Compare dongle broadband
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The basics of mobile broadband
In order to be able to connect to the internet whilst you’re on the move, a mobile broadband service requires you to plug in a USB modem, otherwise known as a stick or 'dongle', into a USB port on your laptop. In the same way as a mobile phone works, a dongle gives you access to broadband using a mobile phone network, preferably via a 3G connection.
USB dongles are lightweight, portable devices – generally not any bigger than a USB stick you might use for storing data, such as photographs or music.
USB dongles are the favoured gadget for most mobile broadband customers, as they’re very easy to operate – in most cases you simply plug the device into a USB port on your laptop, the device installs itself, and you’re up and running… well, surfing, in minutes! For those who don’t like the idea of carrying around a separate device, there is an alternative – the mobile broadband data card. You can see these as they’re housed inside the body of your laptop. However, these can be pricey to install, or if your laptop comes with one from a certain mobile provider, it may mean you cannot change to another one easily while still using that machine.
The difference between dongle deals
Take a look at the ‘Compare dongle broadband’ table above and you will notice there are lots of different mobile broadband dongles to choose from. It’s very important to look at deals you find interesting in closer detail before you make a decision on the mobile broadband package you want to settle for. First of all, the most important thing you have to think about is whether or not you want to be tied into a lengthy contract, or if you want to access mobile broadband on a 'pay as you go' basis.
With pay as you go, you are normally have to pay extra for the ISP's dongle. The price you have to pay varies quite a bit on the perks of that particular package, but you can easily see how much this is by taking a look at the ‘Setup’ column.
If you would prefer to sign up to a contract deal, then it’s not uncommon for a mobile broadband dongle to be thrown in for free. Then, every month, you pay a fixed price for your subscription.
So, what’s the difference between dongles? Well, there’s a little more to it than just pretty colours, glossy casing and ISP logos. As well as showing you what all the different dongles look like, you can click on the ‘Dongle info’ link within the ‘Hardware’ column to check out the make and model of the USB modem, as well as some important specifications.
Dongle comparison check list
Take the time to compare two or three mobile broadband dongles and you should quickly get a gist of the differences between models. You might want to make a note of the following :
Does the dongle double up as a USB memory stick? Can it house a micro SD memory card?
If you regularly carry out important work on your laptop and need to transfer data between computers, a memory stick is a very handy gadget indeed. A mobile broadband dongle that has this double purpose will save you carrying around two devices.
What is the maximum download speed and maximum upload speed?
This will matter a lot if you’re a heavy broadband user. If it’s particularly important you can download data such as email attachments quickly, look out for dongles capable of faster speeds. To save looking through every package though, the quickest method is to click on the ‘Speed’ header at the top of the comparison table. Currently the fastest mobile broadband dongle speed you can set yourself up with is ‘up to’ 7.2Mb.
Upload speed may not be as relevant to some, but it’s an important consideration to make if you like to share things such as photos, or need to be able to upload to an FTP service for work.
Will it work with my operating system?
It would be frustrating for you to take your dongle home, only to find that it doesn’t work on your Windows Vista operating system, or on your old Mac. Most newer dongles are compatible with current operating systems, but you’re advised to check before you buy.
Will it work abroad?
This will very much depend on the price of the dongle; some USB modems are blocked for use in the UK only. Others allow you to connect to your mobile broadband service in Europe or US, whilst others can connect across the globe. However, surfing abroad (often called 'roaming') can have massive cost implications.
Whatever dongle you choose to settle for, if it is capable of use overseas it is vital that you make sure you are completely aware of all data roaming costs involved – other than dedicated business traveller mobile broadband packages, assume that you won’t be able to make use of any bundled data cap and that you will be charged extra for all browsing and downloading.
