Mobile broadband Mobile broadband equipment
To access a mobile broadband network you'll need the right equipment in the form of a mobile broadband USB dongle, a mobile wi-fi dongle, or a laptop or tablet PC with mobile broadband built in.
Other than smartphones, dongles are probably the most common way people connect to mobile broadband.
Mobile broadband USB dongles
Mobile broadband USB dongles are small USB receivers that look a bit like memory sticks. They are also sometimes referred to as mobile USB modems and mobile modems. You just plug the dongle into one of your computer's USB ports and away you go. When we tried it out we found connecting to the mobile internet was very easy.
Mobile broadband dongles simply enable your computer to access mobile 3G networks. The speed of your connection usually isn’t dependent on the dongle itself, but on the speed of the network you have access to – whether it’s EDGE, 3G or HSDPA.
You can use a USB dongle in multiple computers, but you won't be able to connect more than one computer at a time. To do that you’ll either need to go for a mobile wi-fi dongle instead or buy a mobile broadband wireless router (see below).
Mobile wi-fi dongles
Mobile wi-fi dongles are a cross between a USB dongle and a wireless router. They are also sometimes referred to as ‘mi-fi’ dongles, though this a brand name used exclusively by the network operator 3.
Mobile wi-fi dongles act as hubs that let you wirelessly connect multiple devices to mobile broadband simultaneously. Unlike dongles you don’t have to plug a mobile wi-fi dongle into your computer’s USB port.
Mobile providers 3, Orange, Vodafone and T-Mobile currently offer mobile wi-fi dongles.
Mobile broadband laptops
With some laptops you no longer need a dongle to get mobile broadband – the capability is built into the laptop itself. You're more likely to come across this if you take out a mobile broadband contract that includes a 'free' laptop in the monthly cost.
Going for a mobile broadband deal that includes a laptop can help you spread the cost of a new computer, but we've found it often works out more expensive in the long run than buying a laptop and mobile broadband separately.
If you're tempted by the convenience of a laptop with mobile broadband built in, check with your chosen operator whether you'll be able to use the same laptop with a different provider when your initial contract comes to an end. If not, you won't have the option to switch to a network that may better serve your needs at that time.
Your original provider may enjoy you being stuck with it as long you have your laptop, but you may not feel the same.
Apple iPad and other tablet PCs
Tablet computers offer a new way of accessing the mobile internet on the go.
But the tablet market is still very new and common way of connecting to mobile broadband via a tablet has not bee established. Don’t assume that every tablet will have 3G connectivity built in - some are only set up for wi-fi access so getting online on the go will be limited to wi-fi hotspots.
Apple’s iPad 3G, the Dell Streak and the Samsung Galaxy Tab all come with 3G capabilities – but connecting to mobile broadband on each works slightly differently. The Samsung Galaxy Tab and Dell Streak are offered on similar contract types to smartphones and will come with a Sim-card included.
Other tablets, such as Apple’s iPad, may require you to buy the device and mobile broadband micro Sim-card separately.
Many providers, such as 3 and Vodafone, offer mobile broadband micro Sim cards that will work with the iPad. These Sim cards can be bought on a PAYG or pay monthly basis.
Mobile broadband wireless routers
Mobile broadband wireless routers are often confused with mobile broadband wi-fi dongle. Typically a mobile broadband wireless router refers to a device that lets you plug in a standard mobile broadband USB dongle and share the connection wirelessly between multiple devices.
Mobile broadband wireless routers, such as this one offered by Netgear, are slowly being replaced by mobile wi-fi dongles, but they may be useful if you already have a dongle and want to connect multiple devices.
