Mobile Broadband - Pros and Cons

Introduction

Interest in mobile broadband technology has soared in the U.K. in recent years, not least because of the introduction of USB ("Universal Serial Bus") modems, or "dongles", which provide a much more user-friendly experience than PCMCIA cards, and the deployment of 3G HSPA ("High Speed Packet Access") and 3.5G HSDPA ("High Speed Downlink Packet Access") technologies, which deliver data rates nominally up to 7.2Mbps ("Megabits per second"). Mobile broadband has become easy to set up, acceptable in terms of performance, and competition in the market place has meant that as many as 50,000 users per month are taking it up as an alternative to conventional, fixed line broadband.

Mobile Broadband Features, Benefits & Considerations

Mobile broadband works on the essentially the same principle as mobile phone communications, except that the packets of digital information transmitted back and forth do not contain voice data, but Web pages, music files, video clips and emails. This means that you can access the Internet - provided, of course, that you have a suitably equipped laptop - anywhere where there is 3G ("3rd Generation") mobile phone network coverage. This is good news for anyone who travels, for business or pleasure, or anyone who does not require a broadband connection all year round.

To access the Internet, you`ll need a USB modem, or "dongle", which will typically be included free of charge if you sign a contract with a mobile broadband provider, or can be bought separately, if you choose a "pay as you go" option. Prices vary amongst providers depending on the speed, and monthly usage, that you want, but before you sign a contract make sure that you chosen provider actually provides 3G coverage for your area. Most providers offer a coverage map, or a postcode checker, to enable to do this easily.

Similarly, bear in mind that you are unlikely to be able to achieve the maximum speed advertised by your mobile broadband provider, especially if you live in any area where the uptake of mobile broadband is high. Many mobile broadband users competing for the same available bandwidth will inevitably slow down the speed of individual connections. That said, mobile broadband requires no landline, so no line rental, and, if you use the Internet only sporadically, a pay as you go package means no contract, and no monthly payment; you simply top up your credit as you need it. Do bear in mind, however, that for like-for-like use, mobile broadband is more expensive than, say, ADSL ("Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line") or cable, and monthly usage caps are low.

Thankfully, many websites include reviews of the various mobile broadband products available, and allow you to compare them, side-by-side, in terms of speed, monthly download limit, minimum contract length, etc., and so determine the best mobile internet deal for yourself.