Broadband Guide

BT mobile broadband

Updated: Tuesday 29 May, 2012

By Anthony Hill

Mobile broadband from BT gives you wireless access to the web wherever you go with your laptop or tablet. But what exactly do you get? And is it the right option for you...?

Telecoms provider BT offers a range of mobile broadband packages, giving you freedom to access the internet when you're on the move. You won’t be tied to your home broadband connection and, depending on the package you choose, you won’t even have to sign a contract. BT allows you to "pay as you go" and top-up conveniently online.

BT mobile broadband pay-as-you-go

Mobile broadband from BT (www.BT.com) is a pay-as-you-go service. You just pay a one-off price for a USB dongle, plug it into your laptop and pay for your web usage as you go along.

BT will give you 1GB of free usage to get you started, which should be enough to download up to 48 photos or 300 emails, or browse the internet for around 400 minutes.

After you've used this allowance, every 1MB of information you download will cost you 10p, or you can save money by buying 1GB upfront for £10, or 3GB for £15 in one go.

You can pay for usage by topping-up your account online or at high street shops.

BT mobile broadband coverage

In theory, mobile broadband provides download speeds of up to 7Mb in some areas of the UK, but the actual speed of your connection will depend on several factors.

These include how many other people are using the network locally, how close you are to the nearest mobile phone mast and whether or not any obstructions - such as buildings and even trees - are blocking your 3G signal.

Visit the BT website to check coverage for your postcode.

Is BT mobile broadband free?

There is no monthly fee to pay, but the USB dongle will cost you. The amount varies depending on whether you're a BT customer already - if you're not, the one-off cost is higher.

You also have the option of bundling your home phone, broadband and mobile broadband packages with BT. Taking numerous services from a single provider is usually one of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly bill.

How do I switch to BT?

If you're not already a BT customer but you're tempted by the company's products, you may want to consider switching.

In order to switch broadband providers, you will need to get a MAC code from your current supplier, and you could be connected to your new BT package within just a few working days.

However, you don't need to be an existing BT customer to sign up for BT mobile broadband.