A Guide to Mobile Broadband

If you have already set yourself up with broadband then we don’t need to tell you how beneficial it is having a speedy internet connection. Rather than take up your phone line accessing the Internet through dial-up, broadband gives you the chance to carry out tasks like writing and sending e-mails, doing your shopping online and general web browsing quickly and efficiently.

But did you know that there is also a way of connecting to a fast broadband service when you’re away from home too? "Mobile Broadband" works just like a mobile phone, allowing you to access the internet without having to have a fixed broadband line installed. This means that you can do all your usual online tasks regardless of whether you’re relaxing in a caf?with your laptop or if you’re taking a weekend break and have access to a desktop computer but no means to connect to the internet.

How does Mobile Broadband work?

To access a Mobile Broadband service you need to use a small portable device known as a USB Modem (sometimes referred to as a "Dongle"). This little device plugs into your computer or laptop’s USB port and always needs to be attached in order to get reception. Most don’t need any software - they just install themselves so you can get connected pretty much straight away, so it’s very simple to set-up. Alternatively, it’s also possible to get yourself kitted up with a laptop that includes a Mobile Broadband data card inside the computer casing, so there’s nothing to plug in.

Have you ever been talking on your mobile phone and been accidentally cut off or couldn’t quite hear what the other person was saying? It’s quite common for a mobile phone to suffer from bad reception from time-to-time and Mobile Broadband is no different! Although you should be able to enjoy a quick, reliable service, around the UK there are certain areas that are served with a Mobile Broadband signal better than others. Generally, in built-up areas like towns and cities this signal is stronger and so your Mobile Broadband speed will be faster. Pages will load quicker and you will be able to carry out tasks like downloading email attachments without having to wait for too long. All Mobile Broadband providers should be able to show you a map of the UK with "hotspots" where you would be able to log-on without any problems.

Lots of providers now offer Mobile Broadband services. Chances are – if you already have a mobile phone, the provider you use for that will also offer Mobile Broadband. You don’t have to stick with the same provider that you get your mobile top-ups from or pay a mobile phone bill to on a monthly basis, though! It’s always worth checking out all of your options to see who offers a deal that suits both your internet needs and your budget. 3 Mobile, BT, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Virgin Media and Vodafone all have different Mobile Broadband packages and even big names like Tesco have suggested that they may look into offering Mobile Broadband in the future.

How do I pay for a Mobile Broadband service?

Just like a mobile phone you can pay for a Mobile Broadband package in two ways:

Pay As You Go – Where you only top up when you need to but you have to pay for the USB dongle (usually around ?30-?40).
Contract – You pay a set fee every month in exchange for an agreed speed and download limit and the USB dongle is usually thrown in for free.

If you think you would like to try out a Mobile Broadband service, but guess that you will only need to use it now and again, Pay As You Go is the best way to get hooked up without obligation.

Want to find out more? You easily search through all the latest providers and packages by using comparison sites like Mobile Broadband Genie to help you find a deal that’s most suited to you.

See the separate article on Broadband

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