What is a mobile broadband dongle?

A dongle is a small USB device that allows you to access the internet with a 3G mobile broadband connection. It can be referred to as a dongle, USB modem, internet stick, USB network adapter or USB mobile broadband stick. Dongles are popular because they offer greater flexibility than fixed line connections and can be used on the go.

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Which providers offer mobile broadband dongles?

Dongles provide internet using 3G technology, the same 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. With speeds of up to 7.2Mb, generous download allowances and a monthly asking price from around £5, this offer is a real no-brainer.
• Three’s mobile USB modem dongle comes free on many packages. Offering speeds of up to 21Mb (depending on location), Three's mobile broadband is the fastest on the market.
• T-Mobile's USB dongles offer speeds of up to 7.2Mb. Nine out of ten T-Mobile customers say it works like a dream.
• Orange's dongle is the sleekest and fastest they've ever made, offering speeds of up to 7.2Mb.
• O2 dongles get you online at speeds of up to 3.6Mb, with some attractive offers available to suit all types of users.

Pros and cons of dongles:

Pros

• Mobile dongles are often free when taken with a contract.
• USB dongles give internet users greater flexibility with the convenience to access the Internet when away from the home or office.
• Developments in mobile broadband technology 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 1.5Mb. This is perfect for basic tasks like email, calendars and Twitter but for more demanding applications, or those involving media streaming, this probably won’t be enough.
• Coverage is dependent on mobile phone reception, so the mobile blackspots that have you cursing your provider will also affect 3G broadband.
• Data limits are small. Again this is okay for basic tasks, but for mobile broadband to truly become an alternative to home connections there is a long way to go.
• Overseas charges can be huge, depending on network.

What about MiFi's?

Like a dongle, a MiFi unit connects you to the internet over 3G. However, unlike dongles which a connection for just one PC or laptop, Mifi's create a localised wireless mobile broadband signal that can be shared between multiple mobile broadband-enabled devices.

So what's the catch? Well, currently the only UK broadband providers who offer a MiFi are Vodafone and Three. So if you're in an area where one of those networks' coverage isn't all it might be, you may find that a Mifi isn't an option for you.

What's more, if you share your monthly allowance between multiple mobile broadband-enabled devices, such as consoles, smartphones, tablets and laptops, you're likely to find that you get through your download limit a lot quicker.