Mobile Broadband

Category: Broadband
Date: 7/29/2008

Mobile broadband is the name used to describe various types of wireless high-speed internet access through a portable modem, telephone or other device. O2, 3 Mobile, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange all offer mobile broadband services and typically focus on providing mobile broadband to laptop users.

Devices to provided mobile broadband include: mobile data cards, USB modems, USB sticks, phones with data modems and laptops with the ability to use Mobile Broadband built-into them. Built-in 3G Broadband laptops are offered by all leading laptop manufacturers including: Dell, Lenovo (previously IBM), HP, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Acer.

Why choose mobile broadband?

If you can't get through the day without accessing the Internet, or if travel a lot you might be interested in mobile broadband. Before doing so, it's worth looking at the pros and cons of mobile broadband before you decide if it is right for you.

• Convenience and Portability - with mobile broadband, you can connect to the Internet from any location, so long as you have the modem and a USB port, you can access the Internet from anywhere you like.
• No Need for a Land Line - whether you're using your mobile broadband at home or abroad, you don't need to have an additional fixed land line to obtain broadband access.
• Flexibility - with mobile broadband, you can choose between using a data card, bluetooth external dongle, or a USB device. This flexibility can help you utilize the type of equipment you have access to at the time.
• Lack of Reception - whilst mobile broadband can be used at virtually any location, there's always the possibility that you won't be able to get a reception, meaning no broadband access.
• Limited bandwidth - a mobile broadband connection generally has a smaller bandwidth than a land line broadband connection, both in terms of speed and monthly data allowance.
• Making Calls - depending upon the company you use for your mobile broadband, you may not be able to make calls with the sim. If making calls through your system is important, be certain to check into your options.

How do you connect to mobile broadband?

All you need is a USB modem (or "dongle") that you plug into your USB port and it automatically connects you to the fastest available mobile broadband network speed. Typically you'll get between 1Mbps to 1.5 Mbps speed, meaning a 3 to 4 minute music track would take less than 30 seconds to download.

There are 7,500 Wi-fi hotspots in the UK and mobile broadband has around 91% population coverage in the UK.

How do I get subscribe to broadband?

All the major Mobile networks offer mobile broadband packages and typically charge you a set monthly fee of around £15 to £20 for a 3GB data allowance per month. Usage above your monthly data allowance is then charged at around £0.20 per MB.

There are deals available and you should be able to get a free dongle/USB modem as well as a lower monthly cost and higher data allowance if you sign up for an 18 or 24 month contract.

1GB of data is enough for browsing the web for 30 hours, sending 650 emails, downloading 60 music tracks and 30 videos. Top tip - if your computer or laptop is set up to automatically update software then your data allowance will be used up a lot quicker!

What to do next

Take a look at our more detailed guides on ASDL Broadband, Cable Broadband and Broadband.

Or, go straight ahead and Compare all the Broadband suppliers and prices for your area.