Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband Dongles

What are mobile broadband dongles?

Mobile broadband dongles are basically small USB modems that slot into the side of your laptop.

What do they do?

Plugging mobile broadband dongles into laptops makes them internet-ready in any location, meaning users can go online without having to be near a fixed modem or telephone line.

How do mobile broadband dongles work?

Unlike home broadband connections, mobile broadband uses USB modems - commonly referred to as mobile broadband dongles - to access the mobile phone network and use it to transmit data between your computer and the internet. Mobile broadband dongles use the same network that you use to make calls on your phone, but instead of carrying your voice it carries data. This is as opposed to home broadband connections, which use the country's copper-wired telephone exchange to send information.

What's good about mobile broadband dongles?

Obviously, the main selling point of mobile broadband dongles is the fact that they let you access the internet anywhere you want (provided you can get a mobile phone signal). You don't even have to be in a wireless 'hotspot' to log on, because the dongle uses the mobile phone network to connect to the internet. Having access to the internet without needing to be near a phone line is great for things like checking information or accessing your emails while you're out and about.

Also, recent developments in technology mean that mobile broadband dongles are now smaller, more conveniently sized and capable of providing faster speeds than before. Surfing speed, however, still depends on your network's mobile signal in any given area.

How can I get one?

The main mobile broadband providers all offer free mobile broadband dongles with some of their packages, usually those with longer contracts. Alternatively you can buy one for around £50.

More about dongles.

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