A slight glitch?

[Sam Vimes]

I've just been given a Mifi gadget. 4G mobile router. I need to try it out for real somewhere where there's a decent signal. It does work here but a low data rate.

The idea is that it will save on the phone batteries as we usually tether Mrs V's phone to mine. But when set to Mobile Hotspot the battery life is noticeably shorter.

 

[Jcloughie]

I've just been given a Mifi gadget. 4G mobile router. I need to try it out for real somewhere where there's a decent signal. It does work here but a low data rate.

The idea is that it will save on the phone batteries as we usually tether Mrs V's phone to mine. But when set to Mobile Hotspot the battery life is noticeably shorter.

I could never see the point of a MiFi. The phone tethering worked fine for us and gives the opportunity to use two services without needing to pay for an extra SIM card for the MiFi. Batteries can be supplemented with a charger or battery bank. But modern smart phones give a good life now.

John

 

[Buckman]

I'm a serial switcher. Each year I review our contracts for just about anything and see if I can get a better deal. Its not just about price although that seems to be factor number one, but also service.

Its case of weighing up all the factors and picking the best option for your needs. Something that needs time to do but the winters can be a good time to start this.

What i find annoying now is that very few companies offer 12 month contracts preferring to tout the longer 18 or 24 month contract.

We are on a rolling monthly contract with Three and yesterday got a text stating that in line with Dec CPI rate of 3.9%, the Dec 2023 CPI rate is 4% which means that this year's price increase is 7.9% so my bill will increase by about £1.45

Unfortunately this will require shopping around for a better deal, requesting a PAC number then waiting for the Three rep to come up with a better offer. and hopefully lower than what we are currently paying.

 

[Buckman]

I've just been given a Mifi gadget. 4G mobile router. I need to try it out for real somewhere where there's a decent signal. It does work here but a low data rate.

The idea is that it will save on the phone batteries as we usually tether Mrs V's phone to mine. But when set to Mobile Hotspot the battery life is noticeably shorter.

We normally leave the phone plugged in when using it to download data and generally this is in the evenings.

 

[Jcloughie]

We normally leave the phone plugged in when using it to download data and generally this is in the evenings.

Are you downloading or streaming?

John

 

[Buckman]

Are you downloading or streaming?

John

I thought that in order to stream you need to download the data?

 

[Sam Vimes]

I could never see the point of a MiFi. The phone tethering worked fine for us and gives the opportunity to use two services without needing to pay for an extra SIM card for the MiFi. Batteries can be supplemented with a charger or battery bank. But modern smart phones give a good life now.

John

I'm inclined to agree but this was a free item so I thought I'd try it out.

Phone battery life is good these days but the more often you charge it the shorter it's life gets. Not really a big deal since the Mifi would only be used infrequently so not much of a saving in terms of phone battery life.

I only use PAYG Sims so getting a second sim to try this out actually didn't cost much (actually nothing because of referral bonus) and if it doesn't seem worthwhile I can put it into my phone which supports two Sims and use the remaining credit. Then I can use one for the calls and the other for the data.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Are you downloading or streaming?

John

Same thing really

 

[Jcloughie]

Same thing really

Is it? IMO, streaming decodes content for immediate viewing and retains nothing, where downloading retains content to view as you wish. In the case of BBC and Netflix and others. They can download in an encrypted form which can only be played back by those with authorisation. Otherwise, their content is streamed.

My set top box works both ways, I can download content, but only from terrestrial sources, (Freeview) . But it does not allow downloading from payed for services. Only streaming.

I think the difference can be important for caravaners. Content can be downloaded at home. And played while away if there is poor reception preventing streaming.

John

 

[Jcloughie]

I thought that in order to stream you need to download the data?

This is what the BBC have to say.

What's the difference between streaming and downloading programmes? | iPlayer help

When you watch a programme online, either live or on demand, this is known as streaming. Downloading is saving the programme to your device temporarily and watching it when you're not connected to the internet.

www.bbc.co.uk

John

 

[Sam Vimes]

Maybe that's how some define it but in either case you are downloading data to your device.

In some cases for video streaming you can either download and keep the video to watch later or watch it as its being downloaded. Either way data has to be downloaded to your machine.

Semantics eh!

 

[Buckman]

Are you downloading or streaming?

John

Okay so there is a difference, but if I am able to download then obviously I can stream? LOL!

 

[Dustydog]

Okay so there is a difference, but if I am able to download then obviously I can stream? LOL!

In my experience no.
When SWMBO is watching a streaming football match it keeps stopping and starting . Once downloaded play appears continuous

 

[Buckman]

In my experience no.
When SWMBO is watching a streaming football match it keeps stopping and starting . Once downloaded play appears continuous

That could be because of weak signal, but more than likely buffering when streaming. Never had the issue so unaware of it. Lucky us. LOL!

 

[Bluetonic]

We are with Virgin but we have not renewed they keep offering me some deals but i fancy a change so who are you with now .

Plusnet, absolutely rock solid performance, so much cheaper than Virgin, a wifi router that actually works and a fixed ip address which is not a concern for a normal user, but a godsend for a tinkerer like myself

 

[otherclive]

Plusnet, absolutely rock solid performance, so much cheaper than Virgin, a wifi router that actually works and a fixed ip address which is not a concern for a normal user, but a godsend for a tinkerer like myself

I don’t think that Plusnet offer VoIP for retaining a landline which was one of our requirements.

Plusnet 300mb is £30.99pm with no voip available and 24 month contract. Our Virgin is hitting 270mb with Virgin 360 tv box on 18 months for £31.66pm and we get Anytime landline via VOIP.

 

[Sam Vimes]

I've currently got VoIP with BT but will be getting rid of that when the contract is up for renewal in a couple of months. I guess the important consideration in ditching VoIP is whether or not you can afford to lose your conventional landline number.

Since we've had Wifi calling we use the mobiles pretty much all the time for calls as its cheaper than BT's VoIP. I've been monitoring the number of incoming calls on the landline number and its virtually none. I've also been going into our online accounts and the important services and ensuring that the contact number is our mobile(s). So I think the switch off of VoIP for me will not cause any problems.

 

[Dustydog]

My turn for a glitch which is driving me mad.
My National Lottery account no longer works on my iPad but is fine on the iphone which are synchronised.
BT provide my router etc. And VPN is currently turned off .

I get this rubbish https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/v/geo/block.html.

I did that computer chat line with their rep who couldn’t help other than tell my internet provider BT is supplying me from outside the UK.Am I alone🙀

 

[otherclive]

I've currently got VoIP with BT but will be getting rid of that when the contract is up for renewal in a couple of months. I guess the important consideration in ditching VoIP is whether or not you can afford to lose your conventional landline number.

Since we've had Wifi calling we use the mobiles pretty much all the time for calls as its cheaper than BT's VoIP. I've been monitoring the number of incoming calls on the landline number and its virtually none. I've also been going into our online accounts and the important services and ensuring that the contact number is our mobile(s). So I think the switch off of VoIP for me will not cause any problems.

I’m working in that direction for 18 months time. Kids,grandkids and most friends use our landline and we do for calling them. It rarely catches us out on battery life as it sits on its charger at night.

 

[Jcloughie]

Maybe that's how some define it but in either case you are downloading data to your device.

In some cases for video streaming you can either download and keep the video to watch later or watch it as its being downloaded. Either way data has to be downloaded to your machine.

Semantics eh!

But not retained if streaming. Which is a crucial distinction if you are in the middle of a field with no terrestrial, or WiFi signal.

John

 

[Sam Vimes]

But not retained if streaming. Which is a crucial distinction if you are in the middle of a field with no terrestrial, or WiFi signal.

John

True but data is still downloaded. There's no other way you're going to get it.

 

[Jcloughie]

True but data is still downloaded. There's no other way you're going to get it.

Obviously. But the distinction is still necessary depending on the function required. If it is good enough for the BBC, and others, I will stick with it.

If I was told something was ‘downloaded’ I would assume it was available until deleted, (or, in the case of encrypted stuff, until the licence expired).

John

 

[Buckman]

My turn for a glitch which is driving me mad.
My National Lottery account no longer works on my iPad but is fine on the iphone which are synchronised.
BT provide my router etc. And VPN is currently turned off .

I get this rubbish https://www.national-lottery.co.uk/v/geo/block.html.

I did that computer chat line with their rep who couldn’t help other than tell my internet provider BT is supplying me from outside the UK.Am I alone🙀

The national lottery needs it s software modified. We used to get a similar issue when on the continent. You couldn't access your account!

 

[Beachball]

I don’t think that Plusnet offer VoIP for retaining a landline which was one of our requirements.

Plusnet 300mb is £30.99pm with no voip available and 24 month contract. Our Virgin is hitting 270mb with Virgin 360 tv box on 18 months for £31.66pm and we get Anytime landline via VOIP.

Hi Clive that sounds like the ideal package is movies included thanks for your input

 

[otherclive]

Hi Clive that sounds like the ideal package is movies included thanks for your input

It took some negotiating and I dread to think what it will be when the contract ends in 18 months, but that is tomorrow’s challenge. If you think you may go to Virgin PM me as the refer a friend would give us both £50 if you do sign up.