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What is a mobile broadband dongle?

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The term dongle has traditionally referred to any USB device; however, with the rise of mobile broadband and the influence of 3 broadband it has become synonymous with mobile broadband modems.

Mobile broadband dongles are portable modems that plug into the USB port of your laptop or computer providing internet access via 3G signalling. Dongles are popular with business and personal users alike as they offer greater flexibility and increase communication opportunities.

Mobile dongles are also widely referred to as mobile modems, mobile USB modems and USB modems, though the term dongle is perhaps the most widely used.

Who offers mobile broadband via mobile broadband dongles?

  • Vodafone offer a range of mobile broadband dongles, the most popular being it's small and speedy "USB Modem stick" starting at £15 a month. With speeds of up to 7.2Mb and download allowance of 3Gb, this offer is a real no-brainer.
  • 3’s mobile USB modem dongle comes free on many of the 3 packages. Offering 1Gb downloads and speeds of up to 2.8Mb, 3’s £10 offer is great value for money.
  • T Mobile's USB dongles offer speeds of up to 1.8Mb and download allowances of 10Gb - 9/10 T Mobile customers say it "works like a dream".
  • Orange's ICON 225 USB dongle is the sleekest and fastest they've ever made, offering speeds of up to 7.2Mb this dongle is a fast mover!

Advantages of mobile broadband dongles:

  • Mobile dongles are often free of charge when taken with an 18 or 24 month 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 in recent months have seen mobile dongles become smaller, sleeker and faster.
  • Mobile dongles run on the battery of your computer and 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.

Note:

  • Mobile broadband dongles often have download limits of 1Gb and 3Gb, ideal for people who simply want to check emails and do light browsing, not enough for those who want to download large fimes such as songs and movies.
  • Speeds obtained via mobile dongles depend on the strength of the signal of the mobile operator with whom you have your agreement. For instance, if Vodafone supply your mobile broadband, places where the Vodafone signal is strong will have faster speeds than those where only one or two bars of coverage can be accessed.

Dongles on the market:

  • Vodafone USB dongle

This sleek, lightweight USB modem offers excellent value mobile broadband.

  • Dimensions: 89 x 43 x 14.5mm
  • Technical specifications:
  • PC: Windows® XP or Vista
  • Apple® Mac: OS X Panther 10.3.9 or higher

Compare Vodafone mobile broadband deals here.

  • T-Mobile USB dongle

T Mobile’s mobile broadband packages provide you with a 1.8 Mb connection, which matches a standard home broadband connection. T-Mobile mobile broadband is easy to set up - you just plug it in and get online for hassle-free broadband whether you're at home or on the go.

  • Dimensions: 15 x 89 x 43mm
  • Weight: 50g
  • Technical specifications
  • PC: Windows® 2000, XP or Vista
  • Apple® Mac: Apple Mac OS X

Compare T Mobile mobile broadband deals here.

  • 3 USB dongle:

3 offer a large range of mobile broadband packages and mobile modems/dongles to suit every user. 3 offer both traditional dongles and USB modem sticks to their customers. 3's £10 per month option is a popular one with casual users looking to lightly browse the internet on the go, while their "Max" options give customers far more downloads for every pound they spend.

  • Dimensions: 86 x 44.3 x 10mm
  • Weight 40g
  • Technical specifications:
  • PC: Windows® 2000, XP or Vista
  • Apple® Mac: Mac OSX

View and compare the latest 3 mobile broadband packages on offer here.

  • Orange USB dongle

Orange's Mobile broadband Everywhere 24 package is a great option for those looking to check emails and download the odd song when on the go. Orange's ICON 2 USB dongle is a state-of-the art USB key that plugs into the USB port of any laptop or computer giving broadband speeds in seconds.

  • Dimensions: 63 x 26 x 13mm
  • Weight: 40g
  • Technical specifications
  • PC: Windows® 2000, XP or Vista
  • Apple® Mac: MacOS

Compare Orange mobile broadband deals and offers here.

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