Broadband News

Students urged to consider mobile broadband

Thursday, 27 August 2009

Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Students thinking about getting a broadband connection as they start the new term have been urged to consider mobile broadband as a way of cutting costs.

Broadband has become a “basic necessity” for most students, said BroadbandChoices.co.uk, and can be used for research, socialising, entertainment and also for keeping on top of money management.

While many students rely on the internet, the cost can sometimes push them over budget. BroadbandChoices.co.uk has advised cash-strapped students to consider a mobile broadband connection.

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “Whether you are a first year student or heading back to do your final year, it is worth considering taking a mobile broadband service. Mobile deals have really come down in price over the past year and often come with some pretty good freebies attached.

“A mobile connection gives you the freedom to get online wherever you need to - in the halls of residence, at the library or in the local coffee shop. It also removes the thorny issue of splitting yet another utility bill with your house mates.

“Furthermore, going mobile means you can ditch the additional cost of line rental, a move which could save you around £130 per year.”

He offered his top tips for mobile broadband users:

• Try a monthly option - If you’re worried about signing up to a long term deal, try a one month contract with a provider like Orange Mobile Broadband (www.Orange.co.uk), 3 Broadband (www.Three.co.uk) or O2 Mobile Broadband (www.O2.co.uk). This way, you can try out the service and ensure you are happy before signing up for the longer term.
• Avoid pay as you go - While it offers the flexibility of no contract, pay as you go mobile broadband is not always the best option for students as you are rarely able to carry over unused data allowances from one month to the next.
• Check the “freebies” - Free laptop deals and the like may seem compelling, but you should always check the cost of the broadband package against the cost of an equivalent service and laptop purchased separately. This will ensure you really are getting a good deal. Otherwise, you may find that your “freebie” wasn’t really free after all.
• Download with caution - Keep an eye on your usage and where you are connecting from before accessing your mobile broadband. Usage charges from abroad and penalty charges for exceeding your download limit can be astronomical with some services.
• Habitual heavy downloader? - If you spend a lot of time downloading TV shows and music, you may want to consider sharing a fixed line service with a housemate - for example, Be Broadband (www.BeThere.co.uk) offers a 24Mb speed on a three month rolling contract.

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