Mobile Broadband - Everything you need to know

Mobile broadband has the potential to transform the way you access email and the internet. The advantages over traditional fixed-line ADSL broadband services are instantly obvious. For starters, you can use mobile broadband to access the web no matter where you are geographically located. It can also work out cheaper too. Plus it’s super-convenient for people who move around a lot.

If you’re tempted at the thought of being able to surf the web wherever you are, subject to adequate network coverage, then there are essential two options open to you. First off, if you’re the type of person who thinks you’ll only really need to dip in and out of a mobile broadband service then Pay-As-You-Go is a great idea. This gives you all of the benefits of mobile broadband, but without being tied into any kind of contract. Simply pay for the time you are online and that’s it.

More regular broadband users are better off heading down the contract trail because while this does essentially lock you into a fixed-term you can enjoy pretty much unlimited access to the web and email for a monthly fee. Whichever option you plump for the basic premise is the same. Mobile broadband works using the same networks as the mobile phone system, meaning that if you can get a mobile phone signal then you should generally be able to get broadband.

It’s a good idea to do some research before signing up though because there are numerous factors that can interfere with a mobile broadband signal. This could mean limited or no access, so use a broadband comparison website like Broadband Genie in order to scope out the available services along with current deals being offered. The mobile broadband marketplace is a hugely competitive one and network providers offer all manner of incentives in order to get you to sign up for their services.

To get started, lookout for the likes of a free dongle, which is the small USB key-style device that plugs into your computer to receive the mobile broadband signal. You’ll also regularly see deals being offered where signing up for a contract might mean you’ll get a free laptop thrown into the package. Watch out for contract terms and conditions of offers like this though, because they’re often longer and ultimately you end up paying for the machine in the long run because of that extended term.

Nevertheless, if you’re planning on getting some new computer kit then this can be a great way of not only updating your equipment but making the leap into the much more flexible world of mobile broadband. Mobile broadband works in much the same way as a mobile phone, in that you need a SIM card inside the dongle, or a laptop, to connect to the web using the mobile phone network. There are lots of options when it comes to providers including the likes of 3, BT, o2, Orange, T-Mobile, Virgin and Vodafone.

While you carry out your research into mobile broadband be sure to work through the checklist of various options. First off, make sure that your existing hardware is compatible with the service you’re interested in. Most new computers, laptops and netbooks are fine. Lookout for pricing details, and examine any hot deals with particular care as they might have usage restrictions or may have a limited period of availability. Setup costs will hopefully be included but check this too, using a price comparison website like Broadband Genie. Contract lengths can be anywhere from 1 to 24 months, so if the thought of that scares you then start off with Pay-As-You-Go and see how you get on.

Beware of heavy usage levels and the resulting restrictions too. These should be outlined in the small print or terms and conditions. Similarly, many mobile broadband services either don’t work abroad or cost a small fortune if you do decide to use them, so be very careful if you’re planning on doing any virtual surfing while you’re on that next beach holiday overseas. Similarly, double-check the coverage levels of the mobile broadband networks if you have a rough idea where you’re going here at home. Speeds are not always what they should be and geographical location, along with the amount of people using the network, can cause this to slow down dramatically.

Minor drawbacks aside though, mobile broadband can revolutionize the way you spend time online.