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Mobile Broadband Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve taken the time to answer a few of those questions that always get asked. Sadly we havn’t quite found out the answer to “What is the meaning of life?” but we have found the answer to all of these:
How does mobile broadband work?
Mobile broadband uses the mobile phone network to connect you to the internet. Using a relatively new technology called 3G you can achieve broadband speeds almost anywhere. Now this doesn’t mean you need to be in a Wi-Fi hotspot, you get a little gadget called a dongle. The dongle simply plugs into your laptops USB port, this is essentially a tiny modem which works similar to a mobile phone and runs off a SIM card. The modem connects to the networks 3G services and they relay the information via your dongle straight to your laptop/PC.
Do I need a landline?
Put simply. No. With conventional broadband you need a landline and you need to be at home in order to use it. This is a big drawback and doesn’t offer you any flexibility what so ever. If you don’t have a landline you can still use mobile broadband and you can use it anywhere you choose to!
How much does mobile broadband cost?
There are so many different plans for mobile broadband, depending on your needs you can get it from as little as £10 per month and you can get a free USB dongle with most packages. At the other end of the scale there are plans with enough allowance to replace your home broadband completely starting around £15+ per month.
Networks also offer a pay as you go option which can give you a similar service, the only real drawback is you have to pay for the USB modem and generally get less value for money. The plus side is you’re not tied in to a contract! Check out our pay as you go deals here.
If you’re unsure which plan would suit you see our mobile broadband guide here. Or, you can visit our comparison page to view all our deals in 1 sitting!
How do I set my internet stick up?
We do all the hard work for you so when you receive your shiny new USB modem the only thing you need to do is plug it into your laptop or PC’s USB port. The software in most cases will begin to install automatically giving you step by step prompts. If this doesn’t happen click on “My Computer” and the modem will appear as a removable device, giving it a swift double click should start the instillation process. Once the software has finished installing you’re ready to begin surfing the world wide web!
Can I use these internet sticks abroad?
Most networks do now offer an option to allow you to use it abroad. However , I wouldn’t recommend it as a long term solution if you’re going to be out the country for more than 2 weeks at a time as the data charges you will experience will most likely, not be taken out of your standard price plan. This means additional monthly charges for the duration of your holiday. Each network offers different roaming rates so it’s always best to check with the network before you buy if this is your intention.
Will there be any hidden charges?
The answer is no. The only thing you will get charged for is any usage that isn’t included in your plan. For example say you have a 3GB plan and you download 4GB. You will be charged per megabyte in most cases. This can be avoided quite easily however by choosing a plan with enough allowance to suit your individual needs or choosing one with a fair use policy. Fair use policy means if you go over slightly they’re not going to hold it against you, which means, no extra costs! At this moment, all T-Mobile mobile broadband plans come with a Fair Use Policy.