Getting started

It really is quick and simple to get started with mobile broadband:

• Unpack the USB modem
• Install the SIM card
• Plug the USB modem into your computer
• Let the USB modem install all the software you need
• Click "connect"

This guide adds some tips about getting started, and provides some pointers about what to do when you first get connected.

Plan to return the USB modem

Of course most people don't need to return their modem, but returns policies are deliberately generous, so make sure that you're prepared just in case you need to take advantage of such policies:

• Keep all packaging and contents carefully damaged
• Check what speeds you get in all the places you plan to use mobile broadband as soon as you can

Installation

• Read the manual before trying to install the SIM card.  That's experience speaking!
• When you first plug in your USB modem, software is automatically installed.  This takes a surprising amount of time, so be prepared to wait a few minutes
• Typically after a while you'll see an'install wizard' appear.  If you don't then you'll need to find your USB modem through 'my computer' or 'computer' and run the autorun.exe program
• Once the install wizard is complete you may need to wait a few more minutes before the USB modem is finally ready, so more patience needed

Checking speed

The software that comes with the USB modem will tell you what type of service it's using to connect.  If it only says GPRS you should think about returning it and changing to another mobile network.

If you have an EDGE, 3G or HSDPA connection, it's worth testing the speed using a website such as www.speedtest.net.  If you have an EDGE or 3G connection you should hope for a download speed of 200kbit/s or better.  If you have a HSDPA connection you should hope for 800kbit/s or better.

Protecting your download allowance

Keeping tabs on your downloads is crucial to avoid excess charges, which can be quite steep.  The software that comes with your USB modem will show you how much you've downloaded, so try this when you first get connected: start the software you frequently use; carry out some of the common things you use it for; see how much has been downloaded whilst doing so.

Some of the things to watch out for include:

• web pages that refresh automatically, for example sports commentaries on the BBC News site and Google Mail
• Skype and similar telephone software
• automatic updates such as for Windows and anti-virus - these can be difficult to keep tabs on because they can vary a lot in size and often take place in the background

Disconnect when not in use

It may seem obvious, but if you disconnect your mobile broadband when you're not using it, there's no risk of your download allowance being gobbled up without you realising it.