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If you have been paying attention to the recent developments in Internet and Telephony you will have noticed that the term "3G" is being tossed around a lot. 3G internet, 3G enabled mobile phones, 3G networks etc. etc. are all terms that are being thrown around frequently these days.
For those wanting to know a bit more about 3G and 3G on Curacao, you can start out by checking out our page here. And if you are a regular reader of this site, you will have probably come across our UTS 3G review and now we can add our take on MIO's 3G Mobile internet as well.
We tested this modem for about 6 days now and we have been very impressed so far. The modem connects to your USB port and is smaller than the Pcmia modem we are used to from MIO, but it's still bigger than the one from UTS. But we do have to add a disclaimer saying that this current modem will soon be replaced with a smaller version (memory stick size) that also has pre-installed drivers.
Installation was pretty simple. We installed the drivers from a cd and had the modem connected within 5 minutes. After installing the drivers, you get the application on your desktop, and all you do is click "Connect" when the modem is in your USB port. It takes just a few seconds to connect and you are online. (remember though that the next model will have pre-installed drivers).
The Good
Speed. The first thing you look for when testing an internet connection is obviously the speed and we were pretty happy with the results. It's a 3.1MB connection but just like with UTS, you have to take into consideration that you're going to have fluctuations and that you won't be getting the full amount.
But still, the speed test results were very nice...
We did frequent speed tests and our speeds ranged from 1.5MB to 2.2 MB. Downloads were fine as we downloaded at 100kb frequently and we were able to stream online television with no problem. This specific online tv stream requires a minimum 1MB connection and we watched all the channels very smoothly.
- No overheating. We noticed that the UTS modem tended to get really hot at times, but this one did not have the same problem. After 5 hours of intense use, it was not very hot and that was something I was really looking at. We hope that the next version of the modem also does not overheat because that causes concern when it happens.
- Simplicity. Mobile connections should be easy to use. Pop it in, click connect and be online within seconds and this 3G modem from MIO delivers on all these phases. You have that ease of taking your laptop to your friends house, or to the beach or wherever else and you'll be enjoying your broadband connection without the hassles of cables or anything else.
The Bad
(* click image for larger view)
At first we were disappointed with the size of the modem and the fact that there were no pre-installed drivers but like we mentioned before, the next model will have both of these features. This one is bulky and needed manual installation of drivers...but that should change soon.
Overall
Overall we are very impressed by this 3G modem from MIO. Easy to use, mobile and consistently high speeds. We had the same good impression at first while using the UTS modem and this 3G usb modem left us with that same great initial impression.
But now you are still wondering about the most important factor, which is the price...
The monthly fee is Naf. 125,- along with an activation fee of Naf. 49,- and a modem price of Naf. 149,-. These prices are bound to a contract length of 18 months.
If you do not want that contract length, there's an option for a 3 month contract but the price will jump to 155,- per month and you still will have to pay something for the modem.
But yes, after our 6 day test period, we can definitely recommend this service to someone who's in the market for high speed mobile broadband on Curacao.
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