Whether you're a businessman or a student, a freelancer or a traveler, most users could benefit from mobile broadband.

Have you ever sat on a train staring blankly out of the window, regretting all that wasted time? If you had mobile broadband, you could use that time to work, check your e-mail or shop online.

Mobile broadband lets you go online almost anywhere. As long as you can get a mobile phone signal, you can get mobile broadband. There is no need to search for a HotSpot or an open wi-fi network. All you need is a laptop and a dongle that you plug into a USB port. It couldn't be simpler.

There are no annoying wires to get in the way. You don't need to worry about remembering a username and password. Just plug it in and go online. You don't even need an electric plug socket. Your laptop battery provides enough power to operate the dongle.

Your traveling companion

Whether you're traveling for work or for fun, mobile broadband lets you take the internet wherever you go. You can get online while sitting on a train, or in a café, or even in your hotel room. It's and easy and convenient way to keep in touch with friends or colleagues. Some providers will even let you use mobile broadband overseas, though it won't be cheap.

No landline required

One of the biggest benefits of mobile broadband is that it doesn't require a landline. If you can't get a landline where you live, or simply don't want to pay for one, mobile broadband is a good option. This is especially true if you live in a shared house. There's no need to worry about your housemates running up large phone bills. Your mobile broadband connection is your own. No one else can use it unless you give them the dongle.  It's also a good alternative if your phone line cannot support a home broadband service.

For work and play

If you use the internet for work, mobile broadband gives you the flexibility of working away from your desk. You can take your laptop to a meeting, or even down to the pub. It's like having a mobile office.

Students will love the freedom and convenience of going online wherever they may be, whether it's in a classroom, the library, halls or anywhere else.

Even if you don't use the internet for work, you can still benefit from mobile broadband. It's great when you are traveling. Instead of carrying around travel guides, you can use your laptop to look up local information.

Why it may not be right for you

Compared to fixed-line broadband, mobile broadband is still relatively new technology. It's only been around in the UK since 2002. It works properly most of the time, but not always. Sometimes it can be slow, even if you are in a 3G area. If you want reliability, you will need to have a fixed-line broadband connection as backup.

If you live in a rural area

Mobile broadband relies heavily on 3G technology. It will still work on 2G, but it will be much slower. At the moment, many rural areas do not have 3G coverage. If you're thinking of getting mobile broadband, it's a good idea to check whether you live in a 3G area.

If you are a heavy broadband user

Mobile broadband packages come with limited download allowances that are strictly enforced. If you go over the limit, most networks will charge you for it. One exception is T-Mobile, who has a fair-usage policy. There is no penalty fee for exceeding the limit, but if you do so repeatedly, it will slow down your connection.

If you use the internet a lot, or if you download films or music, you would be better off doing this via a fixed-line broadband connection. The same is true is you want to stream video from YouTube or from a site like BBC iPlayer.