3G Data Card FAQ

Is the 3G broadband experience the same as broadband at home?

Currently, typical home broadband speeds are up to 8 Mbps, which is faster than 3G broadband, however the browsing experience is very similar. For the foreseeable future, fixed line broadband speeds are likely to remain faster than mobile broadband speeds however mobile broadband has the advantage that the user is not tied to a single location.

What are the data transfer speeds of the HSDPA/3G Datacard and USB Modem?

Across selected London postcodes and UK Airports, 3G Broadband will use a maximum HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) speed of 7.2Mbps (offering typical speeds of 1.7 to 5.5Mbps). This will allow you to download a 5MB file in just 7 seconds – 14 times faster than using standard 3G. Within this area, Vodafone are also increasing upload speeds up to 1.44Mbps using HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) - 10 times faster than 3G.

Outside the HSUPA areas, Vodafone will continue to offer 1.4Mbps (with an average of 400-700kbps) and 384Kbps as per their Coverage map.

The devices will switch seamlessly to GPRS when there is no HSDPA/HSUPA or 3G coverage. (Users may experience a delay when moving between different network technologies).

Can I use my existing device in the HSDPA 7.2 area?

Existing devices will be compatible in the HSDPA 7.2 area. The 3G Broadband Datacard will simply continue to work at 1.8Mbps speed instead of the enhanced HSDPA speed of 7.2Mbps.

The older USB Modem supports a maximum speed of 3.6Mbps, so customers with these devices will enjoy faster data rates in HSDPA 7.2 areas, but not as fast as those using the latest USB Modem.

Will Vodafone be upgrading more areas to HSDPA 7.2?

At the moment, Vodafone have no further plans to increase the 7.2Mbps coverage areas. However, they will consider customer demand and regularly review this position.

Is the HSDPA/3G Broadband ExpressCard and USB Modem a dual, tri or quad-band?

The Vodafone ExpressCard is quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900. The Vodafone USB Modem is Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900.

Will the speed be guaranteed?

No, with 3G the actual speed a customer will experience will depend on whether there is enough coverage at a particular location and will be affected by the number of people nearby using the service at the same time. The technology does deliver greater capacity meaning that more people in the same location at the same time can benefit from a superior experience.

Will the Vodafone HSDPA/3G Broadband ExpressCard work with laptops that support PCMCIA?

The 3G Broadband ExpressCard includes an adaptor to fit the more traditional PCMCIA slot.

Are the Vodafone HSUPA / 3G ExpressCard and USB Modem tariffs available to non-business users?

Adam Phones are happy to supply the UK Data Unlimited and Global Data Roam Unlimited for personal users subject to Consumer Credit checks and Direct Debit as a preferred method of payment (discretionary deposits maybe required for roaming), Pay As You Go UK is reserved for Business and corporate users subject to a credit check.

What information you would require from me?

If you are taking the datacard or USB Modem as an individual we will require photocopies of a
(i) utility bill
(ii) a photo ID (passport / Driver's licence)
(iii) the front and back of the credit card you intend to use for first payment and
(iv) signed Direct Debit mandate.
Please note, consumer credit checks will be performed. If you wish to set up a company account, we simply require an official purchase order showing your company registration number to facilitate a credit check.

How long is the ExpressCard or USB Modem contract?

Where a minimum contract term applies, Adam Phones has 2 contract options available: 12 month or 18 month contracts.

Can the Vodafone 3G tariff be upgraded at anytime?

Of course! Simply email your requirement and your plan will be upgraded from the start of the following month

Can the Vodafone 3G tariff be downgraded at anytime?

You may downgrade at any time after 6 months subject to a review of your accounts.

Are the Vodafone 3G tariffs inclusive of VAT?

All prices quoted are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate (currently 17.5%)

Can my data allowance be used abroad?

Global Data Roam by default is the only tariff with which you can roam. For all other tariffs, please call for information and to activate roaming.

What will I be charged if I exceed the 200MB roaming allowance on the Global Roam Tariff?

You will be charged £4.25 per MB used outside the initial 200MB roaming allowance.

If I don't use all of my monthly allowance, will it roll over and increase the available limit the following month?

Unfortunately Vodafone do not offer the facility to carry forward unused data.

What happens if I am unsatisfied with the Vodafone HSDPA/3G ExpressCard or USB Modem?

Adam Phones include a 14-day money back guarantee if the device is returned in the same condition as it was sent and in its original packaging.

On the Unlimited data tariff, you mention a fair usage policy of 3GB / month. What does this mean? What happens if I exceed the 3GB limit?

These limits are required by Vodafone to defend against users abusing the tariff. We may ask you to moderate your usage if it exceeds 3GB per month. If you continue to exceed the 3GB fair usage limit, we reserve the right to move you to another price plan and/or charge you for the element of your usage above this limit. We may also be required by Vodafone to suspend or terminate the service if you persistently exceed the fair usage limit).

What happens if someone else uses the Vodafone HSDPA/3G ExpressCard or USB Modem on a different laptop?

The 3G ExpressCard and USB modem will work in exactly the same way i.e. the software will automatically install (on Windows XP and Vista) when it is plugged in. All usage will be combined on the single invoice.

Does the Vodafone HSUPA/3G ExpressCard or USB Modem have a content control bar on it?

Vodafone automatically place a content control bar on all Data tariffs. We endeavor to remove this prior to delivery.

How will I receive my monthly invoice?

It will be posted to you and the Direct Debit will be taken on or around the 21st of every month.

How can I check if HSDPA/HSUPA and 3G cover my area?

Please follow this link for a current UK coverage map of Vodafone HSDPA and 3G.

How much is 1 Megabyte?

1000 average length text-only emails
2 minutes of an MP3 file
A 25 page Word document
A 20 slide basic PowerPoint presentation
30 emails with one page Word attachment
25 Internet pages (quantity varies by size)

Do I need to install any software or drivers for the Vodafone HSDPA/3G ExpressCard or USB Modem?

The Vodafone 3G ExpressCard and USB Modem will automatically install all the software and drivers on to a PC when connected. Apple Mac and Windows 2000 users will need to pre-install software that is supplied on a CD.

What is Plug & Play (PnP)?

Plug and Play (PnP) is a computer feature that allows the addition of a new device (e.g. Memory card, USB Memory Stick, USB WiFi adaptors), without requiring reconfiguration or manual installation of device drivers or causing physical or electrical damage.

What is the difference between Vodafone Mobile Connect and Vodafone Mobile Connect ‘Lite’?

Vodafone Mobile Connect is the software used to connect to the Internet using the Vodafone 3G datacard. It also offers support for VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Vodafone Mobile Connect ‘Lite’, is the software automatically installed by the Vodafone USB Modem. It allows connecting to the Internet but offers no support for VPN. It is possible however to use the full working version which can be downloaded from our website if required.

Why does the Usage monitor not reflect exactly what I see on my invoice?

All amounts shown in the Vodafone Mobile Connect Software (Dashboard) are approximate. Various factors, including other programmes running on your computer (e.g. automatic updates or compression software) may cause differences between the amount of data shown as transferred in the Usage Window and the transfer actually recorded by mobile networks. These differences may sometimes be substantial. Your monthly invoice is the only accurate record of usage.

My 3G Broadband ExpressCard/USB modem doesn’t seem to work – what do I do?

Please try the following.

1) If nothing happens when you plug the modem into your computer, reinsert the modem.

2) Try another USB port.

3) The cable supplied with the USB Modem will power the modem from a USB port on your computer. If there is still no response from the modem try the long double-ended cable, which will supply power to the modem from two USB ports (N.B. if you plug the modem into a USB hub there may not be enough power.)

4)Reboot your computer

5) The software included in the CD is Vodafone Mobile Connect 9.2. It is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista and MAC OS 10.3.9. Install this software and try again.

I am in coverage but my connection seems slower than usual. Why might this be?

You may experience slow download speeds for a number of reasons, including:

a) Slow web sites – if you are browsing to a web site with a high number of visitors, you may find that it is unable to respond. You may see an error message or the site may be extremely slow. It may be best to visit the site during off peak times.

b) Programs running on the computer may be using an Internet connection in the background, for example Windows Update or anti virus software.

c) If there’s a large number of users trying to access the Internet at the same time you may experience slow download speeds due to heavy network traffic. You may want to try using the service during off peak hours.

d) You may receive a slow service if your network coverage is poor. You should try moving the location of your mobile connect card or USB modem to a location with better coverage (for example, by a window) to check if this is the cause.

The flashing lights on the modem show you which network (GPRS, 3G, 3G Broadband) you are using when data is transferred.

When I connect to the Internet, it displays a connection speed of 1.8Mbps, 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps– what does this mean?

The USB Modem and ExpressCard has the ability to support maximum speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, the older USB Modem supports a maximum speed of up to 3.6Mbps and HSDPA/3G datacard a maximum of 1.8Mbps.

Like many home broadband services it displays this theoretical maximum when first connected. Vodafone’s existing 3G broadband data network is designed around the 1.8 Mbps standard giving peak download speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps.

Vodafone have introduced the 7.2Mbps standard in selected London postcodes and UK Airports, offering typical speeds of 1.7 to 5.5Mbps.