What is mobile internet?

The term mobile internet, or mobile broadband as it is more commonly known, refers to any way of accessing the internet using mobile phone networks (as opposed to telephone wires or cable as used in home broadband packages).

Compare the latest mobile internet deals here.

Because mobile broadband uses mobile networks as opposed to copper phone or fibre optic cable lines, mobile broadband internet can be accessed on mobile phones as well on computers via mobile modems.

Simply plug your mobile internet modem into your laptop or choose a laptop with mobile broadband built-in and you're ready to connect to the internet. There's no need for a land line. And there's no need to pay line rental. With mobile broadband you just plug in and go!

Mobile internet is beginning to take over from home broadband in much the same way as mobile phones took over from home phones in the 1990s. Greater flexibility and mobility are the key factors fuelling the growth of mobile broadband.

Mobile internet can be accessed via:

• Mobile phones
• Data cards
• Dongles (USB modems)
• USB sticks
• Broadband-embedded laptops
• MiFi units

Mobile internet dongles are the most common devices through which mobile internet is accessed. For more information on dongles, see our what is a mobile dongle? page.

However, more recently increasing numbers of consumers are choosing laptops with mobile broadband built-in. These are available on contract deals with most mobile internet providers.

For more information on the technical workings of mobile broadband see our mobile broadband page.

Mobile Internet providers:

• Vodafone mobile broadband
• T Mobile broadband
• 3 mobile broadband
• O2 mobile broadband
• Orange mobile broadband
• Virgin Mobile mobile broadband

Looking at the above list of mobile internet providers, it will come as no surprise to find out that mobile internet is accessed via mobile phone networks. Specifically, mobile broadband is accessed via 3G network. Mobile internet can be used anywhere that there is mobile phone coverage, with the speed of your connection dependent on the strength of your provider's signal.

Got more questions about mobile internet?

• Learn more and compare the best mobile internet packages here.