Limit: 15Gb (up to)
Term: 24 Mths
per month
Limit: 1Gb (up to)
Term: None
per month
Limit: 3Gb (up to)
Term: 12 Mths
per month
Limit: 3Gb (up to)
Term: 24 Mths
per month
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- 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
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| *£9.99 per 24hrs (max 50mb download per day) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
Broadband Expert 2008 Mobile Broadband Awards
The Broadband Expert 2008 Mobile Broadband Awards recognise the top mobile broadband providers across a number different categories including. The awards are based on over 4,000 mobile broadband users we have questioned and through our own extensive research.
Mobile Broadband Award Winners
Best Overall Provider: 3 |
Best Coverage: Vodafone |
Best Value: 3 |
Pay as You Go: 3 |
Fastest Actual Speed: Vodafone |
Best Laptop Bundle: 3 |
Customer Satisfaction: T-Mobile |
Fairest Pricing: T-Mobile |
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.
Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband
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Free Laptop Broadband
Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband
PAYG Mobile Broadband
Mobile Broadband Providers
Mobile Broadband UK
Cheap Mobile Broadband
Compare Mobile Broadband
Mobile Broadband Comparison
Mobile Broadband Offers
Mobile Broadband Packages
Mobile Broadband Stick
USB Mobile Broadband
Mobile Broadband Coverage
Mobile Broadband News
Train and tube commuters to benefit from mobile broadband upgrades
The promise of the expansion of super-fast broadband connections throughout the UK made recently by the governments Digital Britain report will also include the implementation of an improved broadband service across the whole of the national rail network, including the underground tube system.
The current mobile broadband experiences on train and tube commuters usually involves limited and erratic connections using their mobile devices but the latest plans from the government may mean that these user will soon have the same level of service that other mobile broadband users experience for their internet and email services.
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Mobile broadband demographics changed
According to a recent report the demographics of mobile broadband users have changed from being mainly business users to there being no particular demographic, as mobile broadband popularity continues to surge.
It has been revealed that when mobile broadband first began to hit the mainstream market the main user demographic was business users that wanted to benefit from the flexibility and convenience of being able to access the Internet whilst out and about on business. For business users mobile broadband provided the ultimate in freedom and ease, making it easier to conduct their business even when away from the home or office base.
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New code of practice designed to protect younger users
A recent voluntary code of practice that a number of UK mobile broadband operators have signed up to will include provisions to protect younger people from inappropriate content.
Although providing their kids with broadband access is of great benefit for many parents, as this service can help with everything from entertainment for the kids to educations resources, it is also the source of concern for many people, because youngsters have been able to gain access to inappropriate content when using the Internet without supervision.
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Average download speed is a fraction of that promised by providers
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It has been claimed recently that the average mobile broadband download speed being achieved by UK users is just a fraction of the speeds being promised by mobile broadband providers.
In order to gain new custom and hold on to existing customers both mobile and fixed line broadband providers often make impressive claims about the average download speeds that users could achieve. However, a recent report has claimed that in the case of mobile broadband users are getting just a fraction of the download speeds that are being promised by mobile broadband providers.
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Regulator pleased about commitment from mobile broadband providers
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, is said to be pleased about the commitment that has come from mobile broadband providers with regards to a new code of practice.
According to a recent report the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has welcomed the cooperation of the major mobile broadband providers in signing up to a new code of practice to make things fairer and easier for mobile broadband customers. The commitment from the mobile broadband providers has pleased the communications regulator, and should help the increasing number of people that are signing up to mobile broadband services.
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