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Find the right mobile broadband deal for you

Mobile broadband is much more than a way to get your phone online. Learn more about mobile broadband deals and how they’re powering devices in people’s homes and beyond.

What is mobile broadband?

Mobile broadband connects your devices to the internet using 4G and 5G technology via a SIM-powered Wi-Fi router. Just like a phone, connecting to a 4G or 5G network requires decent mobile coverage.

Mobile broadband can come several forms:

SIM card Wi-Fi router: The primary technology behind a mobile broadband connection. You use it just like a normal broadband service, except the router is connected to mobile internet rather than a fixed-line broadband connection.
Data dongles: Dongles slot into USB ports to allow devices that don’t have space for a SIM card to connect to mobile broadband. The devices are harder to find these days but look like memory sticks or USB sticks, with an added slot for a SIM card.
Mi-Fi devices: Mi-Fi devices work like travel-sized routers for mobile broadband. A built-in SIM card slot and battery power source make them perfect for setting up Wi-Fi hotspots on-the-go.
Wi-Fi backups: The same technology is also relied on in backup mobile internet routers that turn on when your main broadband connection is experiencing a fault. These devices are usually available within a premium service as an add-on.

Why choose a mobile broadband deal?

For some people, mobile broadband might make more sense than a fixed-line deal. Here are some of the situations where you might want to consider a mobile broadband deal:

Limited broadband availability at home: In some rural areas, 4G mobile broadband speeds may be faster than old, copper-based broadband speeds.
Working on the move: If you need regular access to the internet away from home a mobile router could be more useful than relying on your phone.
Weak Wi-Fi signal in bigger buildings: Metal, concrete walls and other materials within buildings weaken Wi-Fi signals. With a mobile broadband device, you can move hotspots closer to devices as and when you need a stronger connection.
For temporary internet access: Some mobile broadband deals are available on one-month rolling contracts. So if you’re between home broadband deals or need internet access for a short period of time, mobile broadband deals could be the answer.

Type of broadband	"ADSL,(at least 10Mbps)"
"Superfast,(at least 30Mbps)"	"Gigabit capable,(at least 1Gbps)"
"4G,(average of 21.33Mbps)"	"5G,(average of 150Mbps)"
Availability across the UK	99.80%
97%	78%
93%	93%

Table showing broadband availability (UK)

How does mobile broadband work?

Mobile broadband uses the same technology as our smartphones to provide wireless internet access to multiple devices. Rather than using copper wires or fibre optic cables, mobile broadband delivers data over a network of radio waves to connect devices to the internet.

In the UK, the 4G and 5G networks carrying the data are usually provided by one of four mobile operators: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.

What is 5G mobile broadband?

5G is the fastest kind of mobile broadband. It uses SIM cards and mobile networks to wirelessly connect devices to the internet without the need for Wi-Fi.

Pros of 5G mobile broadband	Cons of 5G mobile broadband
"High download speeds,Average 5G download speeds are more than four times faster than those on 4G."	"Limited coverage,5G may cover the large majority of the UK but unfortunately it isn’t available in some locations."
"Low latencies,Average response times for 5G technology outperform 4G technology too."	"Low penetration,5G signals travel on radio waves that can be easily blocked by everyday objects."
"Improved bandwidth,More devices can work on a 5G network than a 4G network because of its broad bandwidth."	"Battery drain,5G drains smartphone batteries quicker than using 4G or Wi-Fi."
	"Increased security risks,Although it’s more secure than 4G, 5G is vulnerable to more security risks than fixed-line broadband."

Table showing the pros and cons of mobile broadband

Which broadband companies provide mobile broadband?

All four of the UK’s major network providers offer mobile broadband deals. The following contract lengths are available across the different networks:

EE: 1 month, 18 months, 24 months
O2: 1 month, 24 months, 36 months
Three: 1 month, 12 months, 24 months
Vodafone: 1 month, 12 months, 24 months

Do I need mobile broadband?

If you live in an area with poor fixed-line broadband options, mobile broadband might offer a better internet connection. For example, a 5G mobile broadband deal might offer a faster connection than an ADSL broadband deal.

Alternatively, if you spend long periods of time away from home, mobile broadband could be a convenient way of keeping all your devices online.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile broadband routers?

Before investing in a mobile broadband router, it’s important to consider the positives and negatives:

Advantages of mobile broadband routers

Portability: The option to carry a fast and reliable internet connection wherever you go could be a big plus.
Accessibility: Joining public Wi-Fi networks can be a faff, and they’re less secure than a private connection. Having your own portable hotspot can save a lot of trouble asking for passwords and signing up for mailing lists.
Connectivity: When it comes to getting multiple devices online while you’re on the go, nothing compares to a mobile broadband device.

Disadvantages of mobile broadband routers

Convenience: Are you happy to carry your phone and a mobile broadband device at the same time? For some people, it’s just too much effort.
Signal strength: Mobile internet as a technology is less stable than a fixed-line broadband connection, so it could be seen as less reliable.
Security: If you’re choosing a broadband deal for your home, a fixed line always beats mobile broadband routers for security.

FAQs

What is a data dongle?

A data dongle, otherwise known as a USB dongle, looks like a memory stick or USB stick with an added slot for a SIM card. By inserting a data dongle into a USB port, the SIM card can connect a device to the internet using 4G or 5G.

Is a Mi-Fi device better than mobile tethering?

It all depends on your individual needs. If you want to save your phone’s battery, a device dedicated to mobile broadband might work best for you. If you want to travel light and to carry fewer devices, mobile tethering might be a better option.

It’s not just convenience you should consider. Mi-Fi routers usually work better than mobile hotspots when supporting more devices. Signals on Mi-Fi routers usually reach further than mobile phones too.

It’s important to think about what you need from your mobile connection and to do your research before making a decision.

Is there such a thing as Pay As You Go mobile broadband?

Yes. Pay As You Go (PAYG) mobile broadband is available from EE and Three.

Should I get 4G or 5G mobile broadband?

That depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a speedy connection 5G is the obvious choice. If you want a cheaper option 4G might be the way to go. It’s more than likely you need a mobile broadband deal that strikes a balance between fast download speeds and affordability. Whatever your needs might be, it’s important to shop around to find a package that works for you.

Can you use portable Wi-Fi on a plane?

No, but things might change soon. Although all airlines seem to ban the use of mobile broadband, recent news suggests that 4G and 5G will soon be allowed on flights. If you want to get online while in the air, your airline might offer onboard Wi-Fi.

How secure is mobile broadband?

Although 4G and 5G connections encrypt data, the newer technology offers greater security. When comparing mobile broadband with a fixed-line connection, conventional broadband is less vulnerable to security risks.

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