Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband works via a USB modem, broadband stick or 'dongle' allowing you to use broadband anywhere on your laptop or desktop computer. Plug in and get broadband everywhere.
Broadband is no longer restricted to the home or office - access the internet on the move, wherever there is a mobile reception.
Compare the latest mobile broadband offers below.
Not what you're looking for? Try home wireless broadband
Mobile broadband explained
Mobile broadband internet, as the name suggests, is a broadband-speed internet connection accessed via the 3G mobile phone networks offered by 3, T-Mobile, Orange, Vodafone and O2. It is the latest technology in wireless broadband; it allows you to access the internet on your laptop anywhere there is mobile phone coverage, even when you’re abroad!
Mobile broadband for laptops (or if required for desktop computers) is accessed via mobile phone networks as opposed to copper telephone wires or fibre optic cable used in home phone connections. As a result, mobile broadband is perfect for those who don't want to have to pay line rental on top of their broadband package cost at home. It is also popular with those living in temporary accomodation who do not want to spend £120 to get a landline installed by BT. Mobile broadband works via a wireless USB 'dongle' or stick that simply sits on the side of a computer without cables (and fuss!).
You don’t have to be plugged into an ethernet connection or even be in range of a hotspot because this technology provides you with your very own small and discreet mobile broadband modem that channels a broadband connection over mobile phone technology called 3G. Mobile broadband USB modems can be easily transported in laptop bags, handbags and even pockets - providing a wire and clutter-free way to connect to the internet at home and on the go.
This guide will look at a range of mobile broadband-related topics linking off to relevant articles along the way.
How does wireless mobile broadband work?
Setting up your mobile broadband connection is extremely easy. Once you have ordered online, all you have to do is wait for your modem to arrive (usually the next day) and plug it in. Getting online involves plugging your modem directly into one of the USB ports of your laptop or PC - it's usually that simple as the modem often comes with software embedded. The modem itself doesn't even require a source of electricity to operate.
Who is mobile broadband for?
- Business people
- Students
- Entrepreneurs
- Anyone who wants broadband on the go
In essence, mobile broadband is for anyone who is looking for greater flexibility from their broadband package. A recent report states that mobile email saves an estimated 53 minutes a day in downtime for business professionals. The advantages of mobile broadband are many.
Factors to consider:
Price is a factor that features on everybody's check-list, but it is not the only thing to consider. By paying an extra £5 you can get more downloads for every pound you spend.
- Download speed - How fast do you need your connection to be? Are you willing to wait for pages to load or will you need the fastest connection?
- Download allowance - This factor is very important, if mobile broadband will become your default connection and you will be using it on a daily basis - you should consider packages with the highest allowance. (For more information on mobile broadband download allowances see below.)
- Contract length - As mobile broadband is just really taking off, it may be worth choosing a 12 month contract over a 24 month one to avoid being tied down to an uncompetitive deal a 14 months down the line.
- Connection device - There are a number of mobile broadband modem options, these are explained below.
- Coverage - Depending on where you live and the provider you are with, the speed of your connection will vary.
Types of mobile broadband modem:
- Mobile broadband USB sticks - are a lot smaller than USB modems/dongles (usually the size of a flash drive) making them handier and more portable for regular users. USB stick modems are the most popular mobile broadband devices so far, because they are so small, they are easily transported to bring you broadband on the go.
- Mobile broadband USB dongles - are roughly the same size as a mobile phone, connects to your laptop via a wire USB connection.
- Mobile broadband Data cards - these are even smaller but less popular than USB sticks, but only work on laptops with plug and go software.
Each mobile broadband ISP offers a range of different dongles and data card options. The speeds that you will be able to access depend on the strength of the mobile signal and the type of mobile dongle you choose.
Mobile broadband providers
- 3 Mobile Broadband
- Vodafone Mobile Broadband
- T-Mobile Mobile Broadband
- Orange Mobile Broadband
- O2 Mobile Broadband
As you may have noticed, all of these mobile internet providers are mobile phone operators. These companies have used their experience of mobile communication to bring you a high quality internet connection, whenever you want it and wherever you want it. Mobile broadband uses these companies’ mobile networks via 3G technology, so anywhere there is phone signal you can now plug in your mobile dongle to access broadband speed mobile internet.
3 Mobile Broadband
3 offer a large range of mobile broadband packages and mobile modems/dongles to suit every user. 3 offer both traditional dongles and USB modem sticks to their customers. 3's £10 per month option is a popular one with casual users looking to lightly browse the internet on the go, while their "Max" options give customers far more downloads for every pound they spend.
- 3 USB modem:
Dimensions: 86 x 44.3 x 10mm
Weight 40g - 3 USB modem stick:
Dimensions: 30 x 80 x 10mm
Technical specifications:
PC
Windows® 2000, XP or Vista
Apple® Mac
Mac OSX
3 provide a mobile broadband service relatively inexpensively, they have three mobile internet packages to choose from.
- Mobile Broadband Lite, with up to 1Gb download allowance, is an ideal choice for the infrequent user.
- Mobile Broadband Plus offers 3Gb downloads to users on a 12 month contract and 5Gb on 18 and 24 month contracts, ideal for those who spend a lot of time using broadband on the go .
- Mobile Broadband Max, a great deals for heavy users, the 7Gb download allowance included in 12 month contracts gives flexibility to all mobile broadband customers while the 15Gb given to those on 18 and 24 month contracts makes committing to 3 a very profitable prospect. 15Gb download allowance is currently the highest download allowance offered by any mobile broadband package.
Vodafone Mobile Broadband
Vodafone's new business and consumer packages make it one of the best value for money mobile broadband solutions on the market. Speeds of up to 7.2Mb make it the fastest mobile broadband provider too. Additionally, Vodafone are currently running a free mobile phone offer to those who sign up online. By entering the promotional code "mobilebb01" when you order your Vodafone mobile broadband, you will get a free Nokia 1208 prepay mobile phone... For nothing!
Vodafone offers the following mobile broadband modem options:
- Vodafone Mobile Broadband modem stick 7.2
This sleek, lightweight USB modem stick is the size of a flash drive and can access the company’s HSUPA mobile broadband service. Note, download speeds of 7.2 are only available in central London and some UK airports.
Dimensions: 71 x 25.7 x 21.2mm - Vodafone Mobile Broadband USB modem - Super-fast USB modem
Dimensions: 89 x 43 x 14.5mm - Advanced 3G ExpressCard - Vodafone Mobile Broadband ExpressCard
Dimensions: 125 x 54 x 12mm
Weight: 55 g
Technical specifications:
PC
Windows® XP or Vista
Standard USB interface
At least 100MB free disk space and 128MB RAM
Apple® Mac
OS X Panther 10.3.9 or higher
A standard USB interface
At least 50MB free disk space and 128MB RAM
T-Mobile Mobile Broadband
T-Mobile’s mobile broadband packages provide you with a 1.8 Mb connection, which matches a standard home broadband connection. T-Mobile mobile broadband is easy to set up - you just plug it in and get online for hassle-free broadband whether you're at home or on the go.
T-Mobile's mobile dongles are future proof - so you won't have to replace or upgrade them anytime soon. T-Mobile's mobile broadband modem options include:
- T-Mobile USB stick modem:
Dimensions: 24.1 x 11.8 x 80.5mm
Weight 30g - T-Mobile USB modem
Dimensions: 15 x 89 x 43mm
Weight: 50g
Technical specifications
PC
Windows® 2000, XP or Vista
Apple® Mac
Apple Mac OS X
There are two mobile broadband packages available from T-Mobile
- Mobile Broadband Plus which is the cheaper option, allowing you to surf the web, check e-mails and download as well as using instant message services like MSN.
- Mobile Broadband Max package is equipped with further advanced technology that lets you access web calling services like Skype, which means fantastic value for money on phone calls.
Orange Mobile Broadband
Orange's Mobile broadband Everywhere package is a great option for those looking to check emails and download the odd song when on the go. Orange's ICON 225 USB dongle is a state-of-the art USB key that plugs into the USB port of any laptop or computer giving broadband speeds in seconds.
- Icon 225 USB modem
Dimensions: 63 x 26 x 13mm
Weight: 40g
Technical specifications
PC
Windows® 2000, XP or Vista
Apple® Mac
MacOS
O2 Mobile Broadband
O2 have arrived late to the mobile broadband scene with a spectacular USB stick modem. At present, O2's mobile broadband package is not as competitive as some of the others on offer, however the promise of excellent customer support and service may make this package worth its weight.
- O2 USB Stick
Dimensions: 70 x 25 x 12 mm
Weight: 37g
Technical specifications
PC
Windows 2000, XP or Vista
Apple® Mac
Mac OS X (10.4 or 10.5)
Mobile broadband terminology
Mobile internet - is another term that mobile broadband is known as.
Mobile broadband v WiFi/Wireless Broadband
- WiFi is restricted to small areas, mobile broadband is accessible anywhere where there is mobile phone coverage. Use it on a train, in a car or anywhere a mobile phone reception reaches.
- A number of security concerns have been raised in relation to WiFi signals, as they run on the same spectrum as microwaves and cordless phones, interferance with the line could result in delicate or financial information being intercepted.
It doesn't have to be and either/or situation when deciding which type of broadband to choose, as T-Mobile have combined the two offering access to over 1,200 free WiFi broadband areas in the UK with their mobile broadband packages.
The beauty of combining mobile broadband with wifi hotspots is that it gives users the chance to use even faster connection speeds than possible via 3g. Some ISPs even have a wifi search where you can enter your postcode to find out where your nearest free wifi hotspot is. These hotspots are a fantastic supplement to any mobile broadband deal.
For more information read our mobile broadband and WiFi Hotspots guide.
Mobile broadband and download allowances
Download-savvy users will have noted that mobile broadband packages generally have quite restrictive download limits from 1Gb to 15Gb (3 mobile broadband Max on 18 and 24 month contracts). Reasons for the lack of "unlimited broadband" packages in mobile broadband include:
- The cost of transferring data across 3G networks is more expensive than through home broadband technology
- Providers are concerned that if all users were on unlimited download limits, the system would be overloaded very quickly causing lost connections and slow service across the 3G mobile network.
The prevalence of restrictive and uncompetitive download limits is an issue mobile broadband providers currently face when competing with unlimited home broadband technologies - this is a limitation of 3G mobile broadband technology. This issue may be the reason why mobile broadband will not overtake home broadband as the default means of connecting to the internet until technology improves.
For more on broadband download allowance see our dedicated page >> "what is download allowance?"
Mobile broadband coverage
Depending on a number of factors, mobile broadband coverage varies. In order to check whether there is mobile broadband coverage in the area you will be connecting, click on the providers' websites and do a street check. The main factor effecting mobile broadband coverage is the distance from the mobile phone mast. The closer you are, unsurprisingly, the faster speeds you will be able to attain.
Excess usage charges
When you go outside the designated download allowance of your package set by Vodafone, 3 and Orange they will charge you excess fees per Mb or per Gb. T-Mobile offers "unlimited broadband" packages with a fair usage allowance of 3Gb on their plus package and 10Gb on their max package.
3 mobile broadband excess charges
- 10p per Mb
- £102 per Gb
Vodafone mobile broadband excess charges
- £15 per Gb
T-Mobile mobile broadband excess charges
£0 per Mb. T-Mobile is the only mobile broadband provider that does not charge excess fees to users who exceed their limit. In serious cases, where customers are using excessive amounts of data over a series of months, they are notified by post and told to bring their usage to a more reasonable level.
Orange mobile broadband excess charges
- 0.0146p per Mb
- £15 per Gb
For more information on excess usage charges see our guide >> Broadband charges
Mobile broadband abroad
Looking for a device that you can use when you're on holiday? Look no further. With mobile broadband you can take your USB stick/ USB dongle with you when you go abroad and connect to the internet with ease.
Overseas usage comes at a cost, as you might expect. These costs depend on the carrier you are with.
3 mobile broadband overseas charges
- EU: £3 per Mb
- Rest of world: £6 per Mb
Note: you can use 3 mobile broadband in countries including Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy and Sweden. To do this you pay just 10p per Mb you use within your monthly allowance and £2 per Mb you use more than your inclusive allowance.
Vodafone mobile broadband overseas charges
- EU: £9.99 per 50Mb
- Rest of world: £4.99 per Mb
T-Mobile mobile broadband overseas charges
- EU: £1.50 per Mb
- Rest of world: £7.50 per Mb
Orange mobile broadband overseas charges
- EU: £4.11 per Mb
- Rest of world: £6.46 per Mb
For more information on using broadband abroad see our guide >> Broadband abroad
Mobile broadband dongles and fashion
3 have blazed an impressive trail in the field of mobile broadband in general and making dongles fashionable is one of their most exceptional feats. 3 added pink and black dongles to their range in December making them more appealing to a younger audience than ever before. In addition to this bold move, 3 partnered with Skins4Things to create bespoke stickers and skins to anoint their dongles.
3 skins are made to measure they protect your dongle from damage and stick on and peel off easily. 3 are not the only ones with an eye for detail however, Vodafone too have been paying mobile broadband dongles the attention they rightfully deserve – their new USB stick combines super-fast speeds with a cool and sleek design.
Broadband and free laptops
The mobility that mobile broadband offers customers makes it the perfect partner to be used on a laptop when on the go or at home. Though laptops are gaining popularity, they are considered too expensive for many. Considering this, the Carphone Warehouse are currently offering customers a free laptops when taken with a mobile broadband package. The range of mobile broadband offers now on the market represent amazing value.
3 are joining in on the broadband and free laptop craze taking hold of the UK, with a range of laptops on offer to suit student and business types alike. While the Carphone Warehouse deals come with a free Acer laptop or a free webbook, 3's current offers come with a range of laptops including the HP 530, the HP 2133 and the HP DV6000 models.
These deals are especially tempting for students who are looking at their broadband options and investing in a laptop. Customers stand to save over £150 by combining their mobile broadband and laptop, not only this but as bills are paid monthly they are given the opportunity to spread the cost of their laptop over a 12 or 18 month payment period.
For more great broadband and free laptop offers click here >> broadband and free laptops
Mobile broadband in technical terms
Mobile broadband, whether accessed via dongle or mobile phone, involves the use of 3G services. 3G technology is made possible by two complimentary technologies HSDPA and HSUPA (high speed download and upload packet access, respectively).
These complimentary technologies enable mobile broadband users to access of up to 7.2Mb speed downloads and uploads with speeds of up to 1.76Mb. Though mobile broadband dongles, USB sticks and data cards are currently the norm for people accessing mobile broadband, 3G laptops are becoming popular.
In order to cut down on data charges, many mobile broadband operators compress images on websites. The only operator who doees't do this is 3, making it a popular choice for many.
A problem that many users have with mobile broadband is upload speeds, these are notoriously low making it timely to upload files onto the internet or into emails. It also makes web browsing slow making web browsing extremely difficult in some cases.
Growth in this area has led to a great deal of innovation, it has been mooted that mobile broadband will account for over 50% of broadband sales by 2010.
Mobile broadband press releases
Top 10 Broadband is dedicated to spreading news about mobile broadband sales and market trends far and wide. We see it as having the potential to take over from home broadband by 2010. As prices drop, speeds rise and download allowances climb there is no reason why it can't. Here are some of our recent mobile broadband press releases:
Free mobile broadband "inevitable": released 11/06/08
Goodbye home broadband hello mobile: released 28/02/08
Read all the latest mobile broadband news:
At Top 10 Broadband we write more broadband-related news than anybody else and with mobile broadband taking off in the way we are noticing, mobile brodband is a hot topic.
Future of mobile broadband
The release of newer, smaller, faster mobile broadband modems in the form of USB sticks, USB modems (dongles) and data cards are being released onto the UK market on a monthly basis. The largest producer of these devices is Huawei who currently supply USB sticks to 3, Vodafone and T-Mobile.
Innovation is driving this fast-moving market and design and technology advancements are working together to fuel this take-off and change people's perceptions of mobile broadband from luxury product to everyday essential. with 4G mobile broadband technology on the horizon that will blow away the present capabilities of 3G, it will surely become the default way to connect to the web over time.
Currently, indoor mobile network reception - including HSDPA networks that are used for mobile broadband - tends to be less strong, meaning that data can be transferred less effectively than it can outdoors.
Femtocells are small broadband basestations that boost mobile reception and they could be used to improve mobile signals. Femtocells work by using fixed-line broadband connections to boost signal strength and are capable of carrying data over mobile signals at the same speed as the average broadband connection.
Femtocells could reverse the coverage patterns that currently exist making coverage better indoors rather than outdoors. The technology could allow users to connect to the internet on their mobile phones as they would with their fixed-line broadband connection.
One UK broadband provider to support the technology is O2, which announced last month that it has begun live femtocell trials, with a full nationwide launch expected in 2009.
4G mobile broadband
With the advent of new mobile broadband technology such as 4G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), this issue of limited download allowances are less likely to be a problem in the future. While download limits are such an issue for the mobile broadband market, mobile broadband buyers should compare packages with a view to finding the deal that best suits their needs.
Additionally, technologies like 4g will bring faster connections as a result of greater spectral efficiency. This will come at a lower cost to the mobile operators heightening the chances of mobile broadband overtaking fixed line broadband in the coming two years.
2008 and the mobile broadband boom
Those who keep their eye on UK media will have noted that 2008 is (or was) the year that mobile broadband really started to take off.
In late 2007, 3 started the laptop mobile broadband craze by unveiling a suite of superbly-priced ‘mobile broadband dongles’ starting at just £10 a month.
They celebrated the occasion by launching a massive marketing push that saw 3 dongles plastered across newspapers, train station advertising hoardings, radio and TV adverts. Quite clearly, 3 mobile broadband and their nifty mobile dongles became inescapable, by January 2008 they were everywhere.
Hotfooting behind 3 in 2008, were Vodafone and T-Mobile who also unveiled their equally competitive mobile broadband packages. Not wanting to miss out on advertising saturation, they too carpet bombed British media with advertising for their mobile broadband deals and offers.
By April 2008, mobile broadband was literally everywhere and it became the buzz technology not just for geeks but for all sorts of people who craved mobile broadband internet on the go. All the while ‘dongles’ made their way into the hearts and minds of the UK broadband consumer - quickly becoming an easily recognised term.
Orange and O2 were close behind in offering mobile broadband USBs on monthly contracts, but did not have the impact that the early players had. O2 only offered mobile broadband USBs to their existing customer base and Orange bucked the trend of blanket advertising exposure by offering it’s deals via only a few select outlets without any major advertising push.
By the summer of 2008, mobile broadband sales were beginning to match those of home broadband in a real gear change towards mobile broadband dominating the broadband market.
By 2009, mobile broadband fans can maybe expect mobile broadband products to be available from the likes of BT, Virgin Media (who announced they are entering the mobile broadband sector in June 2008), Tiscali and AOL although all of these are unconfirmed at present.
Member of the Internet Services Providers' Association
Member of the Broadband Stakeholder Group