The range of pre-pay mobile broadband deals now available to customers are best for those who will only occasionally need to use the service, one publication has suggested.

Many providers, including Vodafone, are now offering the pay-as-you-surf deals, which allow broadband users to top up as and when they wish to do so.

Now the Sun has said that although the deals are perfect for those who only sporadically need to get online while not using their home or work connections, more regular mobile broadband users should look at signing up to a suitable contract.

According to the newspaper: "Those who need web access often when out of the office will get better value from a monthly deal.

"As a handy back-up though for when your home broadband goes down, you are round at a friends, or making a trip to town, this is great."

Vodafone's pay-as-you-go offering requires a £39.99 dongle, with 1GB top-ups available at £15.