Mobile broadband allows you to access broadband internet on your mobile handset or a laptop. To use mobile broadband, you need to subscribe to a mobile broadband service which will supply you with a USB dongle, a small device that helps you to go online with your laptop.
With mobile broadband internet, you stay connected to high-speed internet on the move or anywhere where you can receive mobile broadband data signals.
What is Mobile broadband?
Just as mobile networks transmit voice calls over mobile phones, advanced 3g mobile networks allow the users of laptops and smartphones to transfer data at much faster speeds.
Mobile broadband speeds on 3G networks are actually as good as a standard ADSL or cable broadband connection.
3G Mobile broadband or simply mobile broadband is more than enough for most of your broadband needs. Do not confuse 3G broadband with 2G mobile internet (GPRS) which is much slower like a dial-up.
How Mobile broadband works?
If you are a laptop user, just plug the USB mobile broadband dongle into one of the USB slots. The activation program that comes with the dongle will lead you in simple steps to installation and activation of your mobile broadband account within a few minutes and you may start using your mobile broadband instantly.
Are mobile broadband speeds reliable?
This depends on the quality of mobile broadband reception in your area. You need to double check the network availability of a provider in your area before you sign up with your provider. If you live in regional areas under your provider’s 3G network, it is less likely that you will get nice speeds.
Most mobile broadband users in UK receive average speeds between 300Kbps and 1.5Mbps, regardless of what the mobile ISPs advertise or claim. Maximum upload speeds can be up to 384Kbps.
The factors that affect mobile broadband performance include traffic, location (coverage) and what PDA devices & hardware you use (Use well-configured laptop/PDA and high-speed dongle to get the most out of your mobile broadband).
Mobile Broadband UK
In UK, mobile broadband is offered by providers like Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, 3 mobile, BT and O2. All these providers are mobile phone service providers turned to mobile ISPs.
When it comes to 3G broadband coverage, most urban cities in UK are well connected by these mobile broadband providers. Many rural areas in UK are still ‘notspots’ in 3G coverage map meaning they have no access to mobile broadband.
Pre-paid mobile broadband
Pre-paid mobile broadband or Pay As You Go broadband (PAYG) option is now available with most mobile broadband users. With this option, you avoid contracts as well as choose the flexible per day or per GB data plans. The main disadvantage of pre-paid mobile broadband is that you do not get mobile dongles free of cost.
How to reduce my mobile broadband cost?
- Go for 12 month or 24 month contract as most mobile ISPs offer free USB dongle in return and some discount on the total cost.
- Choose a mobile broadband deal that best suits your needs and preferences – speeds, download limit, contract length and price. Read our broadband reviews for better mobile broadband comparison and making informed decision.
- If you can plan your data usage and stick to it, choosing Pay As You Go option can help you to save your money. There is also flexibility and convenience to buy top-up usage whenever you like.
- As mobile broadband packages do not offer so much data allowance like home broadband deals, you need to make sure that your usage does not exceed your monthly download limit. Always remember, the extra usage beyond this limit means additional cost for you to bear. So, check your usage periodically when you are on a monthly contract.
