3G internet deals

What is 3G internet?

You seem to hear the term 3G internet everywhere nowadays, but what exactly does it mean? Well, essentially it is the internet being received over a third-generation mobile phone network. None the wiser? Read on.

The easiest way to explain is via a very short history lesson: the first mobile phones operated on basic analog networks; these were replaced during the 90s by GSM networks, which were dubbed 2G, or second generation, and were digital. These networks are still in place, covering most of the country, and are capable of allowing the mobile internet onto phones and laptops. However, connection speeds are slow.

In the UK, these 2G mobile networks have now largely been superseded with the third generation of mobile networks, unsurprisingly dubbed 3G. 3G internet allows much greater internet speeds.

3G internet is usually referenced either in terms of mobile phone handsets, where browsing the internet is possible on the small phone screen, or in terms of mobile broadband, where a USB modem (or 'dongle') is plugged into a laptop, allowing you to browse the internet as normal.

When connected to 3G internet, you can browse, download and upload in exactly the way you would from your desktop via a fixed-line connection, only you can do it anywhere, with no wires and no need for WiFi hotspots. The only requirement is that you are able get a mobile phone signal where you are at the time - so anywhere that mobile reception is patchy, 3G internet will be too.

How do you get started with 3G internet?

It's no coincidence that the 3G internet suppliers in the UK are also the mobile phone companies, and to get started with 3G internet, you need to choose a package from one of these suppliers. There's a lot of choice available, so to get the best deal it pays to be informed as to what’s what.

When looking at getting 3G internet for the first time, the first question you will want to consider is, do you have a laptop? In order to enjoy the benefits of mobile broadband, you need to be mobile, so a laptop of some sort is a must. Many 3G internet suppliers are offering laptops as part of their mobile broadband deals, and this is a very popular way of getting going if you don’t already have a laptop – although you should make sure that both the laptop and the contract suit you before you decide, as although the cost is spread, a laptop is still a considerable outlay.

The next thing to take into account when looking at the 3G internet packages on offer is the download limit on each deal. 3G internet packages are sold with capped data allowances, meaning you’re only entitled to transfer that much data per month. Data limits start at a pretty small 1GB, but 3GB is fine for normal browsing and downloading, and larger allowances are available if you’re a more data-intensive user. Most contracts allow you to access updates on how much data you’ve used, so you can monitor it, but there are usually penalties for over use, so it’s one to keep an eye on.

You'll also want to consider the speed quoted on each of the deals. 3G internet is sold as 'up to' a particular speed, which means you won't necessarily get that speed on your connection – it depends on where you are in the country. However, 3G internet suppliers recently agreed that they would do whatever they can to give customers an accurate estimate of the kinds of speeds they can expect, so ask before you buy! Generally the speeds you get with your mobile broadband connection will be slower than what you get on your fixed line, but should be more than adequate for normal browsing.

The final key thing to look at is contract length. Contracts are normally 12, 18 or 24 months, and things to consider here are the fact that you may get a better price or incentives if you sign up for longer, but two years is a long time in mobile broadband, and you'll be tied in until your contract is up. For those who prefer not to tie themselves in at all, there are pay as you go options available, where you can 'top up' your data allowance as required, although keep in mind that with many of these options the data top-ups expire after a certain time, whether you’ve used them or not.

Getting a great deal with 3G internet

3g internet deals change frequently, and the good news is that, with mobile broadband identified as a key growth market, suppliers are keen to sign up new customers – and as a result there are usually a number of extra incentives on offer. As with anything you buy, knowing a little bit about it, and shopping around, will usually get you a better deal.

Sponsored links

• Mobile Internet, Mobile Broadband and Mobile TV - T-MobileMobile internet on the move from T-Mobile. The latest in mobile phones, mobile internet, mobile broadband, mobile TV and email.www.t-mobile.co.uk

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