Prepaid DATA in the UK

[inquisitor]

Originally Posted by siskiou

I picked up an unlocked usb stick (Novatel MC950D) and a couple of sim cards for the UK so far.
Have not received the modem yet, but wonder what kind of connection manager I should use, and how to go about activating the sim cards.

Your 3G stick has an integrated flashmemory, on which there's a dashboard software and drivers, that will start installation automatically after plugging in. There's a guide at Downloads: Novatel Wireless Ovation MC950D/MC930D USB Modem - HSHPA/HSDPA/UTMS

Do I activate via cell phone (I have an old, unlocked one I'll be taking along), or can it be done via the netbook and software.

I think both SIMs from T-Mobile UK and 3UK should come activated right out of the box. At least I can't remember having activated my SIMs from these two and also the 2 years old user guide from T-Mobile, I have in front me, doesn't mention any activation procedure.

Just remember to configure the correct access points (APN) in Novatel's dashboard "Mobilink-Lite" before you try to connect: three.co.uk and general.t-mobile.uk

Even registration, which can be done online for both SIMs, seems to be voluntary. T-Mobile just wanted my name, birthday and a postal code, which I took from a bag of chips, while my 3UK SIM is still unregistered.

Same with adding more credit to the cards, if needed. Can that be done via software and credit card (US cc card)? Do I need to register with the company the cards are from?

You can top up credit with both companies online through their websites, but both seem to do not accept foreign credit cards (except for T-Mobile, who accepted my German AmEx).
Check http://www.prepaidgsm.net/forum/euro...html#post32582 for details on topping up UK SIMs, where I mentioned an online shop selling top up vouchers for all major UK operators even to foreigners.

Those top up vouchers can be redeemed online under Pay as you go - Topping up online - T-Mobile and https://my3.three.co.uk/myaccount/activateVoucher.done

Probably there's also an USSD-based method of submitting top up vouchers, but I don't know if Novatel's dashboard supports USSD and it's also unclear if MDMA, a practical tool for data devices, will submit USSD commands properly, as it doesn't support your stick fully. At least you won't get any feedback from MDMA.

And what kind of a sim for t-mobile would I need to get the "buy your first day for two pounds, get 30 days of unlimited internet" payg deals.

I think you just have to start using mobile broadband on the £2 tariff (which should be preactivated according to the following quote from T-Mobile's website) and you'll get those 30 days automatically.

"Choose from £2 a day, £7 a week (roughly £1 a day) or £15 a month (roughly 50p a day) pricing options. Your USB modem stick will be set up to £2 a day when it arrives, but it's easy to change to one of the other pricing options. Simply log in to My T-Mobile and follow the simple steps."

But perhaps this promo is online valid for SIMs sold with 3G sticks, but not for regular voice SIMs.