Many people who do not ordinarily use a mobile phone may wish, nonetheless, to have the use of one while cruising the canals and waterways. Overseas visitors may also find this desirable. What they need is a mobile phone for a relatively short period of time (as opposed to normal long term contracts).
The mobile phone can also be useful in connecting a laptop to the internet. The speed is not very quick, but at least email can be checked, and one can browse the web until their patience runs out (provided, of course, the fee is reasonable). High speed internet access via mobile phone is available in the UK, but generally NOT along the canals, so the service you would need would be one called "GPRS".
Phones may be hired (rented) on a short term basis (see firms below). However, you may find it more economical to purchase a disposable phone (prepay phones) than to hire a phone. Several plans like this are listed below, but there are probably more. (Please let me know what you find, as I don't have the time to research this myself. This page is but a minor part of my whole web site.)
You will need a "GSM" phone. (Most mobile phones available in the United States are not GSM phones. Check with your carrier.) Unfortunately, even if you have a GSM phone, a US wireless provider will probably charge you $1-$2 per minute for calls in the UK/Europe.
Not a phone hire firm, but the Boater's Phone Company web site provides useful advice about phone selection for boating use, for both voice and internet.
Thus far, the firms listed below are the only ones I've found so far providing GSM pre-pay phones or short term phone hire (rental). There are probably others. Please let me know if you find any.
As for everything on this web site, I have no relationship with these companies. This material is for information only.
Note: The "best/least dear" way to connect to the internet, from a boat via a mobile phone, is constantly changing. For the latest suggestions, post a question on the canals mailing list. HINT: the best method for short-term use (i.e. no one year contract) is currently the Orange 1 UK pound per day for one day's unlimited use.