Consumers are far better to purchase their own dongle than rely on free wireless broadband hotspots, it has been claimed.

According to Stuff.TV, just because wireless broadband services are free, "it does not mean they are good".

The website said that if web users spend a lot of time out and about with their laptop, it is probably a good idea to simply invest in a mobile broadband modem.

"Free Wi-Fi hotspots can be hugely unreliable and sitting in MacDonald's probably isn't the best environment for getting stuff done," it added.

"Unshackle yourself from your wireless chains and buy yourself a 3G mobile broadband dongle."

Stuff.tv noted that with pay-as-you-go dongle tariffs, consumers only pay for what they use, providing great geographical and cost flexibility.

Mobile broadband provider 3 recently increased the usage allowance available on its one month dongle contracts from 3GB to 5GB.