Mobile broadband: Is it for you?

What is mobile broadband?

What are the benefits of mobile broadband?

What is 4G mobile broadband?

How can I get 4G mobile broadband?

Will 4G signals interfere with Freeview?

What are the alternatives to 4G?

What happens to 3G mobile broadband?

List of UK 3G mobile broadband providers

What is Mi-Fi?

Can I use mobile broadband abroad?

Mobile broadband roaming charges by provider

How to avoid being overcharged for using mobile broadband abroad?

 

 

What is mobile broadband?

Mobile broadband is a high speed internet connection that runs through a mobile phone network, like EE or Three (3). It doesn't require a landline, and can be accessed anywhere you have mobile signal, so it's very convenient for getting online while out and about.

There are several ways to access mobile broadband services from your chosen network:

• You can take out a mobile data plan that includes a data allowance, or unlimited data. This will give you access to mobile broadband on one enabled device with a SIM card in it, for example a smartphone, or a 3G-capable tablet. Ask your mobile provider what allowance, if any, is included with your current package
• You can opt for t a mobile data plan that includes tethering. If you ask to have 'tethering' included with your mobile data plan, you can split your mobile broadband connection between many internet-enabled devices, for instance, you can use your smartphone's 3G data connection to allow your laptop to go online.

Did you know?
By splitting the connection you reduce your speeds, so this option isn't recommended for anything other than viewing emails, checking Facebook or browsing websites.

• You can also get a mobile broadband "dongle"This little device comes pre-loaded with a set data allowance, that you can either top up as required on a Pay As You Go basis, or use with a monthly service agreement provided by your network - your data allowance will reset every month. The dongle plugs into your laptop or PC via a USB port, and you manage your connection via an application on your desktop. This option only allows you to connect one device to the internet, as opposed to several via the tethering option above. However, as you access your mobile broadband subscription through a "dongle" that you plug into the USB port of your laptop, it means that you can keep the dongle with you and plug it into any laptop or PC that may be handy at the time - so it is not tied to one device

 

The benefits of a mobile broadband connection

• If you do not have a landline at home  (and installing one may cost up to £125 from BT),  then mobile broadband could be a good starting point.  Mobile broadband  does not require a landline as it works via the mobile telephony 3G and 4G networks.
• As mobile broadband is accessed via a 3G or 4G mobile network, it also offers broadband access on the move. You will be able to connect your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, wherever you can get a 3G or 4G internet signal - at home, or on the road.
• Mobile broadband can be very good value - from as little as a few pounds per month with no landline rental cost.
• If you are considering the move to a mobile broadband package, please be aware that mobile broadband packages offer slower speeds (than the faster home broadband alternatives) and much reduced usage limits (average monthly usage is at around 3GB cap), so if you or your family are looking to streaming a lot of songs or videos (e.g. BBC iPlayer) then a mobile broadband connection is definitely not the best alternative for you. If you do go over your usage limit on your mobile broadband service, expect a heavy bill to follow.

 

What is 4G?

4G is the latest version of mobile broadband, giving you faster internet speeds on your smartphone or tablet than standard 3G or 2G connections. It differs from the last generation, 3G, because it is based on a newer transmission technology and spectrum band, which gives you access to higher peak download speeds and a bigger data capacity. This basically means 4G allows you to do more on the internet on your smartphone, without as many annoying lags or breaks in service. 

 

What does 4G technology have to offer?

• 4G offers download speeds of up to 1Gbps but don't be mislead by the "up to" as it could fall short. Speeds have reached a peak of around 25Mbps on Verizon's 700MHz spectrum band network in the US, with average speeds being around half that figure in reality
• Upload rates of over 60Mbps
• Reduced latency (the time it takes for data to travel from one device to another) to 10m/s round-trip time between user equipment and the base station and to less than 100 m/s transition time from inactive to active (technical terms for static and moving)
• It can be used whilst travelling in car and trains
• Allows simultaneous multimedia to be in use

 

How can I get 4G mobile broadband?

The 4G revolution is now in full force in the UK, as the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands have been auctioned off by Ofcom and EE already provides a variety of monthly packages for subscribers, bundled with some of the latest smartphones.

 

I've heard that 4G signal might interfere with my digital TV signal, is this true?

LTE uses the 800MHz band, which results in interference with other signals which use this spectrum. This can include power lines, radio stations, microwaves and especially DTT (Digital Terrestrial TV) services such as Freeview.

The UK Government acknowledged this issue and promised to solve it by giving away money in the form of "vouchers" to roughly 900,000 UK homes which are likely to have their DTT services affected by the interference. These vouchers will help customers change DTV platforms or install specialised signal filters which will put the end to the woes once and for all.

 

What are the alternatives to 4G?

If 4G is not available on your mobile network, you're half way through your existing contract, or you're put off by the higher monthly costs associated with 4G, there are plenty of alternatives. Traditional 3G mobile broadband connections are fast enough for basic browsing, YouTube video loading and Facebook checking. If you're out and about within range of a free wireless network like those provided for free to all UK consumers by The Cloud, you can simply link up to a Wi-Fi hotspot. If you are not a Sky customer, you will be able to use the service as much as you want, however at some stations such as London Brigde the connection is limited to only 15 minutes. If you're a Sky broadband customer, you get unlimited access to The Cloud included with your package, so that you can always connect to the web.

 

I want to switch to a home broadband deal that includes free, unlimited Wi-Fi

Getting a home broadband deal that includes access to The Cloud in almost every UK high street, may negate the need to upgrade your mobile broadband connection to 4G. 

 

Is 3G mobile broadband still good?

3G is still the most popular way to access mobile broadband in the UK. 3G mobile broadband speeds reach up to 3.6Mbps on average.

The quality and speed of your mobile broadband service heavily depends on your location in the UK. If you live in a major city like London or Liverpool you could expect to see faster mobile broadband speeds than if you lived in a rural area such as Cornwall. Even if your mobile broadband dongle says it's the fastest dongle in the UK it won't get you high speed mobile broadband in a rural area.

3G mobile broadband coverage is dependent on what is effectively a radio signal. And being a radio signal it can deteriorate if it has to travel through trees, mountains and tall buildings. Weather conditions can also play havoc with the signals. The better the quality of the mobile broadband signal, the better the mobile broadband internet service will be. With this in mind it really is important to check mobile broadband coverage before you part with your hard earned cash and sign up to a mobile broadband provider.

 

The current 3G mobile broadband providers in the UK are:

 

Three (3)

Three (3) has one of the UK's biggest 3G mobile broadband networks, covering over 90 per cent of the UK, with speeds of up to 7.2Mbps

Virgin Media

Virgin Media's mobile broadband covers over 85 per cent of the UK. Along with good UK mobile broadband coverage, Virgin Media offers surprisingly cheap mobile broadband deals. It offers a high-speed 3G network and its flexible mobile broadband packages will suit all surfing needs.

EE (Everything Everywhere)

EE's 3G mobile broadband covers over 90 per cent of the UK. Better mobile broadband coverage exists in urban areas which can provide possible speeds of up to 7.2Mbps on 3G. The supplier also provides 4G mobile broadband which can give you access to superfast speeds when on the go.

O2

O2 mobile broadband currently covers over 80 per cent of the UK. The O2 mobile broadband network gives its customers access to over 7,500 hotspots in the UK. O2 hotspots are areas such as The Cloud and BT Openzone where you can browse the web in major airports, train stations and even in McDonalds. These Wi-Fi-hotspots give you access to the O2 mobile broadband network, your O2 dongle will choose the best service available in the area you are in. The O2 mobile broadband dongle will make use of either GPRS, 3G or HSDPA technology to get the best possible mobile broadband coverage.

Vodafone

Vodafone mobile broadband covers 80 per cent of the UK. Vodafone offers the fastest mobile broadband service in the UK and if you're in a major city like London you could get ultra-fast mobile broadband speeds of up to 14.4Mbps, other areas could get equally as ultra fast mobile broadband speeds of up to 7.2Mbps. Although this will depend on your location and the quality of the mobile broadband signal.

 

What is Mi-Fi mobile internet?

Mi-Fi is a gadget which delivers wireless internet access while you are out and about. The abbreviation stands for "my" or "mobile" and "Wi-Fi". It is after all, your own tiny wireless broadband hub which can be shared with friends and family on the go.

 

How does Mi-Fi work?

Do not be fooled by its small size, it is actually a powerful device. Inside it, there is a compact wireless router which is in fact a Wi-Fi hotspot.

It then connects to a cellular data network which in turn gives you access to Wi-Fi devices that are situated within a 10 metre radius. What the device does is it creates a local relatively fast internet connection.

 

Is Mi-Fi a gadget for me?

If you have a number of devices that you want to connect at the same time, then Mi-Fi could just be the device for you.

It is worth noting that Mi-Fi is currently well established in the US, the UK however still has some work to do for the trend to catch on.

This option can be good for those who dislike to constantly recharge their mobile devices as Mi-Fi relies on a so-called rechargeable battery.

 

Why should I consider getting Mi-Fi?

• It's very quick to set up. No confusing cables to untangle
• No need to pay line rental - an instant saving of just under £15 a month
• PAYG (pay-as-you-go) users pay only for the data they use. This means it's a very cost effective broadband solution

 

Why it may not be right for me?

• If you use the web a lot, you may face charges for going over your allowance
• Mi-Fi devices are costlier than dongles (mobile broadband)

 

Simplifydigital's top tip: Using the device is only as safe as you make it. If you set up a complicated password (make sure to use numbers, symbols as well as lengthy words or even better - sentences), no one will be able to access your Mi-Fi network.

Where can I get it from?

In the UK mobile operator and broadband provider Three (3) is offering the device as a pay monthly option as well as on a pay as you go (PAYG) basis.

 

The Three (3) Mi-Fi Pay As You Go Plan:

• If you don't like the traditional PAYG, opt for the 3GB pre loaded plan;
• With the pre-loaded plan you get a 3-month data allowance of 3GB.

The Three (3) Mi-Fi Pay Monthly Plan:

• Choose between these: 1 month, 18 months and 24 months;
• Usage limits? Go as high or low as you need to: 1GB, 3GB and 5GB;
• You can purchase the modem and thus pay minimum monthly bills or pay monthly for both modem and the package until the contract expires.

You can get Three's Mi-Fi service from here.

 

Should I get Mi-Fi?

If you are still unsure whether Mi-Fi is a gadget that you can benefit from, why not ask one of our friendly experts? Simply call us on 0808 256 6606 and we will help you find, sign up or switch to a broadband service that's right for you!

 

Can I use mobile broadband abroad?

Many people love the flexibility and ease of their mobile broadband connection and could not live without the ability to be able to access the web on the move.  And for those who don't have a landline at home it is the natural choice. On the other hand, families who really rely on their broadband connection to run the household and give the kids access to the internet, may well find that a mobile broadband connection is not robust enough and does not offer the usage limits required. 

In addition signal strength may be a real issue in home, depending on where you live and the structure of the building that you live in. So our advice would be that if you want a cheap, flexible and very easy to use, low usage broadband connection - choose a mobile broadband package, but if you want a "hard working", higher usage connection that is likely to be used by all the family - and you don't want the risk of poor signal strength, then definitely choose a home broadband service.

 

How to use mobile broadband abroad

If you are jetting off to the vacation of your dreams and are worried about the roaming charges you are likely to face - fear no more. Simplifydigital aims to demystify everything connected to using mobile broadband abroad.

Depending on what device you want to use your mobile broadband on, you have a number of options available.

If you want to connect your laptop to the internet while you're travelling, the best thing to do is to get a dongle/modem mobile broadband deal which is available from a range of providers like Three (3), O2, Virgin Media, T-Mobile, Orange and Vodafone.

 

If it's just your smartphone that you need to connect, have a look at what's available for you from the table below.

How can I make sure I don't get overcharged when using my mobile broadband abroad?

If you're planning a long visit to another country, it's worthwhile considering buying a short-term mobile broadband dongle deal from a provider at your destination as it will most probably offer cheaper prices, faster speeds and greater quality of connection.

Whether you want to make your current mobile broadband service work abroad or get a brand new deal, it will most probably not allow you great freedom in terms of data allowance or price range.

When it comes to mobile broadband, it is likely you will be charged on a per MB (megabyte) basis. This means you need to be really careful when using your mobile broadband because you may find that checking your e-mail and browsing a couple of pages every day can eat up a large amount of data.

According to regulations placed by the EU commission in July 2010, internet providers must disconnect their customers from their mobile broadband if they should reach the €50 (approx. £41) cap on their internet allowance. Providers are also obliged to inform their subscribers via text once they've used 80 per cent of their data limit.

 

Simplifydigital top tips on using mobile broadband abroad:
When roaming, it is wise to download, stream or upload content moderately. Resist from partaking in any data-hungry activity while you're abroad because more often than not, you will end up paying incredible sums for the small luxury. Just stick to checking your e-mails and browsing web pages and you should be fine.