Using 3UK's USB modem on a 125mph train

Right now I am whizzing along at somewhere in excess of 100mph on a train out of Kings Cross, heading up to the North East of England. The train, run by GNER, offers free wireless internet – a wickedly good and reliable service.

However I have spurned wifi for the moment — because I’ve been asked by quite a few people to try out the 3UK USB modem ‘at speed’. If you recall, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying using near-8mb-broadband-style speed from fixed locations over the past week. How would the device perform in real-world conditions?

Very well, actually.

At 125mph, the train is speding through cell zones thus making it quite difficult — even for a standard mobile phone call to stay connected. Across 30 minutes, my connection disconnected about 3 times. I immediately reconnected and was back surfing in no time at all. Download speeds were impressive. If anything, they are anecdotally faster than the onboard satellite wifi of the train.

I didn’t try Youtube or any bandwidth intensive services — instead I used the connection for web browsing, blogging (this post) and receiving email.

To be honest I didn’t expect the USB modem to be any good at speed so I’m impressed. But like using your mobile phone on a fast train, disconnections are to be expected.