Returns policies
Returns policies are important for mobile broadband customers because:
- many people only use their mobile broadband in one or two locations, so if service is poor there it's a real problem
- speed is can vary hugely, by a factor of 10 or more, depending on coverage where you are
Fortunately the suppliers recognise this and, unlike mobile phones, have returns policies that allow you to return your mobile broadband even after using it.
The good, the bad, the (almost) ugly
O2 have the most generous returns policy of the major mobile phone networks, with a 30 day "Happiness Guarantee". Virgin's return policy is pretty much as generous, as they allow 28 days.
3 and Orange allow returns within 14 days.
T-Mobile and Vodafone, however, only allow returns within 7 days, which doesn't allow that much time to check whether things are ok and arrange the return if not.
In all cases you should expect to be charged for any use you've had, so it's best to decide early and arrange the return as soon as possible.
Be prepared
The mobile phone networks want to be able to sell the USB modem again if you return it, so it's important to be careful to keep the packaging and manuals, and also to avoid marking it in any way.
Returns policies also apply to laptops. These are more valuable, so they will be checked quite carefully if and when they're returned, so again be careful to keep things in good condition and check that you're returning everything.
I've moved
Unfortunately if you find that you have a problem with connection or speed after the end of the returns period, you will have to continue to pay each month until the end of your contract. This is most likely to affect people who move house, particularly if you move from a city to somewhere smaller.
You may be able to improve things by buying an aerial. Although these start from about £20, the ones that make a big difference typically cost £50 to £100, which can seem a lot when mobile broadband itself is inexpensive.