As more and more of us get a smartphone, a tablet PC or both, mobile broadband is becoming an ever greater part of the UK’s technological landscape. But what are the best ways to get online and what is mobile broadband really good for?
If you’re on a budget, or have pretty basic needs when it comes to broadband on the move, you can probably get by with a smartphone. The key advantages are of course financial – you’re likely to be able to get free data as part of your mobile phone contract, while most phones render web pages, especially images, at low quality to save valuable MBs.
If you’re simply want to check your email, surf to a few pages on the web and use social networking or map apps, the good old smartphone is a perfectly viable route to the internet. You’ll even be OK downloading a few albums and apps, as long as your smartphone has the memory capacity to cope (or a big enough microSD memory card installed).
Your next option up the financial scale is going for a mobile broadband USB modem, or dongle. These small and handy devices easily slip into your pocket and can plug into any internet ready machine that has a USB slot: laptop, PC etc. You can pick them up for free with many of the best laptop deals, or pretty cheaply on a prepay deal. This can also work well as a back-up to your home broadband – sometimes even a replacement.
A USB modem will give you the full broadband experience, as long as you can get a powerful enough signal to enjoy it (all mobile broadband providers have coverage maps on their websites, so be sure to do your research before purchasing). The only thing else you really need to keep an eye on is data use, as it’s easy to get carried away and go over your limit – this can be an expensive mistake!
If you’re lucky enough to have a good signal and good download limit, and want to connect multiple devices, mobile Wi-Fi (or MiFi) units are now also becoming common. These gadgets are also pocket sized and work in the same way as home broadband Wi-Fi routers work, sharing your mobile internet signal between a number of security approved devices. Again, it is also a good back up for fixed-line broadband at home.
Again, your prime concern here should be data usage. Even if you’re well aware of what you’re using, be sure anyone else sharing your signal is also clear on the matter. And don’t rely on any software a device may install on your computer to check your usage – the only real way to be sure is to contact your provider, or check on its website (if it provides this service). Again, going over your limit can be expensive – particularly abroad.
Mobile broadband is a fantastic tool that is fast becoming as second nature as a mobile phone or home broadband. Just be sure you remember the differences mobile broadband presents and only pay for what you’re going to need, and use within your budget.
