Mobile Broadband Buying Guide
You may be asking yourself what type of mobile broadband is out there? Which type is best for me?
This buying guide is designed to give you an insight into the many different types of mobile broadband now on the market and explain in more detail how each of them works.
When looking for a mobile broadband package you should consider the following things:-
- Monthly cost - how much are you prepared to spend each month? Monthly cost starts from as little as £9 a month up to over £30 a month. Contract length ranges from 24, 18 and 12 months and tend to offer special promotions or discounts. The price of the package will depend on your contract length (24 months tend to be cheaper) and your download limit (the greater the limit the more expensive it will be). If you don't wish to commit to a long term contract you could opt for a 30 day contract or PAYG mobile broadband which has an upfront cost initially but allows you to add credit as and when you need it.
- Download limit - how much downloading do you want to do? Do you download videos and music? If so, you may need a package that offers you a greater download limit. There are currently packages offering from 1 GB to 15 GB depending on your usage. Getting the right download limit for your requirements is important as charges for going over your allowance can significantly bump up the monthly cost.
- Connection Speed - How fast do you like surfing the net? Different mobile broadband providers offer different connection speeds which is worth considering. Vodafone offer the fastest at 7.2 mbps.
- Contract Length - How long do you want to be tied in? You can go for a long contract of either 24, 18 or 12 months and some mobile broadband providers offer special introductory discounts. If you want more flexibility there are 30 day contracts which tend to be a bit more expensive, however they do allow you to change frequently meaning you won't be tied into a long contract. PAYG has no contract - you simply pay an upfront cost for the usb stick/dongle and then top up as often as you like.
- Type of modem - This depends on the type of package you opt for. The most popular modem are the usb modem sticks which are the most lightweight and portable (you simply plug it into your laptop and go). However, you may prefer a dongle (which is the size of a mobile phone and uses a wire to connect to your laptop) or a laptop/netbook which already has mobile broadband built in so you don't need a modem.
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Mobile Broadband coverage - the UK has approximately 99% coverage, however like mobile phone signals, available connection and speed of connection will depend on your location.
More About Mobile Broadband Modems
Modems used for Mobile Broadband have been designed to be as lightweight and portable as possible. They connect directly into the USB port in your laptop or pc.
Mobile Broadband USB sticks - are a similar size to a USB memory stick - they are easily transportable and connect directly into your laptop so you can plug and play with limited fuss.
Mobile Broadband USB Dongles - are similar to the size of a mobile phone and use a wire to connect to your laptop/pc.
Built-in Mobile Broadband laptops and netbooks - the mobile broadband and sim card is built in so you don't need a portable modem.
Mobile Broadband Data Cards - are smaller compared to usb sticks but less popular. You also need to have plug and go software on your laptop/pc for them to work.
Mobile Broadband Service Providers
You will only be able to purchase mobile broadband through the major UK networks and their re-sellers such as Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U etc. This is because mobile broadband only operates on a 3G network which is controlled by mobile phone networks.
All five mobile phone networks offer a variation of packages to suit their customer's requirements. The price will vary depending on internet connection speed, download capacity, type of modem, mobile signal and length of contract. Currently, Vodafone, T-Mobile and 3 Mobile offer the best value packages.
The major mobile broadband ISP's are:
Vodafone Mobile Broadband
3 Mobile Mobile Broadband
T-Mobile Mobile Broadband
O2 Mobile Broadband
Orange Mobile Broadband
Mobile Broadband Explained
Dongles - These are portable modems which plug into your computer so that you can access the internet. They are similar to the size of a mobile phone and use a wire to connect to your laptop/pc.
3G Network (3rd generation) - This is a high speed data network used by mobile phone networks and is the reason why mobile broadband can only work where there is 3G network coverage.
Monthly download limit - Maximum amount of data you are able to download or upload each month under the terms of your mobile broadband contract. It's important to choose the right limit so that you are not charged extra for going over your limit.
PAYG - PAYG or Pay As You Go offers an alternative if you don't want to sign up to a contract. It works the same way as PAYG for a mobile phone. You simply top up your credit as and when you need it. This is a great option if you only use mobile broadband occasionally.
Mobile Broadband Wifi Broadband - Wifi is restricted to small areas and is only available where there is mobile phone coverage. However, it provides even faster connection speeds in Wifi hotspots - they can be a great bonus on top of your mobile phone deal.
Broadband & Free Laptops - This is a lot newer on the market and offers the option of a laptop with mobile broadband built in. This is a great option if you're looking for a new computer and stand to save £150 by combining a laptop with mobile broadband plus you are able to spread the cost over a 12, 18 or 24 month period.
Broadband & Free Netbooks - this is a new concept devised by the mobile phone networks. They are offering free netbooks which are lightweight laptops designed especially to be extremely portable but have the benefit of easy internet access.
30 day rolling contracts - these are increasing in popularity within the UK and allow for more flexibility if you don't want to be tied into a long contract.
