Are you getting your dongle out this summer?
Dongles
Dongles, a small USB plug-in device, allow laptop users to get online via 3G mobile networks and, unlike Wi-Fi connections, users aren't limited by the availability of short range hotspots. With all the major mobile networks now offering dongle packages, and in some cases including free laptops, there are plenty of options out there for consumers.
James Parker, mobiles and broadband manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "One of the advantages of a dongle is you don't need a fixed line or cable to surf the net, you simply plug the device into the computer or laptop. This is great for those who are renting a property for a short period or those who want to make the most of the sunshine and work in the park.
"It's important to research the broadband market as signing up to a fixed line package might be a cheaper option for some people. Although dongles can provide cheap access to the net, customers need to be aware they won't suit everyone. Dongles offer slower speeds than fixed-line products with a typical advertised speed of up to 2.8Mb, and can impose low download limits so are more suitable for people that just browse the web or check emails rather than downloading."
Mobile internet
Mobile technology has come a long way in the past few years - with the advent of 3G networks and the development of smartphones, the mobile is no longer just for making calls. However, it seems people are either unsure of the costs or are put off by slow speeds.
Parker continues: "People should embrace the internet on their mobile. With the right package and handset, people can really take advantage of this great offering. All the major networks offer internet packages giving customers the chance to save money and access the net. Mobile internet is already included in all T-Mobile Flext plans and is available from as little as £5 per month on the Combi tariff. O2 and Vodafone also offer mobile internet from £5 per month. Users can go online without restrictions and for people who want internet on the go these add-ons are great value.
"People just need to be aware that cost for using the internet on your phone or using a dongle whilst abroad can be very high. If you really can't do without internet access on holiday then 3 are currently offering the best roaming rates in the EU at £1.25 per MB."
Tips
- Always check the data allowance and what the charges are if you go over it
- Check whether there is an additional cost for the dongle
- Check the speed of the modem
- Check the length of the contract, some providers only offer a 24 month contract on certain deals and this won't be right for everyone
- Be very careful of using your mobile handset or a dongle whilst abroad, costs can be much higher than at home
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12 Months |
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Network |
Product
(Other dongles may also be available) |
Average Price per Month |
Max Speed |
Data Allowance |
Out of Bundle Charge |
Cost of Device |
Contract Cost |
|
Vodafone |
USB Modem Stick |
£15.00 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
£15 per GB |
Free |
£180.00 |
|
18 Months |
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Network |
Product
(Other dongles may also be available) |
Average Price per Month |
Max Speed |
Data Allowance |
Out of Bundle Charge |
Cost of Device |
Contract Cost |
|
T-Mobile |
Mobile Broadband Plus |
£10.00 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
No charges. T-Mobile will advise |
Free |
£180.00 |
|
Orange |
Mobile Broadband
(Three months half price for July) |
£13.46 |
3.6Mbps |
3GB |
1.43p per MB |
Free |
£242.22 |
|
Vodafone |
USB Modem Stick
(£10 for first three months) |
£14.17 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
£15 per GB |
Free |
£255.00 |
|
O2 |
Mobile Broadband |
£14.69 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB + Unlimited Wi-Fi |
19.6p per MB |
Free |
£264.42 |
|
3 |
Broadband 5GB |
£15.00 |
3.6Mbps |
5GB |
10p per MB |
Free |
£270.00 |
|
Virgin |
Mobile Broadband |
£15.00 |
3Mbps |
3GB |
1.46p per MB |
Free |
£270.00 |
|
24 Months |
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Network |
Product
(Other dongles may also be available) |
Average Price per Month |
Max Speed |
Data Allowance |
Out of Bundle Charge |
Cost of Device |
Contract Cost |
|
Vodafone |
USB Modem Stick
(Free for the first three months) |
£13.13 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
£15 per GB |
Free |
£315.00 |
|
T-Mobile |
Mobile Broadband Plus |
£10.00 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
No charges. T-Mobile will advise |
Free |
£240.00 |
|
O2 |
Mobile Broadband |
£13.87 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB + Unlimited Wi-Fi |
19.6p per MB |
Free |
£332.96 |
|
3 |
Broadband 15GB |
£15.00 |
3.6Mbps |
15GB |
10p per MB |
Free |
£360.00 |
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Mobile Broadband - Pay as You Go |
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Network |
Product
(Other dongles may also be available) |
Cost of Top Up |
Max Speed |
Data Allowance |
Out of Bundle Charge |
Cost of Device |
|
3 |
Pay as You Go Broadband |
£10-£25 |
3.6Mbps |
£10 - 1GB
£15 - 3GB
£25 - 7GB |
Your broadband service will still work if you don't convert your top-up to Mobile Broadband. If you do not convert your top-up you will be changed £1 per Mb |
from £19.99 |
|
O2 |
Monthly |
£14.69 per month |
7.2Mbps |
3GB + Unlimited Wi-Fi |
19.6p per MB |
£58.71 |
|
Orange |
Mobile Broadband |
£14.68
(30 day rolling contract) |
3.6Mbps |
3GB |
4.9p per MB |
£29.00 |
|
T-Mobile |
Mobile Broadband Daily |
£2 per day |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
No charges. T-Mobile will advise |
£24.46 |
|
Vodafone |
Pay as You Go Broadband |
£15 |
7.2Mbps |
1GB |
£15 per GB |
£39.00 |
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Mobile Broadband - Laptop Deals |
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Provider* |
Product |
Monthly Cost |
Maximum Speed |
Download Cap |
Contract Length |
Free Gifts |
|
Vodafone |
Mobile Broadband |
£25.00 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
24 months |
Dell netbook |
|
Vodafone |
Mobile Broadband |
£30.00 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
24 months |
Samsung NC10 netbook |
|
O2 |
Mobile Broadband |
£29.38 |
7.2Mbps |
10GB + Unlimited Wi-Fi |
24 months |
Samsung NC10 netbook |
|
T-Mobile |
Mobile Broadband Plus |
£25.00 |
7.2Mbps |
3GB |
24 months |
Asus Eee PC |
All tables sourced by www.moneysupermarket.com 15.07.2009: updated tables available on request
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Internet on your Mobile |
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Provider |
Monthly Cost* |
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O2 |
up to 98p per day |
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Orange |
Max £1.47 per day |
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T-Mobile |
Max £1.00 per day |
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Vodafone |
50p per day |
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3 |
30p per MB |
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Virgin |
25MB for 30p per day |
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*Free with certain price plans |
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Sourced by www.moneysupermarket.com 15.07.2009 |
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