What is mobile internet?

Mobile internet uses the mobile phone network to enable you to browse the internet and receive emails on mobile phones or computers fitted with a special dongle.

Different mobile handsets have varying capabilities and can use one or more of the technologies to get online. Some older phones for example use a method called Edge which is slower than using 3G which again is slower than HSDPA. Speeds up to 3G are delivered as standard on all mobile tariffs whereas Smart Plans offer the highest possible speeds over HSDPA, or High Speed Mobile Internet as we often call it.

Sure has coverage of all these standards throughout the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man and offer mobile internet for mobile phones. These services can be accessed by laptops if fitted with a dongle (a USB device containing a SIM card) where ever you are in the island.

Connect to Wi-Fi on your mobile phone

Wi-Fi is a wireless broadband connection that may require a security password to access. You can connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot or just to your home broadband. The key advantage of using Wi-Fi instead of the mobile internet network is that speeds may be quicker, there is no limit to how much you can download and you do not use valuable free data allocation.

Not all phones have the capability to connect to Wi-Fi, so it is best to check your phone's compatibility before trying to connect. The process to connect to a Wi-Fi network varies from phone to phone so check your manual, but in general you go to:

Please be aware that unsecured networks may not be safe to send confidential data over, so where possible it is best to use a secure wireless network.

What is HSDPA/High Speed Mobile Internet?

HSDPA stands for High-Speed Downlink Packet Access. HSDPA is up to 20 times faster than 3G mobile internet so you can use the internet at fast speeds up to 7.2Mb/s. We often call it High Speed Mobile Internet. The service is delivered over our 3G network, and is only available on Smart plans and High Speed Mobile Internet for laptops, both of which give you exclusive unlimited internet access.

Basic plan, Pay As You Go and Indie customers only have access to slower mobile internet via 3G, Edge or WAP.

Compare mobile internet speeds

Accessing mobile internet

Once you've configured your phone for mobile internet, you should be able to simply open your browser which will connect automatically. If this doesn't happen, check your phone's manual or web site to make sure you've done everything you need to do.

Your phone will connect at the highest speed it's capable of handling (WAP, EDGE, 3G). Please note that HSDPA is only available for Smart plans and High Speed Mobile Internet customers.

Using mobile internet abroad

Roaming data access

We have data roaming agreements all over the world. Pay As You Go and Sure Indie customers are not able to use mobile internet outside of the Sure network. Pay Monthly, Smart Plan, High Speed Mobile Internet and BlackBerry Pay Monthly users however are able to access mobile internet in all of our partner destinations.

Using data abroad & charges

Any allocated data that you receive as part of your mobile plan can only be used when connected to the Sure network in Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. When you travel to the UK or further a field, you will be charged roaming rates which can be very expensive.

Ensure you are connected to one of our roaming partners

If you are having problems connecting to mobile internet abroad, please ensure that you are connected to one of our data roaming partners in that country as you will only have access with these operators. To manually select one of our partners check your phone's manual or website for correct instructions.

High Speed Mobile Internet on a laptop

In order to access High Speed Mobile Internet (HSDPA) from a laptop/computer, you'll need to purchase a dongle from us containing the SIM card required to access the service.

The dongle attaches simply via a spare USB slot on your computer. We offer both a contracted and Pay As You Go service - see the shop for further details.

Set up Mobile Internet

iPhone Settings

1. Settings > General > Network > Cellular Data Network
2. Enter the following settings:
   

   APN

   data2.gprs.cw.com (for Smart plans only)

   internet (for all other mobile plans)

   Username

   Leave blank

   Password

   Leave blank

Warning: Performing an operating system upgrade will erase your APN settings and they will need to be re-entered.

Android Settings

1. Go to:
   Menu > Settings > Wireless & Networks
2. Open Mobile Networks


3. Open Access Point Names (APN)


4. Menu > New APN > APN Enter the following for APN

   data2.gprs.cw.com (for Smart plans only)

   internet (for all other mobile plans)

You may need to re-start your phone for these changes to take effect.

Manual Settings and Other Devices

Simply enter your Sure mobile number below, click send settings and follow any further instructions.

After entering your number and clicking the button, you'll receive a text containing the correct settings that you can then simply install to your phone.

If your phone isn't supported by the above tool you may need to enter data settings manually. You'll need to follow the instructions that came with your phone. If you don't have a manual, you might find the instructions you need on your phone manufacturer's website. Here are the settings you will need:

In store

Our staff can configure your phone in-store.

By phone

Call 07624 247 247 (£5.00 admin fee applies).