Mobile broadband quick guide
Mobile broadband gives you access to email, the web and other internet-based things pretty much wherever there is a mobile phone signal.
All you need is a laptop (Windows or Mac), an easy to install 'USB modem' and to sign up with one of the usual mobile companies (3, O2, Orange, T-mobile or Vodafone).
Costs now start from under £10 a month, so are very reasonable, and you can use it in addition to or instead of your home broadband.
It's convenient, easy and excellent value, so here are the 5 most important questions to think about when choosing:
- Real speeds are a lot less than the 'up to' speeds that are quoted, so speed should not be your most important consideration. A good real speed is 1 to 2 MB, but quoted 'up to' speeds are 3.6 to 7.2Mb.
- Coverage should be top of the list (not second!). Check coverage for where you'll be using mobile broadband. Ideally you'll have 'HSDPA' (also known as '3G+') coverage. 3 have the best overall coverage, Orange have the clearest coverage checker.
- Returns policies matter, because the only way to find the real speed you'll experience is to give mobile broadband a try. You need to be able to give it back if it doesn't work. O2 have the most generous returns policies, 3 and Orange's are not quite as good, but still ok.
- Contract length. The longer the contract, the more you get for your money each month, so we suggest signing up for as long as you can. Having said that, mobile broadband is available as everything from (no commitment) pay as you go all the way up to 24 month contracts.
- You have to choose a download allowance. Download calculators can help, but as a quick guide: occasional web and email, light use, 1GB; daily web and email use, typical use, 3GB or more; daily use with regular music and video downloads, heavy use, 10GB or more.
Don't forget to bookmark this site and read our 'after buying' guides before you first start using your mobile broadband.