Overseas WAN & LAN

I have a SZ71WN/C and I find the wireless WAN works very well in London using the T-Mobile sim card.

Next Sunday I am going to Cancun, Mexico and would like to have the same service there. I suspect that this is not as simple as changing the sim card as their system is probably different, but I don't know. If another sim card is not the answer, would I be able to buy an external solution such as a USB modem or a plug-in card?

I am also going to Nicaragua after that for a while and then to Miami. I would appreciate some advice on both those places as well.

Will the ordinary wi-fi work properly in those 3 places if I buy an internet access card or will I have problems?

An idea of any cost-efficient solutions would also be great as I will need frequent access if I can get it.

Many thanks,

Michael

 

Not sure about S America but the SZ7s in the US don't use SIM cards in their WWAN adapters. It's a different thing altogether.

Prob best to look at how 3G mobile handset users get connected when in that part of the world. Seem to remember reading something on mobile forums about needing handsets which support the correct frequency too.

Sorry if it's all a bit vague, been a while since I read up on what you'll need.

 

I've used my Z11's HSDPA WWAN in Portugal - roaming briefly with the T-Mobile SIM that it came with and also browsing more extensively with a local TMN SIM that I purchased when I was there (€15). If there are technically compatible networks where you are going, it's A LOT cheaper to buy a local SIM and stick it in your notebook than roaming using your UK SIM.

You might find your WWAN software is locked to T-Mobile, especially if it's branded as T-Mobile. I use a generic version of GlobeTrotter Connect which Sony provides as part of the XP downgrade software for the Z series.

As for network technology in the places you mentioned, I can't help with specifics although I understand that there are other options in the US besides EVDO. (It's just that Sony has a deal with Sprint in the US, so bundles EVDO hardware with its US models.)

If you can't find a compatible network to use your integrated WWAN, you should be able to purchase a USB dongle of the correct type, I'm guessing. In Portugal, most networks seemed to bundle dongles with their SIMs... I had to shop around to get a SIM-only option.

 

As InfyMcGirk says, you'll need to install GlobeTrotter Connect which allows you to use any SIM card.

The util is included on the Vista utils pack, see sig, or download from the VAIO FTP server under the SZ6 XP downgrade section.


edit:// Here's the direct link to the Globetrotter Connect Util

 

Thank you so much everyone for taking the trouble to respond.

I think I understand and have now installed the GlobeTrotter software and at least my computer still works with the T-Mobile card.

The fun will start next week when I am in Cancun. If things go pear-shaped I will come back with hopefully more information for some further help.