Essential advice about Broadband

Over 99% of UK homes and businesses now depend on broadband Internet technology, with fixed-line rental the most common way to connect to the Internet . However, the recent step-up in high-powered mobile devices, and the growing use of laptop computers in preference to desktop PCs, has made mobile broadband a viable alternative.



Carrying a lightweight dongle that gives you access to the web wherever you are, helps take the Internet to another technological level. There are two payment options to mobile broadband: pay as you go or contract. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, and which one you select will largely depend on what you need broadband for.



If you frequently need to access the Internet away from the home or office, live in an area with low Wi-Fi connectivity, or want an all-in-one payment plan that covers both home and mobile use, then a contract is best. If you mainly use fixed-line broadband and/or Wi-Fi, and just need a mobile connection occasionally, then mobile broadband pay as you go may be best for you.



If you choose contract mobile broadband from a new provider, try to avoid those who tie you into a long-term contract. Most contracts are for 12 months, though many are longer if you have an additional item on the contract i.e. laptop or netbook. It's important that the connectivity and speed you get matches what you pay for, so a mobile broadband pay as you go or short-term rolling contract option might be best to start with.



Make sure you know how much broadband allowance you are getting with the contract, for example 1MB of allowance equates to 1 hour of surfing a day. If you're satisfied with the speed and signal (remember, your mobile broadband access will only work where you can get a clear mobile phone signal for that network) then you can switch to a long-term contract at a later date.

Posted in: Broadband,Mobile broadband,mobile broadband pay as you go,mobile broadband providers