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Mobile broadband comparison: the basics
If you're just starting to think about taking on a mobile broadband package, but aren't sure of what it is, how it compares to fixed-line home broadband (ADSL or cable), or how the various deals and providers differ, you've come to the right place. We won't talk about specific data speeds and prices here, as it's likely one of the providers will have cranked a little extra out if its network before we can say "open sesame". However, once you've read this beginners' guide to mobile broadband comparison, you'll be able to choose the best mobile broadband package for you.
What is mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband gives you the ability to access the internet from your laptop when you're on the move. It's fully functional and can be pretty fast, much like the broadband on your PC or Mac and lets you access the web, download songs or films and send emails. Mobile broadband works like your mobile phone, using a SIM card which is either embedded in a dongle or increasingly in the laptop itself. The laptop then connects to the web via the mobile phone network associated with your provider.
How to compare mobile broadband deals
If you've searched around for the best mobile phone contract, you'll recognise the usual suspects when doing your mobile broadband comparison:
Each offers a range of packages, so even if you know which provider you want to go with, it's worth going through the various options.
- Hardware: Do you just need a dongle for your current laptop, or do you want a shiny new laptop into the bargain? One of your biggest choices will be whether you want a dongle-only or dongle-plus-laptop deal.
- Price: Check the red tag for the monthly cost, but also look for text below the tag because many deals come with added bonuses or introductory deals.
- Setup: Most deals now have free set-up, but it's worth checking that your super cheap deal doesn't have a set-up cost that takes the shine off.
- Contract: As with mobile phones, you can either 'pay-as-you-go' or get a contract from anywhere from 1 to 24 months.
- Speed: This is the advertised speed each provider claims you will be able to download data from the internet at, which is measured in megabits per second (Mb). For most users, it equates to how fast a web page takes to appear, or how fast a song will download.
- Downloads: This is the total amount you are allowed to download per month. It can be seen as the equivalent of how many minutes and texts you get with your mobile phone package, but measured in gigabytes (GBs).
While advertised speeds can vary quite dramatically, tests seem to suggest averages around the networks on mobile broadband aren't consistently different enough to warrant it being a serious factor in your choice. As for download limits, its worth bearing in mind that 1GB could get you 250-1,000 songs, but just one grainy film or a few fuzzy TV episodes; if you want to download a lot of movie files, it's probably worth using your fixed-line home broadband instead, keeping your mobile broadband connection for lighter usage while on the move.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Laptops: While that free laptop may look pretty sexy, remember there is no such thing as a free lunch; the cost is probably worked into the price and length of the contract you are signing up for. However, this can still be a cost effective way of getting the hardware you need now, while paying later.
- Heavy usage: As we mentioned, mobile broadband isn't really set up for the heavy user; what the providers call 'run on fees' can be massive (although T-Mobile sells itself on being more lenient in this regard), so if you think you may hit the limits of the deal, it may not be for you.
- Going abroad: Be wary of using mobile broadband abroad; the costs can be astronomical. If you want to use the mobile internet while roaming, be sure to look into the consequences first, or seek out an overseas package.
- Coverage: Even in the UK, coverage can be an issue just in the same way it can be with your mobile; don't forget, you're connecting to a mobile network. Once you have decided on a provider and have clicked through to its website from here, be sure to check that there is good coverage in your area.
FAQs
Is mobile broadband easy to set up? In short, yes it is. While many people will tell you horror stories about setting up their home broadband, it tends to be a straightforward and quick process for mobile broadband. Once the mobile broadband SIM has been inserted into the dongle, it simply plugs into a USB port on your laptop. The dongle also acts as an external drive, containing all the set up files needed, and following the simple instructions should have you surfing within a few minutes.
Where can I use mobile broadband? In short, anywhere you can use your mobile phone. You are connecting to the internet via the same network, so as long as you have a signal you'll be online. So whether you want to look up the closest donkey rides when you're on the beach, the nearest Little Chef when you're on the motorway, or the nearest bath when you're in a field at Glastonbury, you should be OK. However, connection speeds can vary wildly, depending on location.
Is mobile broadband as fast as my home broadband? Frankly, no, and while it's getting better all the time that day is a long way off. What it offers is flexibility, with speed being the biggest pay off. However, many will find it perfectly adequate for tasks such as checking email and looking at the web.
Is mobile broadband different to Wi-Fi? Yes, although some mobile broadband providers include Wi-Fi minutes in their mobile broadband bundles – look for these deals in the 'package' column. If you take one of these packages, the connection will change over to Wi-Fi if you are in a public 'hotspot' (such as a café or airport) that has a deal in place with your provider.
Using Mobile Broadband Genie
Armed with information, you should now be able to surf the site with confidence. Scroll back up to the top of this page for a look at the current top 10 deals as ranked by sales popularity through the site, taken from our own independent stats. If you need more help deciding, our customer reviews may give you some important pointers. You can also order the columns to meet your own specific requirement, by clicking price, contract, speed, downloads or set-up at the top of their corresponding columns. Alternatively, click on advanced search and filters to customise things further. Once you've found the right package, click through to be taken through to the provider's own website and you'll be setting up your new mobile broadband deal a few minutes later.
