[SicilyNewbie]

Hi All

Quick report back to all those who helped me a while ago and perhaps others in the future. I'm using the Draytek 2800VG and a Huawei wireless modem.

I have used it with "TRE" and "TIM". Very easy to set up though TIM works better as in my area they have the fastest HSDPA network so I get 3.6 MB connection which is great.

Have been using the Voice over internet facility so it's great to make calls back to the UK for 0.9 pence a minute (and of course people can call me on a UK number which is cheaper for them too).

Also means we can use my wife's laptop and a "Magic Box Imp" internet radio all at the same time .......we need both laptops working at the same time as we've both got businesses to run.

Have been using the network for 3 weeks now.

Setting a Draytek up for the 3 network
To help others........To set up the draytek with the 3 network you just type tre.it in the field in the router where is says "APN Name ". Then click on the "apply" . It then just works with all of the other default settings

Setting a Draytek up for TIM network
.......To set up the draytek with TIM type in ibox.tim.it in the field in the router where is says "APN Name ". Then click on the "apply" . It then just works with all of the other default settings

VOIP feedback
For some reason VOIP only seems to work properly using the TIM HSDPA network. When I use 3 it seems to roam onto TIM at a slower rate using one of the slower standards at 1/10 of the speed. (I presume I am out of range of the 3 network and TIM have to provide roaming for "TRE" whilst they roll out their network). In spite of the fact VOIP should work at speeds of 236,000 it didn't. However, in my area the mobile network seemed slow to respond. (I am making an assumption that TIM have been told by the regulator that they have to share with TRE until their network is running. I assume "TIM" give "TRE" a degraded Quality of Service as they don't really want to share with a competitor!!......all guesses though .....but may help others if they are having problems with VOIP)

Data Usage Feedback....... TIM anytime rate
I have already eaten up a TIM "Daytime/Anytime" allowance (MaxxiTIM Web Facile per navigare gratis 24h su 24) This was 500Mb plus a free 500Mb for 20 Euro and the SIM was 5 Euro. It lasted 2 weeks. (I've topped up the same SIM with another 20 Euro but have no idea if I got the extra 500Mb free again........ does anybody out there know??....it may be better to buy a new SIM each time if the " free offer " is only for new contracts. Any feedback would help myself and others.

Data Usage Feedback....... TIM evening & weekends rate
I have also subscribed to the evening and weekend rate (MaxxiTIM Web Time per navigare gratis sera e week-end). Others have mentioned this is unlimited but it is actually 9 GB. So far in 3 weeks I am still running. I'm watching the odd UK TV programme using my sling box in Jersey (which eats up data) Have made lots of phone calls and have even listened to Radio 4 on the MagicboxImp a little.

Critisism of the Draytek
There is no facility on the Draytek router to see how much data you have consumed (unlike the software on my laptop which can list total usage any time). I have no idea how much allowance I'm using.

Questions for others?
My experience raises the following questions
1. Is there any way one can check data usage (or what's left) by dialling one of the TIM automated numbers? I've only found how to check any "voice" credit
2. I bought 2 x "TIM" SIMS; one for each tariff. I change the SIM card over at 5pm and at weekends!!! - Does anybody know if you can put both TIM data "packages" on one card??
3. When you top up the daytime tariff for the second time do you get the 500MB free? If not people should be buying another SIM card for 5 Euro each time!

Hope my feedback helps somebody and any feedback from TIM data users would be appreciated

Regards - SicilyNewbie