|
Now that we have reviewed both the UTS 3G Usb modem and the MIO 3G Usb modem, we can finally put them head to head and see which one comes out on top. We've mentioned the disclaimer in the MIO review already that we've only had the modem for one week, but it was a week where it was used thoroughly.
We'll be looking at speed, connection reliability, network coverage, modem size, ease of installation, price, contract flexibility and throttling issues. Keep in mind also that our comparison will be based on right now. UTS had great speeds back in June/July and MIO will be introducing a sleeker modem in the future, but the comparison will be based on how the issues stack up right now.
Speed
UTS : When we first got our UTS 3G modem back in June, speeds were great. We were averaging about 1.7MB throughout the day and topping out at around 2.7 MB at night but the past two months things have been flat out disappointing. Speeds fluctuate a lot and sometimes even a little radio stream or youtube video gives us trouble.
MIO : Admittedly this comparison is a bit unfair because we only had this modem for about a week, so who knows how speeds will be a month or two from now (like the drop we noticed with UTS), but looking at right now, MIO's speeds are more than satisfactory. We averaged above the 1.5 MB, topping out at about 2.4 MB and streaming online tv was a breeze.
Edge : MIO. Like we said, we are only looking at right now, and right now MIO is giving us more in the speed department.
Connection Reliabilty
UTS : Just like with the speed, the connection was solid at first, rarely if ever dropping but recently we find ourselves re-connecting the modem 3 to 4 times a day.
MIO : No connection problems during the past week so that was a nice plus. Again, keep in mind that a week is a small sample size but this is what we've experienced so far.
Edge : MIO. Pretty easy call to make right now.
Network Coverage
UTS : We had good connections in Mahaai, Groot Davelaar, Jongbloed, Brievengat, Emmastad, Jan Noorduyn, Zeelandia and Otrabanda. We experienced some hick-ups when using the modem in the Steenrijk area.
MIO : We used it mainly in the Mahaai and Groot Davelaar area but others have told us about good coverage around Janwe, Dominguito, Caracasbaai, Salinja and Koraal Specht. Trouble was had at Santa Maria, Jan Noorduyn and closer to Banda Bou.
Edge : Tie. One user we know was complaining about MIO's coverage while raving about the UTS coverage. Another user loved MIO's coverage and we were personally took the UTS modem to a lot of places and everything was just fine. We'll call it a tie for now...
Modem Size
UTS : In the tech world, gadgets are always becomming smaller and sleeker and when you are talking about a mobile usb modem, the smaller the better. And that's where UTS has the upper hand at the moment. The modem is as big a memory stick and is very sleek. Easy to travel with and not bulky when connected to your laptop.
MIO : A smaller, memory stick sized modem should be here soon, but right now the one we had was rather bulky and a bit clumsy when connected without a usb extension chord.
Edge : UTS. We loved the small modem and how it looked when connected to our laptop.
Ease of installation
UTS : The modem comes with the drivers pre-loaded and they will install automatically when you connect it for the first time. You enter the APN number that you are given by UTS one time, and you are done. Within minutes you are connected and online.
MIO : The modem we had required you to run a cd and install the drivers. It only took a few minutes to get everything goin, but the fact that we had to run a cd, choose the folder on the cd and run the executable made us wish for pre-loaded drivers. But fear not, pre-loaded drivers will be present on the new modem that will be out soon.
Edge : UTS. Yes, looking at right now, the UTS iConn 225 model gets the nod for auto driver install.
Price
UTS : If you are an existing UTS Adsl customer, you are looking at a monthly price of 75 guilders and 280 guilders (one time) for the modem itself. If you are not an existing customer, you are looking at 125 guilders a month.
MIO : MIO will ask you Naf. 149,- for the modem, an activation fee of Naf. 49,- along with a monthly fee of 125 guilders. You can also go with a very short contract and then you'll have a montly fee of 155 guilders.
Edge : Tough to call. UTS' 280 guilders up front is more than MIO's Naf. 200 (modem + activation), but an existing UTS customer will pay less monthly. If you are not a customer already, both will cost you Naf. 125,- a month. Price wise we'll call it even when all things are considered.
Contract Flexibility
UTS : With UTS you are getting a 2 year contract. We don't know of any different contract lengths so you are going to be tied up for 2 years. But like we mentioned before, existing clients will get a lower monthly price that will be bundled with their ADSL contract.
MIO : MIO offers an 18 month contract and 3 month contract so you have some flexibilty and the commitment period is shorter.
Edge : MIO. People who don't like to be bound to long contracts will lean more torwards the 18 month contract and 3 month contract options.
Throttling Issues
UTS : We use torrents when downloading. You probably do to. And lately you read a lot about ISP's throttling torrent downloads and basically doing whatever they can to stop you from using BitTorrent. There are arguments for and against ISP's doing this, but we are not going to debate. All we're going to say is that we noticed our Torrent downloads being non existent while using the UTS service.
MIO : No such problems here as our torrent downloads went smoothly, just like when using ADSL.
Edge : MIO. If you use torrents to download, then this will be an important issue for you and MIO holds the upper hand (for now). But we wouldn't be surprised if they start to throttle once users start to hog bandwith at an alarming rate.
Verdict
We looked at the issues that we thought were important when evaluating broadban, mobile, usb modems and MIO won 4 categories, UTS won 2 while there was a tie in the other 2. All in all, MIO gets the upper hand right now but the question will be if they can keep up the good speeds.
We were really impressed by UTS at first, but things have dipped at the moment with the 3G speeds, but we expect them to rebound for sure.
If you are wondering who we would recommend...well, it comes down to two things we think. First, what type of contract are you looking for. Do you mind the 2 years that UTS offers, or do you want something a little more flexible like the 3 months that MIO offers?
And don't forget that company preference will also sway you. If you've always been an UTS person you'll probably lean torwards them, but maybe you're not their biggest fan and you'll lean torwards the competion.
We are UTS customers, but we are unbiased when doing these comparisons and MIO comes out on top right now.
|
