Also known as mobile internet, mobile broadband has revolutionised the way we surf the net wirelessly. Mobile broadband can be accessed from laptops with the aid of a mobile dongle (also known as a mobile USB stick), and other mobile devices. The good news for users of Mac laptops is that all mobile broadband providers now have dongles that are compatible.

Mobile broadband can benefit people in many walks of life who may not have explored the possibilities before. From students at University to business people on the go, mobile broadband expands horizons.

Here are some things you need to consider when comparing mobile broadband packages

Check that you are in a good mobile broadband coverage area

The quality and speed of mobile broadband depends on your location. If you live in a predominantly urban area then you are more likely to get good mobile broadband coverage. If you live in a predominantly rural area you are less likely to get good mobile broadband converge or none at all.
You can use the Simplifydigital Smartsearch tool to see great mobile broadband offers in your area. Simply type in your postcode and the Smartsearch tool will do the rest for you.

Don't be fooled by the mobile broadband with a free laptop deal!

Ah, the free laptop deal, it sounds great but all may not be as it seems. In some cases after you have signed up to mobile broadband with a provider they offer a free laptop with mobile broadband. But if you read the small print you may find that the laptop isn't free and you will end up paying for it as well.

Don't go for a mobile broadband package just to get a free laptop. Not only because you may have to pay for it, but the mobile broadband service you have chosen may not be as good as you thought. The speed or download limits may not be suitable for your needs and it might include hidden costs you did not know about when you signed up. So you may end up with poor mobile broadband and a free laptop that you might have been able to get separately from somewhere else for a cheap price anyway.

Mobile broadband usage limits

If you exceed the data usage limit on your contract then you could be liable for extra expense.
Some mobile broadband providers provide a webpage service to view your personal account and see
your current data usage, so you should be able to keep track of how much you use. This is a good way to avoid those nasty extra charges that differ from provider to provider.

Mobile broadband dongles (or USB Modems)

Mobile broadband works by connecting a portable USB modem device also known as a dongle. This device gives you access to the mobile broadband network and is loaded with software to make everything work. There are many mobile broadband dongles available with different speeds and usage limits. What's more, most mobile broadband dongles also double up as a USB storage device - now that's handy!

Mobile broadband on a contract

Mobile broadband packages come with a minimum contract. This can be 12 months or 18 months for example, or a different period set by the individual mobile broadband provider.

When you sign up to mobile broadband make sure you know what you get included with your contract. Most long term contracts give you free dongles and software. However, some mobile broadband providers will charge you extra for a dongle or associated equipment depending on your chosen mobile broadband package. You may not need to worry about paying line rental for mobile broadband, but make sure you read the contract before you sign up to a mobile broadband package that may include extra costs for equipment.

Mobile broadband on pay as you go

Things are much better when they are simple aren't they? Just like when you visit the local store to top up your mobile phone on pay as you go, you can go down and top up your mobile broadband as well!

This is great for times when your on the move and you need a top up. A 1GB top up for around £15 should enable you to send 650 emails, browse the web for 30 hours, download 30 two-minute videos and 60 music tracks.

This may not be so good if you are a heavy mobile broadband user - in which case a mobile broadband contract would be better option.

Consider what you want when you compare mobile broadband. You may find that because you need faster speeds and a higher download limit that home broadband is better for you. Mobile broadband is great for lots of reasons but not so great for other reasons, it really depends on your personal choices and requirements.

To make things easier when trying to find the best mobile broadband package, why don't you take a look and compare mobile broadband deals from 3, Vodafone, Orange, O2, Virgin Mobile and T Mobile at simplifydigital.co.uk.