What is a mobile broadband stick?

Mobile broadband sticks are USB modems that connect a laptop or computer to the internet. They use 3G - the same connection technology as mobile phones - and provide internet connectivity wherever there is mobile coverage. They are more commonly known as mobile broadband dongles.

Which providers offer mobile broadband dongles?

Broadband dongles use the same 3G technology as a mobile phone, so nearly all mobile providers offer mobile broadband. The market is simply too competitive not to.

• Vodafone offers a range of mobile broadband dongles starting at £5 a month. With speeds of up to 7.2Mb and a download allowance of 3GB, this offer is a real no-brainer.
• Three’s mobile USB modem dongle comes free on many Three packages. Offering 1GB of download limit per month and speeds of up to 21Mb for a shade under £8 per month, Three mobile broadband is great value for money.
• T Mobile's USB dongles provide speeds of up to 7.2Mb and maximum download allowances of 3GB on standard long-term contracts. 9/10 T Mobile customers say it "works like a dream!".
• Orange Orange's dongle is sleek, fast and provides speeds of up to 7.2Mb.
• O2 O2's crisp, all-white dongles get you online at speeds of up to 3.6Mb.

Pros and cons of dongles:

Pros

• Mobile dongles are often free of charge when taken with a contract.
• USB dongles give Internet users greater flexibility and the convenience to access the Internet when away from the home or office.
• Developments in mobile broadband have seen mobile dongles become smaller, sleeker and faster.
• Mobile dongles run on the battery of your computer, therefore do not need to be charged.
• Mobile broadband dongles can be used in both laptops and computers, making them ideal for regular use as well as in emergencies.

Cons

• Speeds are low - reaching a maximum of 21Mb and having an industry-recognised average of up to 7.6Mb. This is perfect for basic tasks like email, calendars and Twitter but for more demanding applications, or those involving media streaming, it probably won’t be enough.
• Coverage is dependent on mobile phone reception, so the mobile blackspots that have you cursing will also affect 3G.
• Data limits are small – again this is okay for basic tasks, but for mobile broadband to truly threaten home connections there is a long way to go.
• Overseas charges can be huge, even in the wake of landmark legislation from the EU.