I've learnt such a lot.
So much choice I can't make my mind up now
ELZE wrote:Quad band phoes have the capability to connect to most other networks as they usually have an agreement with each other! T mobile, 3, o2 etc, Dongles as I understand it don't!
If you purchase a dongle it can only access the purchased contract provider
I think I have got it and can help to clarify!! Quad band is potentially useful for the international traveller.
It is key to distinguish between a) the technical capability of the device and b) the service provided by the contract associated with the SIM card. They are independent of each other but both must work to successfully connect to a network.
Generally within Europe/Asia, and certainly UK, providers use GSM 900 and/or 1800 frequencies so Dual Band is adequate. Quad Band is needed when venturing into a couple of dozen other countries/territories (e.g. N America) which use the 850/1900 frequencies. Dongles and MiFi could lack this technical capability and therefore fall short in this travel scenario but they are a lot cheaper than a phone so it is viable to purchase a separate North America Dual Band model!
Though there are some expensive Phone contracts/SIMs that give multi-network connectivity in the home country, most phone contracts/SIMs limit at-home connectivity to the provider's own network. Therefore it is unfair to put dongles down on this account because the majority of our phone contracts will be limited to the provider's own network. There are still the "homeless" roaming data-only SIM/contracts mentioned elsewhere in this thread that could be used in the UK.
When abroad it comes down to the roaming agreements between the UK provider and foreign networks and
this has nothing to do with the technical capability of the device, which is only important if straying outside the 900/1800 frequency countries. I have not investigated in depth the roaming options for phone+data vs data only contracts, but yes, PAYG data only contracts (typically discussed here for bongoing) are particularly expensive abroad.
When I was abroad regularly for work, instead of tethering, I simply had local PAYG SIMS which I used in an unlocked 3 Dongle. Cost was just pounds per month whereas tethering sent my phone bill so high it stopped at the director's desk
