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Mobile Broadband

What is it?

Mobile broadband, which many experts believe to be the next big thing in mobile technology, differs from traditional broadband packages in that it allows you to access the internet away from your home connection or Wi-fi hotspots.


How does it work?

All you need is a mobile broadband modem (or 'dongle'), which will be provided by whichever ISP you sign up to. Providers currently offering mobile broadband packages with free modems include 3 and T-Mobile.

Simply slotting the dongle into your laptop's USB port and setting up a mobile broadband account will allow you to access the internet from anywhere with a mobile phone signal.


What are the advantages?

Mobile broadband offers several advantages over wired connections, most importantly the ability to surf the internet while on the move - useful if you travel a lot and need regular access to the internet.

Mobile broadband is also very flexible. Unlike Wi-fi, which requires users to be in wireless hotspots, mobile broadband can be accessed almost anywhere via the mobile modem.


Are there any drawbacks?

Mobile broadband has a smaller bandwidth than home broadband connections, both in terms of speed and download allowances. This means that the broadband you get while using mobile broadband will be slower than the broadband you get at home, and you won't be able to download as much.

Coverage is also an issue with mobile broadband, although with the major providers joining forces, the hope is that 98% of the country will have access by 2009. It is worth noting that, just like with mobile phones, reception differs depending on where you are, so the service may be patchy at times. You can't, for example, use mobile broadband while going through a tunnel on a train.



15/08/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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