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Mobile Broadband Outline

Many mobile internet experts believe that mobile broadband could well be the future of all things broadband and here's why the prospects for mobile broadband look so bright.

What exactly is mobile broadband?

Mobile broadband is a hugely popular new mobile internet technology, introduced by the mobile phone networks such as Vodafone, T-Mobile and 3, that allows users to have high-speed broadband access while they are on the move.

It's called mobile broadband because that's exactly what is: a true broadband internet experience which can be used whilst you are mobile and travelling around.

To get mobile broadband - which is also called mobile internet - you need a mobile broadband dongle or mobile broadband USB stick, which is basically a portable broadband modem. These little devices are the key to getting access to mobile internet. In addition, you will need to have mobile broadband coverage where you want to use the mobile internet service. This is because mobile broadband works in much the same way as a mobile phone - good mobile broadband coverage gives you a good mobile internet experience and service. Be aware though that mobile broadband coverage is different to standard mobile phone coverage and varies dramatically between providers.

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Simply plugging a broadband dongle into the USB port of your laptop, PC or other mobile device will give you mobile internet access - assuming there is mobile phone coverage where you are, you can get broadband mobile internet. However, as is the case with mobile phones, the quality of your mobile broadband connection depends on the strength of the signal and the stronger it is the better mobile internet connection you get.

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Who are the main mobile broadband internet providers and who is mobile broadband aimed at?

There are four main mobile broadband providers:

O2 has also just (May 2008) introduced a mobile broadband service for its existing customers and the provider's mobile internet service is certain to expand.

Mobile broadband has ended the need to visit internet cafes or hunt down Wi-Fi wireless networks. With mobile internet you get fast broadband internet access while you are on the move. And mobile broadband is changing the face of the way we work and play: it doesn't matter who you are, if you want mobile internet access outside of your home or office then mobile broadband delivers it. But mobile broadband is not just for outdoors, because more and more people are replacing their fixed-line broadband with mobile internet packages. For example, students are now using mobile broadband to access the internet on their laptops instead of sharing a home broadband package. This also gives them the flexibility to get internet access when they are outside and away from their houses.

The advantages and disadvantages of mobile broadband

There are lots of benefits to mobile broadband and it's worth noting that even the current disadvantages of using mobile internet are disappearing rapidly.

Mobile broadband pros

Prices for mobile broadband start at only £10 per month with a download data allowance of 1GB.
Mobile broadband gives you the freedom to access the internet, with a true broadband experience, when you are out and about.
You can use your mobile broadband dongle on any laptop, PC or similar mobile device - you just plug it into the USB port and you've got mobile internet access. This is because the software required is held within the dongle and is 100% transferable.
Mobile broadband modems are small, light and can even fit in your pocket, ready to give you mobile broadband internet access exactly when and where you want it.
You do not need a BT fixed line for mobile broadband as you do with home broadband saving you money.

Mobile broadband cons

Mobile broadband is only offered by a few providers.

Mobile internet has limited download allowances so if you are a really heavy user and don't need mobile internet on the move then stick to home broadband.

Mobile broadband currently has slower speeds than most home broadband packages, although it does offer a genuine broadband experience.

Top BT broadband deals

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18 Month Contract
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Max speed 8 MB/s

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BT Option 2
18 Month Contract
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BT Option 3
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26/05/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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