Dare to Share

Mobile broadband is an alternative to fixed line broadband which allows you to connect to the internet on the move, wherever you are. It connects you via the mobile phone networks, using either a USB modem (also known as a dongle), or an internal network card. If you missed our article earlier this month on mobile broadband, you can check out the basics on what to look for when choosing a mobile broadband deal, or read on for more on which suppliers are offering what.

So which is the best mobile broadband deal?

Well, what constitutes the best deal depends a lot on your requirements – how often you’ll be using the connection, and for what, and so on. While we can’t tell you here and now what the best deal is, we can give a good overview of what’s on offer.

3 Mobile. 3 have an extremely large range of mobile broadband deals on offer – they currently list over sixty different options. The choice ranges from the entry level budget deal Broadband Lite, which allows 1 GB of data and comes in at just £10 per month, to a £40 per month option which allows 15 GB of data and comes with a ‘free’ laptop. 3 also offer some pay as you go options for anyone not keen on signing up for a contract. It’s also worth mentioning that existing customers get a whopping 50% off line rental on all 18 and 24-month mobile broadband contracts, so they’re well worth a look if you’re already a 3 customer.

O2. Compared to 3, O2 have a more streamlined (and less baffling!) range of choices. At the moment O2 are offering a free Sony Ericsson T280i phone with all of their mobile broadband contracts, so if you’re in the market for a new basic handset it’s one to consider. They also offer a discount on their home broadband when you take a mobile broadband contract. In terms of packages available, amongst other choices, you can go heavy usage at 10 GB from £29.38, or pick up an introductory offer on the first four months of the 3 GB 24 month contract. Also of note when considering O2 – they recently ranked top for customer satisfaction in a JD Power poll.

Orange. Orange have three really good straightforward choices. Like the previous two suppliers, Orange offer the basic 3 GB deal for around the £15 mark (£14.68) on an 18 month contract. Alternatively there’s the low price, low data allowance option, allowing 1 GB for just £9.79 a month. Or if you’re in the market for a laptop, go for the £24.47 per month option, which nets you an Acer Eee PC and a 3 GB data allowance.

T-Mobile. T-Mobile offer a good range of options, including three choices of heavy use contracts allowing 10Gb of data, starting at £30 per month, a pay as you go option and a handful of laptop deals. There’s also the option of a ‘share-dock’ on a £20 per month contract – which allows you to share your mobile broadband connection with up to four other users at any given time. T-Mobile also tend to rate quite highly in speed tests, and unlike other suppliers run a ‘fair usage policy’ rather than strict download limits, meaning you won’t get hit with fees for over-usage without warning.

Virgin. Virgin are the new kids on the block as far as mobile broadband goes, but their offering is nice and straightforward. You pay £15 per month for up to 3GB, on an 18 month contract.

Vodafone. Vodafone have the fastest advertised mobile broadband speeds in the UK, and a range of around twenty different deals. For heavy users there’s an unlimited option, although it will set you back £60 a month; there’s a good basic 3Gb option at £15 for 12 months, and a couple of laptop options with a free introductory price tag for the first three months (from £25 thereafter).

A final tip

When looking at mobile broadband offers, keep in mind that a good guide price is around £15 per month for a 3GB download limit on a 12 or 18 month contract. Most operators have this option, so it can be used as benchmark to compare prices of other deals.

And don’t forget – mobile broadband deals change regularly, so check in on Mobile Broadband Genie to get the latest info!

About the author: Chris Marling is editor of www.broadbandgenie.co.uk, the independent comparison website for broadband and mobile broadband.