What is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband gives you a wireless Internet connection that can be received by your laptop with the use of a small USB modem and works in the same way that your mobile phone does. Mobile broadband is precisely broadband on the move. You can access the Internet anywhere where there is mobile phone coverage, even abroad!

Thanks to some breakthrough developments in mobile technology, we all now have the option to stay connected to the web whilst out of our homes or places of work. Although Internet “on the move” had been out there for quite some time, it was typically aimed at high end business users. That is until recently with the cost of these services dropping to be far more affordable, it's began to really take off in a big way and with all types of Internet users.

Which types of people would Mobile Broadband suit?

Whether you are a student, a professional business person or someone that enjoys socialising or getting out and about, the convenience of broadband on the move is great for everyone.

How does Mobile Broadband work?

Well, instead of being plugged in to an Ethernet connection and hooked up to the mains, you are given a USB modem/dongle, USB stick or a data card to plug into your laptop. These aren't any larger than your mobile phone and can be easily slipped into your pocket or handbag.

This means you can go anywhere you want to with your laptop and be able to access the Internet wherever you are.

The Internet is a necessity to many people nowadays, whether it be for work, to socialise or for fun, and the flexibility that mobile broadband offers is enormous.

What is a USB Modem?

A USB modem is the devise that you plug into the USB port on your laptop to get connected to the Internet, whenever and wherever you are.

The USB modem, or dongle as they are also known, is no bigger than a mobile phone. USB sticks are even smaller than USB modems, making them even more portable and handy for regular mobile broadband users.

Three do a wide range or colours and skins to choose from if you don't fancy a gleaming white USB modem or dongle. Great if you like to be different or want to stand out from the crowd!

What should I be considering when looking for a Mobile Broadband package?

When considering which type of mobile broadband package to go for, you need to firstly establish the type of Internet user you are.

Contract Length: Lengths of mobile broadband contracts are 12, 18, and 24 months. You would normally get better value for money if you sign up for a lengthier contract, however, would a lengthier contract suit your circumstances?

The mobile broadband market is constantly evolving, so perhaps you might want to think about if you are ready to commit to a contract that might not be as competitive in a year's time.

Connection Speed (Mbps): Do you need a fast Internet connection as you are someone who tends to watch quite a lot of streaming video, or are you more of a web surfer and download speed isn't really that important?

Whatever your needs, all mobile broadband packages vary in speed to carefully consider your requirements before deciding what's best for you.

Download Limit (Gb): Are you someone who downloads lots of films or watches quite a lot of online media, or do you use the Internet to communicate by sending e-mails and web surf?

If you are the former, a large download limit is essential as if you exceed your download limit charges may apply for each additional gigabyte (Gb) of data used.

Who are the main Mobile Broadband suppliers?

At the moment, the main suppliers of mobile broadband are Three, Vodafone and T-Mobile with a few others such as Orange following behind. Each company offer a wide variety of mobile broadband packages, with one of them bound to suit your own individual needs.

Their experience in the telecoms industry has allowed them to lead by example in the newly formed mobile broadband market. Expect to see many more companies jumping on the bandwagon in the near future!

Three Mobile Broadband

Three (or 3) offer the cheapest mobile broadband deal out there at the moment. From only £10 per month and a package that comes with a free USB modem, you won't beat this deal anywhere.

Their “Light” package is great for users that don't require too much of a download limit or connection speed, whilst their “Max” deal more appropriate for heavier or regular users of the Internet.

Three also offer an impressive range of USB modem designs to choose from, if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Vodafone Mobile Broadband

Vodafone mobile broadband offers the fastest connection speeds in the market at the moment with whopping 7.2Mbps on offer. Great for those of you who are heavy users of the Internet and those who don't want to be waiting around for your favourite film to download.

Vodafone mobile broadband deals offer the best value for your money, and their business packages are also very competitive for you entrepreneurs out their who often travel abroad. Get Vodafone broadband on the move for £15 per month and with a free USB modem.

T-Mobile Mobile Broadband

T-Mobile mobile broadband offers an enormous 10GB for those of you who love to download, so if you love films or music, this is the best mobile broadband provider for you.

At present, T-Mobile has a special offer on where for a limited time only with their Web N Walk Plus package, you get a free USB modem for £15 per month. But hurry, this great offer ends soon!