Mobile broadband services are now threatening fixed-line internet suppliers in terms of speed and cost, it has been claimed.

The Financial Times notes that mobile broadband providers 3, T-Mobile and Vodafone are investing in technology upgrades that are making the products increasingly attractive to consumers.

With both 3 and T-Mobile developing networks that will increase the speed at which data can be transferred, download rates look set to double from this summer onwards, the publication reports.

Meanwhile Vodafone is already offering speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps in central London and will extend such services to six major cities throughout the UK over the summer months.

Christopher Fremantle, an analyst at Morgan Stanley, notes that on top of offering comparable speeds to that of fixed-line services, Vodafone's mobile broadband services are now cheaper than BT's equivalent home-based package.

Recently, 3 has also lowered the prices of its pay as you go services, with mobile dongles available for £69.99.

Compare the latest mobile broadband deals here.