Guide to mobile broadband prices
What is mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband refers to the technology that allows you to connect to the internet, wherever, whenever. Just as mobile phones revolutionised the way we use the telephone, mobile broadband is set to revolutionise the way we use the internet. You don’t have to go looking for WiFi hotspot, or try to read all the data you need from the screen of your mobile phone – you just take your USB modem, plug it into your laptop, and go. The modem uses the mobile phone networks to connect you wherever you are.
Nowadays mobile broadband is easy to get, easy to use and is faster and more reliable than you might expect. It’s still not as fast as fixed line broadband, but it’s great for anyone who wants to work on the move or stay connected whilst out and about; for students who move home a lot; for those who work away from home and for anyone who doesn’t want to mess about with a landline, cables and modems.
And mobile broadband prices are more attractive than you might expect, too.
How much does it cost?
Mobile broadband is a growth market, and there is a lot of competition amongst suppliers to snap up potential customers. This means that mobile broadband prices are very competitive – and consumers can not only expect good prices, but can also expect to take advantage of some great ‘freebies’ which are being offered by suppliers. Not only that, but mobile broadband prices are falling, with a recent study showing that this year’s mobile broadband prices are on average 35% lower than last year.
What you pay depends on what you need from your package, but mobile broadband prices for consumers start from as little as £10 per month. Prices are lower for deals which offer you less data per month, with less extras.
How do I find the best mobile broadband prices?
There are six main mobile broadband suppliers here in the UK, and unsurprisingly - given that mobile broadband operates over the mobile phone networks - they are the big mobile phone network providers: 3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and Virgin. Each supplier offers numerous different deals, with more options being added frequently; and mobile broadband prices vary according to what’s being offered. To find the best mobile broadband price it helps to know what you need. Deals differ according to connection speed, data cap, length of contract, and what is included or thrown in extra. Here’s some tips on how to assess what you need in order to get the best mobile broadband prices.
Speed. Mobile broadband speeds are advertised as “up to” whatever speed, which means that you are not guaranteed to get the headline speed. It’s useful to bear this in mind when looking at what’s being offered.
Data cap. This is basically a usage restriction on the amount of data you can transfer per month, and mobile broadband prices are higher for deals which allow more data. Assess what you’ll be using your mobile broadband for before deciding what to go for, and bear in mind that there are penalties for over-use. Data caps start at 1GB which is relatively low, but generally the average user will be fine with a 3GB limit.
Length of contract. Mobile broadband contracts - like mobile phone contracts - can be lengthy, and prevent you from shifting to a better tariff if one becomes available. However, mobile broadband prices may be slightly lower for longer contracts, or the extras may be better to encourage you to sign up for longer.
Included & Extras. Mobile broadband contracts vary a lot according to what is included in the deal. Many contracts include the USB dongle for free, although cheaper contracts and pay-as-you-go options often do not, so make sure you know what you’re getting. Also, some suppliers now offer some very attractive extras, such as laptops and mobile phone handsets. The basic mobile broadband prices are higher for the contracts with this sort of ‘freebie’, but if you need a new laptop or mobile phone it’s well worth considering these options.
Compare mobile broadband prices
It can be quite time consuming and frustrating trying to find the best mobile broadband prices, which is why we recommend that you use our independent guide which covers all the options, all the deals and all the mobile broadband prices on offer, from all suppliers.
