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Old 05-07-2019, 13:11   #1
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Internet access

I live on a boat in Greece. What is the best way to get reliable internet access? Probably this question has been asked before but I can't find a link.
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Old 05-07-2019, 15:24   #2
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Re: Internet access

Are you just asking which SIM cards are cheapest per high-speed GB, or more generally how to set things up?

Do you need a router / hotspot? Or just using a single phone?
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Old 06-07-2019, 02:03   #3
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Re: Internet access

I use a dongle with my laptop. It is cheap and works well but has the disadvantage that I have to find a Vodafone shop each month to top it up. I cannot open an account because a boat does not have an address. It seems that I need to buy a dongle in the UK from a company that allows roaming. Cost is also a consideration.
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Old 06-07-2019, 02:15   #4
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Re: Internet access

I pay too much as I use a 4G router on the boat with Cosmote and use 5 Gbytes plan monthly with vodaphone on phone. This pretty much gives me continuous coverage. Billing is a bit of a problem, everytime I think I get it figured out it seems to Change. I managed to get a monthly plan with Cosmote After fits and starts including using allotted data before the end of the period and not being able to recharge unless I paid a higher price, finding that I could by a streaming package for videos etc and then it being canceled I have a workable system. I can usually get some sort of connection between islands and its pretty good in harbor. I have found no need for other expensive equipment. If one wanted to spend the money on a high gain amp then they could probably hijack a lot of restaurant free wifi in the harbors.
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Old 07-07-2019, 12:48   #5
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Re: Internet access

Cosmote, I understand, is Greek. Do they have a tie-up with Vodafone? And do you pay your account from an address in the UK? It sounds as if your experience has not been plain sailing!


Perhaps I should go with Three and use their roaming facility.
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Old 07-07-2019, 12:57   #6
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Re: Internet access

Do compare to Google Fi then.

A local SIM is usually best if you are mostly staying put in one country.

Asking a mod to rename this thread "Best Mobile Internet Options for Greece?"

may get the attention of those with local knowledge here.

Or of course, asking the locals. . .
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Old 08-07-2019, 00:16   #7
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Re: Internet access

Thanks. I use a local SIM as advised. The drawback is I cannot open an account because a boat does not have an address. This is very inconvenient because I have to find a Vodafone shop each month to top it up.


Most of the people I meet just use Wi-Fi, but I spend quite a lot of time at anchor and I like full internet access on board.
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Old 08-07-2019, 04:37   #8
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Re: Internet access

To conclude this thread, I have signed up with EE for a wireless dongle on a two year contract. £11.70 a month for 5 Gbyte and that includes the cost of the dongle. Roaming is enabled so I can use it in Greece.


Hopefully that is the end of the problem.
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Old 08-07-2019, 06:19   #9
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Re: Internet access

That is very cheap compared to north american options.

And likely cheaper than getting a letterbox address.
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Old 08-07-2019, 06:39   #10
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Re: Internet access

I use a Smarty SIM (smarty.co.uk) in a Huawei MIFI dongle thing (something like this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07147RC..._t1_B011YM0OXU).

Its £25 a month for unlimited data, uses the 3 network, so has pretty good coverage, and so far works out much cheaper than regularly topping up 10gb for £15 with EE.

I work from the boat so unlimited 4g internet is great. Usually get ~5mb/s download rates when at anchor.
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