Guide to Mobile Broadband
Broadband internet has become more and more flexible in recent years. Firstly you no longer required
a phone line thanks to cable broadband. Then wireless routers emerged so you could send signals to
multiple computers. Before long, broadband was made available on mobile phones and laptops thanks
in part to Wi-Fi hotspots.
Now broadband has gone truly mobile – no wires, no restrictions and it can be used on any
PC or laptop at any time. How does it work? Well, this guide to mobile broadband will explain.
What is mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband is effectively a type of wireless internet – but one that differs from Wi-Fi.
It allows you to gain access to the internet anywhere at any time of day without having to be in
range of a hotspot. This means that you can set up your laptop and get online whether you’re on
the train, in the park, wherever.
What technology is required for mobile broadband?
There are several devices to choose from to make mobile broadband work – mobile data cards,
built-in 3G laptops, phones with data modems and the most predominant – USB modems.
Much like Bluetooth technologies are used with mobile phones, USB modems are built for PC-like
devices. They generally utilise HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) technologies with the
aim being to provide wireless access across networks to meet the needs of business and residential users.
Is mobile broadband as good as home broadband?
Clearly mobile broadband is a developing technology. However, speeds are already available in excess of
7Mb through data cards and USB modems. You will usually be charged based on the amount of downloads
you make. There are pay-as-you-go packages available, and there are also contracted packages available
with varying download caps.
Who is mobile broadband right for?
Mobile broadband is ideal for students who have a PC or laptop and want to gain broadband access
without having to pay line rental – especially if they live outside a cable area.
Business users will also enjoy mobile broadband as it means they can stay in touch with the office
no matter where they may be. If you don’t want to be desk-bound, a USB modem and laptop will allow you
to access the internet anywhere whether you are in a coffee shop, a hotel or on the move.
Which companies offer mobile broadband?
The five major network operators in the UK – 3 Mobile, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone - all offer
USB modems via their websites. Some of these networks offer specific packages for mobile broadband use
If you want to compare their packages, use the
broadband comparison tool.
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