The signal problems that mobile broadband users can encounter when in rural areas has been highlighted by one expert.

Jack Schofield of the Guardian has pointed out that although many providers claim that they cover over 90 per cent of the UK, in geographical terms the picture can be very different.

Mr Schofield said that the percentage can often refer to the population of the country, which is of course concentrated in towns and cities where the signal it best.

Referring to 3's coverage checker, he commented: "Wales, Cornwall and anywhere north of Yorkshire have very little HSDPA coverage beyond the main towns and cities.

"Even in places such as Surrey and Sussex, coverage is patchy. This is something you should really have checked in advance."

In an attempt to attract businesses, 3 recently increased the usage caps on its mobile broadband deals aimed at small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) up to 15GB.