Mobile Broadband

3G mobile broadband

3G, or third-generation, mobile broadband allows you to connect to the internet on the go using the mobile phone network. 3G offers mobile internet access at speeds of up to 7.2Mb, with a wide variety of packages and download allowances now available (30/03/2010).

3G mobile broadband packages

There are five major 3G networks in the UK, each of which now offers you the ability to access the internet on the go using a 3G dongle to connect wirelessly, anywhere that you have a signal.

Getting connected is simply a case of plugging your mobile broadband dongle into your laptop - all the software you need will be installed automatically and you'll be surfing the web in minutes. As long as you have mobile reception you can browse the net, check emails, and catch up with Stephen Fry on twitter.

Contracts vs pay-as-you-go mobile broadband

If you are a light user, a pay-as-you-go mobile broadband should be enough for you, allowing you to log on as and when you need to, simply topping up your account with credit whenever you run out.

If you're going to be a regular mobile broadband user, a contract might be more suitable, offering better value for money, with a higher download allowance. While it also means that you don’t have to worry about running out of credit, you will have to take care not to exceed your monthly allowance as you'll be charged for any extra data and costs can soon add up.

Mobile broadband contracts usually run for 12, 18 or 24 months, but one month contracts are also available from some providers, offering the value of a contract without the commitment.

Free laptop deals are also available from a number of different providers, and while they might not save you huge amounts of money, these deals do allow you to spread the cost of a new computer over the course of your 24 month contract.

3G mobile broadband coverage

3G mobile broadband requires mobile reception in order for you to get online. While mobile broadband coverage extends to more than 90% of the UK, and each provider is expanding its coverage, some areas - mostly in rural communities - can suffer from painfully slow connections and patchy coverage, while other parts of the country receive no mobile broadband signal at all.

Our verdict on 3G mobile broadband

The majority of mobile broadband customers use their dongle to complement their home broadband connection, rather than replacing it altogether. It’s great for accessing the internet on the move, especially if you travel a lot, but the comparatively low download allowances mean that it’s not suitable for people who want to download a lot of music and movies, or watch a lot of online TV on the BBC iPlayer or Channel 4’s 4oD.

Actual download speeds are also much lower than fixed-line connections, and while advertised speeds may be up to 3.6Mb or even 7.2Mb, most people receive little more than 1Mb.