url] That sounds like standard modem connection - for GPRS - you have to set up an account with the telephone company - so it needs to be TIM or Wind or ...

Do you actually have an Italian SIM card?

From tiscali:

How do I use Tiscali Mobile with GPRS?
You can still get access to all Tiscali WAP services if you are a GPRS user. Simply bookmark our address in your phone: [url]http://mobile.tiscali.co.uk[/url]. To find out how to get GPRS, please contact your mobile operator.[/QUOTE]
Hi - thanks for the reply. Yes I was trying to use a standard modem connection with my mobile phone, with Italian sim card and laptop. However, I couldn't get the laptop to work with the mobile, either here or in Italy, and when I tried to connect to the internet via the Tiscali free connection which I had set up, using the BT line and puting 0039 in front of the number given by Tiscali that didn't work either. Whether it would have done in Italy I don't know, but would like to be sure I can connect before being there and needing to and not being able to!!! I haven't even tried to use the Vodafone connect card because I need to buy a data sim and reconfigure the laptop. I will wait to hear how Libero gets on with his, then maybe I can do the same.

I dont suppose your mobile phone does GPRS?

I thought I read earlier in the thread that you can use any SIM in a connect card - not just a data one.

Also the number it is trying to dial - is it a free fone number - maybe there are complications using free fone numbers abroad

Have you tried setting up a uk SIM on the mobile - and connecting to the internet - using GSM - you will only get 9K6.

[QUOTE=GlenB]I dont suppose your mobile phone does GPRS?

I thought I read earlier in the thread that you can use any SIM in a connect card - not just a data one.

Also the number it is trying to dial - is it a free fone number - maybe there are complications using free fone numbers abroad

Have you tried setting up a uk SIM on the mobile - and connecting to the internet - using GSM - you will only get 9K6.[/QUOTE]

My mobile does have GPRS, but I don't know how to get it to work with the laptop (which is brand new)

GlenB, help me!

I'm nearly there........
[list]
[*]I've had a friendly nerd set up the hardware
[*]I've had a friendly nerd installed the software
[*]I've had a friendly nerd connect via my UK SIM (T-Mobile)
[/list]
I now get a bit stuck. Can you help me? What's the TIM Access Point Name, User Name & Password....(T-Mobile have a standard APN, user & password) & I was wondering if TIM have the same......my language skills are not good enough to find that on the TIM site.

[LEFT][quote=tuscanhills]GlenB, help me!

I'm nearly there........[/LEFT]
[LIST]
[*][LEFT]I've had a friendly nerd set up the hardware[/LEFT]
[*][LEFT]I've had a friendly nerd installed the software[/LEFT]
[*][LEFT]I've had a friendly nerd connect via my UK SIM (T-Mobile)[/LEFT]
[/LIST][LEFT]I now get a bit stuck. Can you help me? What's the TIM Access Point Name, User Name & Password....(T-Mobile have a standard APN, user & password) & I was wondering if TIM have the same......my language skills are not good enough to find that on the TIM site.[/quote]

[URL="http://www.taniwha.org.uk/gprs.html"]http://www.taniwha.org.uk/gprs.html[/URL]

ibox.tim.it guest guest ??

[/LEFT]

Salve Tutti,
Just to go off thread for a moment. Those looking for an Italian sim card only, try; talkitalia.com and buy one over the internet.
If you buy your handset in the UK, will obviously need one that is not locked to operate just in the UK, but will operate across europe.
Watching the thread with interest, thanks all.

Don't bother' buy a SIM-free phone on eBay (or get your UK one onlocked by one of "those nice men in the market" and then buy a SIM in Italy. You only need your passport & codice fiscale.

.....facile!

[QUOTE=derekL][LEFT] [URL="http://www.taniwha.org.uk/gprs.html"]http://www.taniwha.org.uk/gprs.html[/URL] [/LEFT][/QUOTE]
Nice one, thanks DL...I'll let you know if it works on Friday.

[QUOTE=libero]Hi Ferginitaly

if you trying to dial from italy to the uk it's 0044 and don't use the frist zero in the number,
or 0039 uk to italy.

Hope this help

I'm getting a unlocked vodafone 3g connect card today and I'm in italy next week, I'll let you know how I get on.

you can check coverage for GSM and UMTS for TIM on this link
[url]http://www.119.tim.it/jcda/umts/119j_pagina_libera_umts/1,,Italia,00.html[/url][/QUOTE]

Salve Libero,
Are you saying that you have bought a Vodafone connect card here in the UK, and it will work in Italy?
'scuse my ignorance as i thought you had to buy the card with a package of pre-paid data transfer out in italy?

I am in the same position as most of you where all we want to do is to shove anyones 'connect card' that offers the best rate per data transfer, into the laptop & dial. As it seems from this thread that you get a faster up/download this way, rather than connecting to a landline out in the countryside.

If it is only vodafone that supply connect cards, how can you use any other phone service supplier, TIM/WIND etc?

BTW, what's UMTS?

Grazie L'anticipo
Rob

[LEFT][quote=Rob]
If it is only vodafone that supply connect cards, how can you use any other phone service supplier, TIM/WIND etc?

BTW, what's UMTS?

Grazie L'anticipo
Rob[/quote]

I think there is an unlocked 'generic' type of connect card available on ebay but it would be as easy to simply buy a half-decent unlocked nokia with a data cable, take it to italy and buy whatever SIM you want.

[URL="http://www.umts-forum.org/servlet/dycon/ztumts/umts/Live/en/umts/What+is+UMTS_index"]http://www.umts-forum.org/servlet/dycon/ztumts/umts/Live/en/umts/What+is+UMTS_index[/URL]

[/LEFT]

[QUOTE=Rob]

BTW, what's UMTS?

Grazie L'anticipo
Rob[/QUOTE]

UMTS is the same as G3, i.e. a few times faster than GPRS. You'll only get it in and around bigger cities.

re: the hardware, as far as I know you have to get different hardware for different suppliers. Obviously it won't be possible to use a TIM card in the Vodafone connect card!!! I think I've seen a number of different cards in the shops, including a TIM one that looked a bit like this:

[IMG]http://www.mercadolivre.com.br/jm/img?s=MLB&f=30709790_6382.jpg&v=P[/IMG]

[QUOTE=tuscanhills]Don't bother' buy a SIM-free phone on eBay (or get your UK one onlocked by one of "those nice men in the market" and then buy a SIM in Italy. You only need your passport & codice fiscale.

.....facile![/QUOTE]
Oh Tusk,
You have SO adopted the Italian way, SO quickly, SO well. I'm in awe.

OK - so I dont know about Vodafones connect card - maybe it is locked so you cant use any sim

But there are generic cards out there

But if your mobile does GPRS (this is old technology now - UMTS/3G is the all new) - then why not use that

Right Tuscanhills - I need to know your mobile type (I am hoping its Nokia - cos thats what I have and can best advise on) Model number too.

sure I paid £70 instead of £50 on ebay - but I got a new swanky new fone with cam - the latest software from the Nokia website - and a full years warranty on my phone - you dont get that at the market.

And it just worked - thanks TIM & T-mobile

I must impress on you - that all you need to do is sign up for an account with WIND (155.com) TIM (119.com) - the rest should be plain sailing - no need for user names or passwords

When signing up - you also end up with an email box - [email]xxxxxxxxx@119.com[/email]

where xxxxxxxx is your mobile number

Though you say your Italian is not good enough - because its on the web - you can take your time and use [url]www.altavista.com[/url] (translate a web page) or [url]www.freetranslation.com[/url] - to translate the pages in your own time - sometimes the tranlsation is bad - but you should get an idea. It's reasonably plain sailing - I cant remember what they asked for - but it was just the normal contact details - accepting their policy etc. Just go with it.

[QUOTE=ferginitaly]Thanks for your reply. Sorry I meant 0039 not 0033! I've edited it. I tried puting 0039 in front of the numbers given by Tiscali - but nothing! I couldn't try it out in Italy as I couldn't get the mobile to work with the laptop! I will be interested to hear how you get on with the vodafone card. Are you planning to use a Voadfone sim or an Italian sim?[/QUOTE]
Hi Ferginitaly
The Vodafone connect card I've got is unlocked but it came with a uk vodafone sim,with £10 of credit, plenty fast enought on 3g/UMTS, can't get my Italian vodafone sim card to work.:confused:
The connect card reads the sim card, but will not connect, I going over to Italy in a couple of days, hopefully once over there I will be able to get it to work.
I let you know how I get on.