UK data coverage

[Guest mickthetree]

So vodaphones website claim they have 73% of the UK covered with 3G. Do all the different opperators (O2, 3, orange etc) use the same network or will I have less 3G signal on T-mobile than I would on vodaphone?

Also, if I'm surfing the web, say on a train, firstly is this practical? and will it automatically switch to the best signal around?

Or am I leaving in a dream world, that I'm going to be able to wonder around the UK with internet and email access and lovely pink fluffy clouds everywhere and my PDA finding me the best signal???

As thats what I want to achieve.

[Guest travisb]

Sadly, you're after utopia. You can only use the 3G signal (like the GSM) of the operator you sign up to. I'd also check the extent of the networks coverage as 3G is mainly limited to the major cities. Trains may soon be a different story as they are setting up a wireless network on the major routes (but expect to pay heavily to use it.)

Edited July 28, 2006 by travisb