Mobile Broadband in HK
 

I am trying to help a non-techie friend in Hong Kong.

They need to get a mobile broadband connection. Like a pocket wifi - mifi device with good, fast service.

Would need for data upload/download for laptop and video conferencing via WeChat.

It would be needed for maybe 3-4 months.

Any suggestions on where to direct them to buy the device and service? I've tried to look, but I don't know the services or the costs well enough to make a recommendation.

THey probably need to buy a device, and it looks like fast rated ones are $600 - $800 HKD. And then they'll need service.

I saw this: http://www.smartone.com/en/mobile_an..._usb_modem.jsp

Not sure if that also means that the service needs to come from Smartone. Not sure if Smartone is any good.

Any suggestions / direction is welcome! :-)

There are a number of Sim card threads in thus forum. I would start with those. I actually have a mifi, and use it on occasion (e.g. train trips), but it honestly isn't noticeably better than tethering from a phone.

People use pocket wifi because they want to share among multiple devices, or if USB modem, they don't want an external battery pack for phone tethering.

The pocket wifi or modems are typically cheaper if purchased from computer malls in Wanchai, Shamshuipo, etc.

As for the SIM card, China Mobile has unlimited data at a daily rate of 28HKD (daily data billing cap of 28HKD)

After some digging, here's the strategy among locals:

Buy discounted, prepaid SIM from Apliu Street (Shamshuipo). These typically have a very generous bonus for the first month, or the card is sold with a huge discount. After 1 month or the credit is used up, get a new card - you don't need the phone number anyway.

http://www.eprice.com.hk/mobile/talk/3148/178155/

http://www.hkepc.com/forum/viewthrea...12&tid=2175645