Mobile Broadband

• 99% UK coverage
• Broadband speeds on the move
• Simple to install
• Compatible with any PC, laptop or Mac
• Can be used on multiple pc's
• No phone line required
• Next day delivery

Mobile broadband is the technology which allows broadband access from anywhere by simply plugging your USB modem or dongle in to your laptop or computer. The popularity of mobile broadband has gathered pace quite quickly, with consumers keen to enjoy the flexibility, convenience, and mobility of this type of technology.

Mobile broadband is ideal for use amongst business people, students, and just about anyone else that may need or wish to access the Internet whilst they are on the go. It is also perfect for those that want to access the Internet but don't want to go to the expense of having a landline installed.

Mobile broadband FAQ's

Can I use my mobile broadband dongle or USB modem on different computers or laptops? Yes you can plus you mobile broadband dongle or modem into any laptop or computer

What coverage does Mobile broadband have? Mobile broadband covers around 99% of the UK. Speeds and quality of connection can vary and are typically stronger in urban areas

Can I use mobile broadband abroad: Yes in most countries but there are addition charges. Typically these are around 10 a day and can rise if you exceed download limits. See our mobile broadband abroad guide for more details

Can I use mobile broadband on a train? Yes though coverage and speed can vary dependent on the strength of the mobile signal you can receive

Do I need a landline for mobile broadband? No there is no need to pay for a landline with mobile broadband

Can I use mobile broadband for online gaming? Mobile broadband is currently a little slow for gaming and download limits are generally not adequate. We would advise a specialised gaming broadband package.

3G Broadband - The technology behind mobile broadband

With fixed line broadband copper telephone wires or fibre-optic cable is used to send and receive data. However, with mobile broadband access is gained via mobile phone networks through a technology called 3G. When you sign up to mobile broadband you receive a compact modem, small enough to carry around with you. This USB modem can be used anywhere with mobile coverage. Your USB modem will allow you to then access the Internet via 3G mobile technology whether you are on the go or at home. The modem simply plugs in to the USB socket on your laptop or desktop so you can be online in seconds.

Mobile broadband coverage:

Mobile broadband coverage is available in 99% of the UK. Despite this you may find that your signal occasional drops in certain areas and that speeds can vary. I general coverage and speeds are better in urban areas than in rural areas. For more details see our guide to mobile broadband coverage.

USB Modems, Dongles and Mobile Data Cards

There are different modem options available based on your preference and based on the provider that you go through. This includes:

Dongle - Abroadband dongle will connect to the laptop through the USB connection. They are around the same size as a mobile phone, making them very portable. Broadband dongles are being marketed as a fashion accessories with some dongles from providers like three mobile coming in really snazzy designs.

USB Modem - USB modems are much smaller than dongles, and this means that they are even easier to carry around when you are on the go. These also connect to the laptop via the USB connection.

Mobile data cards - Whilst these are small and compact data cards are only suitable for laptops with plug and go software, and this means that they may not be suitable for all mobile broadband customers.

Compare mobile broadband

As with any technical service it is important to choose the compare providers when it comes to choosing a mobile broadband package. When choosing your mobile broadband provider there are a number of factors to consider. You should take into account contract length, speeds, monthly cost, connection fee (some packages have no connection fee) and download limits. All of these can be checked in our mobile broadband comparison tables. Mobile broadband packages are currently available from O2, Orange, 3, Vodafone, and T-Mobile.

Mobile broadband providers

3 mobile broadband offers plenty of choice when it comes to finding a suitable broadband package and price, which makes it easier to find a deal that suits your needs and your pocket. You can also choose from a number of modems and dongles to suit your needs. 3 offers competitive prices on its mobile broadband packages, so you can benefit from mobile broadband without breaking the bank. Whilst aesthetics are clearly not a priority for mobile broadband users, 3 has managed to incorporate some very cool, funky designs with its dongles, which often appeal to the younger fashion conscience market.

Vodafone mobile broadbandoffers some of the most competitive mobile broadband deals around for both business and recreational users. It has also recently been confirmed as the fastest mobile broadband provider following an independent study, with speeds of up to 7.2Mbps. You can enjoy a choice of modem solutions, including the USB stick, dongle, or card. Vodafone even offers a great, cool look with its USB sticks, so you can enjoy style as well as convenience!

Orange mobile broadband offers consumers the chance to enjoy the competitive �Everywhere' mobile broadband package, which comes with a USB key through which to connect. You can select from a choice of contract lengths to suit your needs and your budget.

T-Mobile broadband offers a choice of two packages with a 1.8Mbps connection, so you can choose the package that best meets your need. Connection devices include the dongle or the USB stick. The dongles from this provider are state of the art, so you won't have to worry about having to replace them or upgrade them for quite some time.�

O2 mobile broadband is one of the latest providers to embrace the world of mobile broadband having already seen how popular this broadband technology was becoming. At launch O2 mobile broadband appears to be overpriced compared to it's competitors.

Mobile broadband - How to chose the right package

If you are one of the many people thinking of signing up to mobile broadband then there are a number of considerations that you should take into account before you make any commitment. You should consider what sort of speed you will need based on what you will be using your mobile broadband for. Also if you intend to use your mobile broadband on a daily basis you should definitely look into the download allowance, as this can vary from one provider to another you may want to consider an unlimited download package for a set fee, although this is still subject to a fair usage policy as with fixed line broadband.

You will have a choice of modem options, and this includes the USB dongle, the USB stick, and the Mobile Broadband data card, although the latter is only compatible with laptops that have plug and go software, which automatically picks up the device. If your connection speed is of immense importance to you then you should also remember that your location and environment, the signal strength in the area, and your choice of provider will determine the speed of the access that you receive. Finally, think hard about how long you want to be tied into a contract for. Some providers offer special deals on longer term contracts such as 24 months, but many people feel mortgage comfortable with a shorter contract deal until they are confident about the provider and package they have chosen.

The pros and cons of mobile broadband

As with any other technology there are pros and cons to consider when it comes to mobile broadband, and some of these are listed below:

• Whilst being able to access the Internet whilst on the go is nothing knew, as WiFi has enables users to do this for a while, it does allow the user to access the Internet anywhere (where there is a mobile signal). With WiFi access was only available in large built up areas which was far more restricted.
• The risk with mobile broadband is far lower than with WiFi in terms of security information, as data could be more easily intercepted with WiFi.
• The increasing popularity of mobile broadband is quickly driving the cost of packages down, as providers try and stay one step ahead of the competition through increasing their customer base. This means that you can already get some great deals, and may be able to get even better bundle deals by next year.
• Mobile broadband offers an effective solution for those that want Internet access in the home but do not want to go to the trouble and expense of having a landline installed and paying a monthly telephone line rental.
• Download limits with mobile broadband can be quite restricted due to the higher cost of transferring data across 3G networks.
• Unlimited broadband packages with mobile broadband are few and far between, due to fears that increased traffic through unlimited packages would jam up the networks can cause problems for consumers.
• There is no guarantee of connection, as your service will not work in areas where you cannot get a mobile phone signal.

What does the future hold for mobile broadband?

With the popularity of mobile broadband soaring the industry has high hopes for the future of this technology. Many have even speculated over whether mobile broadband will become the primary source of broadband connection for some households, with claims that some people may even get rid of their landlines and fixed line broadband in favour of having just mobile broadband, which they can then use in the home as well as out and about.

However, the general consensus seems to be that whilst mobile broadband will probably not replace fixed line broadband largely because of restrictive download limits and slower speeds compared to fixed line connections it will complement fixed line broadband, particularly for those that want to use broadband both at home or in the office as well as whilst they are out or on their travels.

Industry officials have predicted that the popularity of mobile broadband will keep on rising over the next few years, and some officials have likened the increasing take up of this technology to that of mobile phones in the middle of the 1990s, when they went from being brick sized gadgets used exclusively by 'yuppies' to sleek, innovative must have gadgets for people from all walks of life.

Mobile providers are likely to be looking into technology that will boost mobile reception and coverage, with one provider, O2, already trialling femtocells, which are mobile base stations that could help to boost reception and improve signals, making mobile broadband all the more effective.

In addition to this the future introduction of the advanced 4G technology will mean that download limits will probably no longer be such an issue in the future, and consumers will most likely be able to enjoy faster speeds and lower costs. Over the next couple of years, and particularly if up and coming mobile broadband advancements prove successful, the mobile broadband market is likely to rocket.