What forms of mobile broadband are there?
Dongles
These are small gadgets that plug into the USB ports of your computer and connect it to Wifi.
Data-only SIM cards
Much like the SIM cards you use for your phone, these go in your mobile phone or tablet.
Personal Wi-Fi
These are basically miniature routers that you can carry around with you.
What is mobile broadband?
The difference between mobile broadband normal fixed broadband is that mobile is portable — you can take it around with you. It works similarly to mobile data, through 3G and 4G services. Fixed broadband, on the other hand, works through cables.
Should I get mobile broadband?
Possibly. It really comes down to you, where you live and your lifestyle. Here are some of the advantages of mobile broadband.
You can take it anywhere
Unlike fixed broadband, which you can only use at home, mobile is just that: mobile. You can use it out and about: in a coffee shop, in a bar, in your car, at a theme park, in the library, in the hairdressers, in a park… loads of places, is what we’re trying to say.
For short-term use
Mobile broadband can be temporary if you want it to be. All you need to do is sign up and switch on and, just like that, you have portable Wi-Fi. You can get 30-day contracts so you don’t get locked into anything long term.
This makes it great if you need broadband for a short period of time, such as if you haven’t yet got fixed broadband for your home or you’re not staying at home.
It could be better than your fixed broadband
Fixed broadband (home broadband or office broadband) is better in some locations than it is in others. It’s annoying but that’s the way it is. If you live in a particularly bad area for fixed broadband, then mobile broadband could provide faster internet speeds.
FAQs
Want to know more about how Quidco can help you save money on your mobile broadband, find out how.
Your mobile broadband number will likely be displayed on the packaging that your dongle, Mi-Fi or Portable Hubspot came in. Not there or you’ve thrown it away? Get in touch with your mobile broadband provider. They’ll be able to tell you.
The good news? You don’t need much at all to start comparing mobile broadband deals through Compare. All you need is your address. That’s it. Easy.
