[Denmark] 3G prepaid for laptop/modem
 

Hello,

I'm a TV journalist from Brazil. I'm going to be in Denmark in December, for the coverage of the United Nations conference on climate change (COP15).

I will broadcast live video feed from my laptop (conected to a camera and microphone). I've done this many times. But it works better if I have a dedicated internet provider (like a 3G modem) and not a shared connection, like wireless at the conference centre.

I've reading on this forum and I found "3" company. They seem to have what I need: Tank&Surf (EazyInternet Tank&Surf - 3.dk)

As far as I could understand, I can buy the modem plus a minimum "starter kit" which will come with sim card and 1 week of unlimited 3G connection.

Questions:

1. Do you think that is the best option to suit my needs?
2. Do you know if a national/European ID is needed to buy this service?
3. Do you know what would be my download and upload speed? (Upload is most important for me)

this is what I said about number 2 in an other discussion about Denmark some time ago:

"Not sure how it exactly works, but I tried to buy (a pretty standard) 3 sim card last December. They didn't want to sell it to me without some Danish ID card. So it is possible that you need a Danish ID card or at least the CPR number to buy a prepaid simcard. Which would be pretty stupid, but still.
So not really sure if you will be able to get a Danish sim card."

Yeah, that doesn't make much sense. If I'm willing to pay upfront and I won't have a contract, I shouldn't need a Danish ID.

Is there anyone from Denmark who can say more about that issue?

According to 3's website you will only get a maximum upload bandwidth of 384 KBit/s on the EazyInternet Tank&Surf tariff, which is the only prepaid one from 3. That's 2.8 MB per minute, which is not really fast if you want to upload video footage in broadcast quality.
Only postpaid customers can get 3's maximum HSUPA-speed of 2 MBit/s (15 MB/min).
Anyway those rates are theory - however bandwidth is usually impacted by the load of the serving cell. If too many users served by the same basestation use their terminals simultaneously bandwidth can drop to analogue modem speed. Especially during events like the aforementioned you are likely to see such congestions.
Regarding hardware, you should make sure to have an HSUPA-enabled modem in order to get the best upload results. Allthough upload bandwidth is limited to 384 KBit/s for prepaid customers, they use HSUPA on the air-interface anyway, as it enhances overall upload bandwidth and so improves performance during high load. The throttling to 384 KBit/s occurs later in their core network.

Thanks inquisitor for your answer.

Even though I would prefer/need a higher upload speed, I guess I don't have other choice, at least within 3's plans.

Regarding the USB modem, I will probably buy the one the company sells. The price is quite decent compared to the ones we find here in Brazil. Buying their modem also guarantees full compatibility.

Do you guys know about any other prepaid 3g service in Denmark?