Mobile Broadband Buyers Guide

By Author: Lucy Carter
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In a nutshell, Mobile Broadband enables you to flexibly access the internet from almost anywhere without the need for a phone line.

You simply connect to the web using the same signal as mobile phones. To do this, you will use a portable USB modem (known as a 'dongle') that is plugged into either your PC or an inbuilt data-card. The pre-installed software from the dongle then automatically starts and will find the signal of your chosen internet provider.

Network suppliers are increasingly launching mobile broadband packages on the marketplace. The following article will outline the ins and outs of this internet option so that you can decide whether it's a suitable solution for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Mobile Broadband

For the average internet user, mobile broadband is a great option since its affordable, does away with the need for a fixed landline and provides adequate speed (generally 1-2Mb) for internet browsing and emailing. If you're an avid gamer or a heavy online user however who regularly downloads large files and streaming data, you might find mobile broadband insufficient. It must ...
... be remembered that this technology is still relatively new, so there are still minor creases to be ironed out for those with advanced internet needs. As with any service, the suitability of mobile broadband will depend on your individual lifestyle and usage habits.

PC Compatibility

As mentioned above, you simply need a USB port or a datacard on your PC for your dongle to plug into and get started. The growth of mobile broadband popularity is based on its easy simple plug-and-play connectivity. As for compatibility with your PC's operating system, most people have no issue here as the dongle will work just fine on all recent Microsoft Windows systems such as Vista, XP and Windows 7. It's important to note however that not all dongles will work on an older Microsoft version, Mac or a Linux system.

Mobile Broadband Options

In the same way as you would choose a mobile phone package, you will have the option of either a set term contract or pay-as-you-go. The latter choice will allow you to try out the service without tying you down to a contract. On the other hand, you might find more attractive deals with a contract. Some service providers even allow you to sign up for a month at a time. When shopping around, be sure to consider the internet speed and download allowance you require. It's a good idea to research and compare different packages, looking out for bonus extras as well as which providers offer the best coverage in your area.

Using Mobile Broadband Abroad

Some mobile broadband providers block internet access from outside the UK, in particular those that offer pay-as-you-go packages. Other providers allow access to the countries they have an agreement with. While the cost for mobile broadband from abroad has gone down in Europe, the service is currently still fairly pricey.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, your choice of internet solution will depend on your individual needs and usage habits. Mobile broadband will be just the ticket for those who want to use the internet on the fly and not bother about setting up a fixed phone line. Others will prefer the added speeds of traditional internet. All in all, it's wise to research and compare the different packages available to find the option that suits you best.
John Barksdale is an Internet specialist and Mobile Broadband consultant.