Broadband Guide

Three mobile broadband

Updated: Wednesday 30 May, 2012

By Anthony Hill

The 3G mobile network Three offers a variety of mobile broadband packages, so you can take the internet wherever you go...

You don’t need to be a mobile phone customer with Three (www.Three.co.uk) in order to use its mobile broadband service. Anyone can sign up, and it even offers a cheap pay-as-you-go option that's ideal for occasional users.

There are also "rolling" one-month contracts which offer better value for money without really compromising on flexibility.

Mobile broadband from Three has some of the best value deals around, as well as some of the most generous usage limits - with download allowances of up to 15GB a month.

The maximum speed possible on Three's 3G network is somewhere around the 7Mb mark, but very few customers will ever achieve the top advertised speed on any mobile broadband plan, regardless of provider.

Factors such as distance from your nearest mobile phone mast, obstructions like trees and buildings and how many other people are on the network can affect your speed dramatically.

Three mobile broadband coverage

Three's mobile broadband network is the UK's largest, reaching at least 97% of the population.

However, you should still check the network coverage in your area before you sign up. You can do this online at www.Three.co.uk or in a Three store on your local high street.

Three mobile broadband deals

Three offers a range of pay monthly mobile broadband packages with fair usage download limits of up to 15GB, and additional data costs of just a few pence per MB. You also have a choice of one, 18 or 24-month contracts.

One-month contracts and pay-as-you-go options are available if you don’t want to sign a long agreement. You can get a rolling one-month contract for around £15 a month.

You will have to pay for your USB dongle, but these usually cost less than £20.

Laptops and tablets with Three mobile broadband

If you're willing to sign a longer contract, there are numerous laptop and tablet options with Three mobile broadband. It can be a good way to spread the cost of buying a new device if you can't afford to purchase it outright.

Three sim-only mobile broadband

Three now offers sim-only mobile broadband contracts, making it even easier to get online with your tablet or iPad.

If you already have an old mobile broadband dongle you want to reactivate, or if you want to switch from Three pay-as-you-go mobile broadband to a contract package, Three’s new sim-only plan is perfect.

Unless you're using a device that doesn't use USB, such as the Apple iPad, you will still need a Three mobile broadband dongle in order to connect.

Mi-Fi: Mobile Wi-Fi from Three

Three also offers mobile Wi-Fi routers for customers looking to take their mobile broadband to the next level.

Three's Mi-Fi modem makes it easy to connect wireless-enabled gadgets like the iPod Touch, gaming devices and laptops to the internet. You can connect multiple devices at the same time and without wires.

Mobile Wi-Fi from Three is available on pay-as-you go plans, one-month deals and longer 18-month contracts. Learn more about mobile Wi-Fi with our expert guide.

Our expert’s verdict

Michael Phillips, managing director of BroadbandChoices.co.uk, said: “Three offers the biggest selection of mobile broadband packages on the market, ranging from pay-as-you-go, to one-month contracts, to 18 and even 24-month deals, with a choice of download allowances going up to 15GB a month.

“Mobile broadband offers amazing freedom and is great for anyone who doesn’t want to pay over £13 a month for line rental or have a fixed line broadband service. As long as you can stay within your monthly download allowance, Three’s mobile broadband is cheap, reliable and soon to be even faster.”

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