I use a
wireless modem to stay online where ever I am. This is easier in
Southeast Asia, where SIM cards can be purchased easily—generally,
you will just need your passport. Other places where security
concerns are higher, like India, it can be more difficult to for
non-residents to purchase a SIM—but you can always ask a friend to
buy it for you. Note that speeds are slow—3G is only coming into
most of the area, and high bandwidth demands, like Skype which
recommends 64kbps, may not work for you. Plan to have basic e-mail
access, and remember where you don't have a cell phone signal you
don't have connectivity. Generally, there are two or three steps
needed for getting connected.
Option One:
Get a wireless modem bundled with a service provider. This is the
easiest option—they provide you the modem, the SIM card for the
modem, and you pay (generally pre-pay) for access and they provide
you with account information. The prices are comparable to those in
the West. Some country-specific providers are given below. One of
the drawbacks is that the modem may be locked, meaning it will only
work with the provider (and therefore can only be used in that
country).
Option Two:
Get your wireless modem that is not locked—that will work with
multiple providers. Then, purchase a SIM either specifically for
Internet access or with a company that provides pre-paid Internet
service through their SIMs (those listed below are in this category).
Often, you'll need to activate the SIM first using a mobile phone
and then put it into your modem to activate your Internet access.
This is my suggested solution.
Option Three:
Get a wireless modem and a local SIM (one with a provider that
supports 3G is best). Second, find a service you can access by dialing into. This can be tricky, and unless you know your way
around the locale, we suggestion Option One or Two.
Usually,
these SIMS/prepaid cards can be purchased directly from mobile phone
kiosks, 7-11's, or others. The Web sites here give you some basic
information and can be sources of where to locate vendors locally.
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