Choosing a mobile broadband package

Just when you thought you'd got to terms with the ins and outs of home broadband, along comes another technology must-have complete with its own confusing terminology and equally baffling amount of choices.

Mobile Broadband - also known as 'High Speed Down Link Packet Access' (HSDPA) is a service that allows you to connect your laptop or your computer to the internet when you're away from home. You don't need a fixed phone line and you have an ever-increasing amount of choice when it comes to providers and packages.

How does mobile broadband work?

You can get laptops with in-built Mobile Broadband connectivity but the most common way to be able to connect to a Mobile Broadband service is with a USB modem (sometimes referred to as a "dongle"). Most dongles are compatible with the majority of home computer equipment (both PC and Mac) and you simply have to plug the device into your computer's USB port to get going.

It is possible to purchase a standalone dongle, but it makes more sense to get the device through your chosen mobile broadband service provider. The price you will have to pay for a USB modem varies - some offer them for free in exchange for your custom, whereas others require you to pay a one-off fee, but more on that later...

The way the dongle enables you to connect to the internet is a bit like a mobile phone. Just like with your phone sometimes the reception can be a little dodgy - especially if you're out in the sticks - and this can mean that you either can't connect at all to the internet or your service slows down. Every service provider should be able to present you with a map showing the areas they cover in the UK. Check this out thoroughly before you sign up to any contract, especially if you frequent a more out-of-town place often.

Pay As You Go or Contract?

Just like fixed-line broadband Mobile Broadband services are run by different Internet Service Providers (ISPs). You can either choose to sign up to a mobile broadband service on a Pay As You Go basis or opt for a contract deal. Both have their benefits and drawbacks so let's take a look at them in closer detail...

Pay As You Go

Pay As You Go mobile broadband means that you only pay for what you use. You top up your dongle with data allowance rather than minutes. With some of these you have a limited time to use these bits of data (like O2's Pay As You Go), but most of the time you can keep going until you run out.

Prices vary between providers but the average price is £10 for 1GB - that's enough to download around 60 large attachments and video clips, send 600 emails and go online for 30 hours. Larger amounts of data credit is available but the beauty of Pay As You Go mobile broadband is that you can top-up to match whatever you will be doing that week or month.

If you opt for Pay As You Go mobile broadband you will usually be expected to pay for your dongle outright. This can set you back anything between £30-£50.

Contract

Contracted mobile broadband can look a little more expensive at a glance and of course, you will be obliged to stick with a provider and pay for the service for a set amount of time (12-24 months). However, there are a few more perks if you opt for this way of doing things.

Sometimes providers try and entice you with goodies like a laptop or a mobile phone - you're free to keep these after your contract has ended. With mobile broadband on contract you have much more freedom when it comes to the amount of data you can download and the service is generally faster.

However, there's no getting out of the contract, even if you find you can't keep up with the monthly subscription.

Who are the different providers?

Internet technology moves pretty fast, so packages and providers are changing all the time. Generally though you have a choice out of: 3 Mobile, BT, Orange, O2 T-Mobile, Virgin and Vodafone. Other companies like Tesco have hinted that they might be launching a mobile broadband service in the future.

Is there anything you can't do on a mobile broadband service?

Remember, this isn't as fast as the broadband you may be used to at home, and it works out a little pricier too. You will be paying for the privilege of being able to access the internet whilst on the move, but don't expect to be able to while away your day watching re-runs on iPlayer - the data will be eaten up quick if you're using it for intensive multimedia purposes.

How do I find the right mobile provider for me?

Shopping around is an essential part of bagging yourself an ideal mobile broadband package. Whether you want to prioritise on price, data usage or look for a deal that gives you the added bonus of a bundled laptop or phone the best place to do your research is Mobile Broadband Genie. Here, you can search through all the latest providers or view deals like "Free Laptops" or "Student Offers" and get a whole list within seconds.