Countdown to Christmas, 6 days: Vodafone TopUp and Go modem

With some online last-delivery dates already passed we thought we'd look to the highstreet for today's Christmas gift idea. Mobile broadband's been one of the big hits of the year and Vodafone's just launched this gift-friendly pre-pay option.

At £39, the USB modem undercuts 3's similar 3Pay offering by a whole tenner and, while 1GB of data allowance will cost you £15, or a fiver more than on 3, it's not time limited. That means if your a casual user, a 1GB top-up could see you through several months, rather than just 30 days as on 3.

Meanwhile, O2's Pay & Go modem is £10 cheaper still at £29.99 but has a different tariff structure.

Vodafone reckons a £15 1GB top up will provide around 30 hours of solid surfing or 650 emails. Speeds are around the same as 3 at an official 3.6Mbps, giving roughly 1 to 2Mbps in the real world.

You can bag the TopUp and Go modem in Vodafone stores. You can also order online for delivery before Christmas - if you do it by Monday.See the rest of the countdown for some other gift ideas.

Press release:

Pre-Pay Modem Launched

Just in time for Christmas Vodafone UK has launched a pre-pay USB Modem to access it's fast and reliable mobile broadband network. The 'TopUP and Go' (3.6Mbps) modem is £39 and includes the first £15 credit which gives 1GB of data. Unlike other pay as you go mobile broadband services the 1GB will not expire after 30 days, giving customers complete value for money. 1GB of data will provide around 30 hours of surfing, or let you send 650 e-mails, or allow you to download 65 music tracks or short videos clips. Customers can expect 1to 2 Mbps average speeds. The modem also doubles as a 4GB USB memory stick – perfect for sharing files.

Customers can top up with a voucher, or by calling 08080 101238. The TopUp and Go modem is available in store, online and through telesales.

For More information visit: www.vodafone.co.uk/broadband