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The answer is yes - you can absolutely get internet on the go without having to sign a contract or pay any kind of monthly fee. Pay-as-you-go PAYG mobile broadband is only offered by a few networks, but you've still got plenty of choice over devices, tariffs, and costs. On traditional pay-as-you-go phone or SIM-only plans , you top up your account with credit, then spend that credit each time you make a call, send a text, or use the internet. PAYG mobile broadband, however, works a bit differently.
First, you need to buy a mobile broadband device outright - whether it's a dongle, a Mifi device, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, or a 4G router - or take out a PAYG data-only SIM card on its own to put in your tablet. Take a look at our deals to find one you like. Then, you load your new gadget or SIM with an allowance of data that you have a set amount of time usually 30 days to use. The data bundles you can buy could range from MB all the way up to 15GB or so, depending on your network. Once you use all that data - or when 30 days is up, whichever comes sooner - you can top it up by buying another batch of data.
A special mobile broadband plan is your best bet. Sometimes you can even get an extra discount if you choose the network you already have a phone plan with. Read more about mobile coverage. Of course you want to get the best value deal you can. Think about how much you're willing to pay upfront right now, and check the network's tariffs. Look at the costs of data bundles you're likely to take out - one network may have the cheapest MB top-up, but a different one might have the cheapest 10GB one. Some pay-as-you-go plans come with extras.
Three lets you pre-load a new SIM with data on the cheap; Vodafone may give you reward points; and a plan with O2 gets you free access to Wi-Fi hotspots and priority tickets. For commitment-free mobile broadband, you've really got two options: Pay-as-you-go is best for ultimate flexibility - you can top up your account as soon as you need data, then can just forget about it and don't pay a penny more until you next need to use it.
That makes it the best option if you only want to use mobile broadband occasionally.
The arrival of 4G services in most of the UK means that mobile broadband is now faster than ever, making mobile internet an even more viable alternative to a fixed line connection. As the name suggests, mobile broadband is a service you can connect to on the go. Mobile broadband gives you access to the internet on a laptop computer wherever there's a mobile phone signal. Mobile broadband is accessed using mobile phone networks, either 3G or 4G, which means you can connect wherever there's 3G or 4G coverage in the UK and abroad and get on the internet at the touch of a button.
Simply plug one of these mobile broadband modems into your computer or connect wirelessly with a MiFi and you can instantly access the internet. The fact that mobile broadband is designed for laptops doesn't mean it can't be used by PC owners; in fact, if you're looking to sign up to home broadband but don't have a BT landline or don't want to pay the home phone connection fees, mobile broadband could be perfect for you.
You can choose between pay as you go, contract or SIM-only short-term rolling contracts of one month. It really couldn't be easier or faster to set up a mobile broadband connection.
With Mobile Broadband you get all kinds of choice – a data dongle to pop into Wi-Fi routers, available on Pay as you go or on Pay monthly with a day or. Mi-Fi 30 day plans £ upfront cost, £30 per month A mobile broadband USB dongle is a great choice if you're often out and about, or you don't have.
Once your new mobile broadband dongle has arrived, simply insert the USB modem into one of the USB ports on your laptop or PC it shouldn't matter which USB port you choose and it will begin installing the software you need to get online. This means that everything you need for your mobile broadband connection is on the USB stick.
Mobile broadband download speed: Good broadband deals aren't just about the price, it's also about what's included in the product, the speeds offered and any extra incentives providers are offering. Why don't you look for some of the best deals available? Consumer Business. Otherwise, by clicking on or navigating this site, you accept our use of cookies. Vodafone Data Manager lets you manage and boost your data, giving you more control of your monthly data allowance.
Even if you have a 4G mobile broadband plan, you'll probably be connected to 3G more frequently than 4G. Mobile broadband could make a massive difference to anyone who travels or uses their laptop in more than one place:.
Really, mobile broadband is for anyone who wants anytime, anywhere broadband access. Maybe you just want to know that wherever you are, you have the flexibility to open your laptop and access your e-mails, or use all the online applications you would normally use in the office or at home. Mobile broadband ISPs have realised that there's a huge number of business people out there who are keen to make the most of mobile broadband technologies and save time in their day.
Dedicated business mobile broadband packages are now on offer from a range of ISPs. Compare all business mobile broadband deals on our dedicated page.
There are a number of factors to take into account when choosing your mobile broadband package, and what may be considered the best mobile broadband for one person may not be for another. You will no doubt have noticed that all the main mobile broadband providers are also the main mobile phone operators — for obvious reasons. The biggest providers for mobile broadband are:. Wi-Fi is restricted to small areas and hotspots, whereas mobile broadband is accessible anywhere there's mobile phone coverage.
More and more retailers, restaurants, transportation providers and other places are offering Wi-Fi, but relying on Wi-Fi doesn't offer the same freedom or guarantee as using mobile broadband.
A number of security concerns have also been raised in relation to public Wi-Fi signals, with hackers using open networks to steal data and sensitive information. Since it's not a public connection, mobile broadband is a more secure way to access the internet on the go.
That being said, combining mobile broadband with a Wi-Fi hotspot — since most mobile broadband providers also give free access to Wi-Fi hotspots — is a great way to boost your speeds. Just be careful with the type of information or data you're accessing on public networks.
Depending on a number of factors, mobile broadband coverage varies. In order to check whether there's mobile broadband coverage in the area you'll be connecting, click on the providers' websites and perform a street check. The main factor affecting mobile broadband coverage is the distance from the mobile phone mast.
The closer you are to it, the faster speeds you will be able to get. This applies for both 3G and 4G mobile broadband. Overseas usage comes at a cost, as you might expect, although these costs depend on the carrier you are with and are cheaper than you might think nowadays, especially if you're traveling in Europe. For more information on using broadband abroad, see our guide on accessing broadband abroad.
TalkTalk customers to get advanced Wi-Fi. Enter your UK postcode to check which home broadband deals are available in your area:. Our UK based call centre staff can provide expert help to find a deal that matches your needs.
Our top 10 mobile broadband deals Mobile broadband on the go — no landline and no cables Latest offers on broadband dongles below Compare dongle deals with flexible contract lengths and download limits. Buy now. Your postcode. Current provider. Show costs as: Monthly Full contract. Narrow results: Filter your results. EE MBB 7. Three 1. Contract length.
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