Since Pre Paid LTE is starting to launch in more places, I thought I'd attempt a vaguely useful thread. Obviously, it's not that useful if others don't contribute
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United Kingdom
EE have launched pre paid 4G with two WiFi routers (Huawei and Alcatel - I believe the Alcatel will also act as an internet stick).
See:
http://shop.ee.co.uk/wifi/all/
http://shop.ee.co.uk/usb-stick/all/
When I try to find details of plans, the web site runs circles around me. I will actually try this product when I get back to the UK!
Namibia
Yes, Namibia! Both the major networks have a pre paid LTE broadband product. Both products are by time, not volume of data. No MiFi type devices at the moment though - just internet sticks. At the moment, I'm using:
- Product: MTC NetMan Time 4G
- Cost to buy: 289 Namibian Dollars (Huawei 4G stick + 1 hour) (approx GBP18).
- Tariff: 30 Namibian dollars per hour (approx GBP1.80)
- Special requirements: None - you can pay cash, with no ID required, from any MTC Home shop.
What's it like? Mostly it's fast. MTC make a point of showing off YouTube, and as long as Africa's connection to the rest of the world is good, it happily plays YouTube at 1080p with speeds maxing out at 14mbps. Things like VPN are throttled though, so sites like Netflix over corporate or expat services are just about usable (3-4mbps on a good night, ranging from standard definition to 720P). This is much, much faster (and more cost effective, if used carefully) than the hotel WiFi.
Alternatives? If I don't need the speed, the HSPA network is pretty good - I use my Nokia 720, with local SIM as a personal hotspot (pre paid, volume based rating).
I hope to try pre paid LTE in Zimbabwe, next year. As I said, feel free to contribute.
Edit: Mods - I did search for another thread. If I've missed something, please move this post.
Update 17/20/2013
I was playing with Virtualbox over the weekend, downloading various Linux distributions (large, 1.1gb ISO files). Downloading from mirrors in nearby Zambia and South Africa, the Huawei modem was maxing out at 30mbps, downloading these files in no time flat. When LTE isn't throttled, it's impressive.