Avoid excessive data allowance

Mobile internet is calling the shot in the modern days. There is practically none without any form of internet enabled device - a smartphone, a tablet or something like that.

The facility to connect to online while on the move has made life more convenient, interesting and enjoyable for all. The business and trading personnel are making the best use of the facility when they are on tour. It is the same with the casual users.

But the mobile consumers must have an eye on the data allowance. Otherwise the limit will cross and the charges will mount, giving sleepless nights to them.

There are methods to control the consumption. Some of which are given below:

1. Utilize free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is now available everywhere in the UK - hotels, restaurants, coffees hops, book centres, libraries, shopping centres etc. It may be necessary to buy something from the shop/restaurant etc to get the code to access the Wi-Fi. It may still work out cheaper, because the 3G user allowance is not disturbed.

If the facility is available at home, again there is no need to connect to 3G. The consumer has to ensure that there is no interference with the Wi-Fi of somebody else as it is not only illegal but causing risk to security as well.

2. Consider roaming options: It is ideal to check the roaming options on the data plan before accessing the net. If the consumer happens to be in a place where the coverage is not provided by the network operator, he can as well think of a data SIM card, on prepaid basis.

3. Monitor data usage: The provider will be too pleased if the consumer exceeds his allowance. Then he has to pay enormously. So it is in the interest of the consumer that he has good control over the data usage. If he finds from his experience that the user allowance has to be increased, it is better to opt for an upgrade.

How fast is Mobile Broadband

Very often you hear of people talking about the top speeds for upload and download speeds offered by a mobile broadband service or HSPA connectivity. Now the mentioned top speed concern the optimum capacity of a radio connectivity that links a mobile device like a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to the radio mast through which the communication happens. Nevertheless, the real speed of mobile broadband connectivity will differ based on several factors. Given below are some of the main features that could be responsible for the speeds that the user would be experiencing.

The outlay involved in the technology
There are so many things that go into the process of communication using mobile broadband. The data that is either uploaded or downloaded by a certain user is just one among the total amount of traffic that is happening at a specific time. In addition there is transmission of date to the network regarding the genuineness of the user, and messages fly back and forth in order to regulate the service and also to determine whether the end-user is shifting from one from cell to cell. Further there are other details that have to be transmitted regarding the identity of the user, regarding the source of content received as well as the destination of the date being sent and also in what way the data should be managed by the device of the client. There are certain applications that require extra signals which imply that more of the bandwidth is used up.

All these factors are vital to run the network the mobile broadband service and also to ensure that the gadget of the user functions without a hitch, however these are what are responsible for the lowering of the quantity of bandwidth to transmit data that can be seen by the user of the device. Also, there are certain gadgets that have extra features included to their usual features through data cards or USB devices and these may not be support mobility, and this could in turn affect speeds.

Multiple connections at the same time
Every radio mast can only accommodate a specific quantity of traffic at any particular time, of course this too will be based on the know-how that is being utilized. This would imply that a radio mast can only offer a restricted number of users with optimum speeds at one time. Therefore when more than the specified number of people sharing the radio signals together, the bandwidth naturally reduces accordingly.

Network Coverage
In spite of the fact that the coverage mobile broadband is improving at a steady pace, not all radio masts have been enhanced to be capable of supporting lofty bandwidth connectivity and at times it just may be that mobile broadband is not accessible in certain regions. It is only simple to understand that wherever there is mobile coverage, the farther away a user goes from the radio mast the more feeble his bandwidth availability will be.

The immediate neighbourhood
What you need to know is that radio frequencies can be disturbed by other radio frequencies, and that if there is so form of radio disturbance near where a user’s radio mast is located, there are chances that speeds would be slower. Mobile connectivity is also hindered by the presence of high rise buildings, mountains and inclement weather. This is probably why mobile gadgets inside the building may have feeble connections. The same device may perform better when outside the building. This can also be the case when a person is travelling because mobile broadband can be affected by the speed at which the person is travelling. This can be attributed to the network requiring to frequently pass on the connections form one mast to the other which could lower traffic a little.

Unprecedented Requirement variations
Mobile broadband is created and constructed on certain suppositions regarding the number of users who will be using the services simultaneously including the kind of traffic involved. The calculations for the assumptions go like this; if there are approximately a hundred people logging in simultaneously to a radio mast, not every user need necessarily make use of the optimum bandwidth of 3.6 Mbps straight away. So the mast would only have to deal with 15 Mbps of traffic at one specific time period, so as per the calculations a connection from a radio mast to the operator’s basic network that would permit 15Mbps would be provided and set up.

Nevertheless the point is that if the way the users utilize the bandwidth changes, the calculations and suppositions all go haywire and the connectivity get overcrowded thereby hindering speeds particularly during peak periods.

The Significance of the Internet
This is a very essential factor too. A lot of the facilities that are transferred through mobile broadband have their source in the Internet. As you can rightly guess and even probably have experienced, there are often times when trying to access the Internet is a hassle because of the overcrowding and speeds are slower than snail’s pace. Therefore in spite of mobile broadband speeds being high with the most possible bandwidth, the data that the user is looking for may not be received as fast as expected.

Even Fixed Lines have variations in their output
Some of the problems mentioned above have their effect even on fixed line broadband know-how that many homes utilize. This is called the Digital subscriber Line or DSL., which is greatly interrupted by factors like technology overheads, unprecedented changes in requirements and the Internet, That is why today the traditional mode of traffic assuming causes blockages in the DSL networks with the users demand for bandwidth increasing all of a sudden especially since the introduction of the software streaming video-on-demand like the iPlayer from BBC.

The fixed line can also be hindered by the coverage of networks in specific regions where either the reception is poor or interrupted by the presence of other radio waves which can reduce speed considerably.

Cable technology is another of the modes that are used to provide fixed line connections to homes. As mentioned above the cable fixed lines can also be affected in the same way as the DSL. In this case even multiple users logging in simultaneously can lower speeds especially during peak hours because this is a shared connection with many people using the connection at the same time.

A Guide To Mobile Broadband Security

No matter whether you are using a computer or your mobile phone to browse the Internet, it would be in your interest to ensure that all security measures are in place such that no person is able to get into your system and begin to download through your mobile broadband Internet connectivity.

It would be best to get to know the dangers of utilizing a mobile dongle and understand the steps that you would need to take for safeguarding your mobile broadband.

The danger
What you should know is that as your connection for mobile broadband is a mobile phone agreement that has a SIM card, the greatest danger is that you may get your modem stolen or it may get lost for the simple reason that any Tom, Dick or Harry could plug into their system and download whatever they require and however much they want through your modem, implying that your bills will sky rocket by the month end.

In the case of either losing the modem or it getting stolen, you should call your mobile provider to inform them immediately so as to ensure that the line is disconnected or cancelled, similar to what they would do when you inform them that you have lost your mobile phone.

Local IP Connection
Mobile broadband consumers are not provided with an Internet IP address like what you are provided with a fixed landline connection. Rather you would be provided with an IP address locally as the one you are provided in the office.

Though this makes no difference while surfing the net, the fact is that it ensures that your connection is better safeguarded. The connection is protected by the firewall that the provider has, with an IP address that is provided locally, which makes it rather tough for people to break into. Nevertheless it does not imply that you would be unable to connect with the mobile broadband with remote access using another system.

In-built encryption
Since the mobile broadband utilizes the network of the provider in which everything is previously encrypted, it seems like you have a WPA or WEP key inside your connection.

It is different from wireless
Though you feel that mobile broadband is a wire-free connection, it would not be possible for anyone to examine your signals like they probably could have you been utilizing a Wi-Fi connection. This means that if you happen to utilize your modem either when you are travelling or in some cafeteria there is no cause for worry regarding people trying to hack into it.

Broadband Routers for mobiles
Nevertheless the fact remains that if you happen to be utilizing a broadband wireless router or a mobile broadband Wi-Fi dongle, you have to ensure that you take the necessary and the regular precautionary measures like setting up a secure WPA or WEP key. This is to make certain that people who have no right do not look for your signals and get connected through your router.

General Security
One that that you should probably know is that any person surfing the web must ascertain that they have a dependable and good security software like McAfee or Norton set up in your system to safeguard your system being attacked by viruses, hackers and Trojans.

Mobile WIMAX

Better quality radio technology and an open IP dependant network communication set up have together made mobile WIMAX the chosen technology of many a broadband application. Mobile WIMAX facilitates a novel Internet based business approach of offering a completely different means of access to the Internet other than the conventional telecom version. This technology was born from the necessity for an open Internet business version broadband and data centric applications trying to promote modernization for the mobile devices and for the applications concerning these devices.

Indications are that the Mobile WIMAX seems to have a promising market that is increasing steadily. As per the studies conducted by Infonetics Research, by this year end about 76 million subscribers across the globe would have fixed and mobile WIMAX connectivity. Another report from Dell’ Oro Group shows that the income from mobile WIMAX across the world in the third quarter of 2008 was almost four times what it was in the third quarter of the previous year and predicts revenues breaking all records in the fourth quarter.

WIMAX seems to get into areas that have yet to receive broadband coverage. This technology seems to be providing facilities to bridge the gap between the areas that have and do not have Internet and where offering broadband or even voice mail facilities are not feasible for the broadband providers. WIMAX will provide a substitute for DSL by permitting services to eventually facilitate fixed mobile convergence or FMC of networks

However, for home broadband Mobile WIMAX will offer the connectivity to more thickly peopled areas like metro centres and outskirts, giving them the chance to instigate taking broadband connectivity by providing a DSL-on-the-go scheme. This can be done as Mobile WIMAX is in a position to facilitate always-on broadband connections all replete with mobile, handover and roaming services. This will ascertain that that those who have subscribed to WIMAX will always have access to the Internet. This way, even the providers have options of offering users various customized packages, especially for those people who wish to enhance their professions, life styles etc.

A New Form of Revenue Through Mobile WIMAX
Mobile WIMAX gives providers the chance to better their income doing increased and improved business by offering their subscribers with a far better user experience. For those providers who currently face stiff rivalry for the most essential voice services, this technology offers them the options to recover as well as enhance their income. With Mobile WIMAX, providers can offer both the voice and mobile services making use of a single wireless network.

The more inventive operators can utilize, can bypass the present network and with a low primary investment can offer services at cost effective and competitive rates. If they have Mobile WIMAX they will be able to provide the technology to the more thickly populated metropolitan areas or even to those suburban areas where there is no proper coverage by the present provider. They can also arrange to have Wi-Fi hotspot services.

Even people offering cable broadband services are thinking of providing Mobile services to get a hold of the market in both broadband as well as voice services. This will enable all networks to come together into one through the wireless technology with the freedom of being mobile to boot. When combined together, providers have the ability to provide better in-house coverage and the options for the user to change from their mobile devices to their fixed systems. In case cable operators are unable to provide connectivity due to lack of network facilities the Mobile WIMAX permits them to offer the technology with excellent bandwidth that is necessary for instant video applications.

Lastly, operators invest in the 4G technologies an added facility to their existing CDMA and GSM networks. Therefore they have two types of networking; the voice calls and the broadband that will be functioning together at the same time. Mobile WIMAX helps the mobile operators to lessen the traffic on the networks, and they are able to increase their capacity. By taking advantage of their base stations, their know-how of the radio frequency, the equipment and infrastructure that is already in place and their existing staff, these mobile operators can very conveniently and simply set up Mobile WIMAX system. In fact the Mobile WIMAX business gives the mobile operators the freedom to utilize any of the WIMAX products and thereby benefit from the reduced prices through economic sharing.

An Insight into Mobile Broadband Coverage

Typically mobile broadband connectivity involves acquiring access to the Internet using a portable modem that can be plugged into mobile devices like laptops, mobile phones etc. Now mobile broadband coverage will be different in different places, with some locations having better and stronger signals than others. It also varies from one network provider to another. This coverage can be likened to the coverage that you experience when using mobile phones, when the reception is bad in certain areas and extremely clear in other regions. This is why you are advised to ascertain that the network provider you are planning to purchase the connectivity from has good coverage in places you will probably be utilizing mobile broadband from.

Difference between mobile phone coverage and mobile broadband coverage
The point is that though the coverage will be more or less similar in both mobile phones and mobile broadband, the technologies used are totally different. The fact remains that mobile phones are generally compatible with 3G and HSPA so that the Internet can be accessed, therefore mobile phone coverage for these phones can be used to indicate mobile broadband coverage too.

Can mobile broadband reception be checked?
Every mobile can the facility to examine broadband connectivity on their respective websites before it is bought. It would be a good idea to enquire of friends or relatives who are utilizing the mobile network that you plan to purchase and find out from the whether they receive strong signals on their mobile phones. If their phones offer decent 3G or 3.5G reception, it should also offer good mobile broadband reception too. In order to check 3.5G reception you may have to open a website browser on the phone as this reception can be seen only when data connectivity is going on. This will give you details of each checker for coverage in the UK networks and this will give you an idea of the mobile coverage that you can avail in that area.

3G coverage is not only utilized for mobile broadband connections, it is also used in the mobile phones for data, video calls and can therefore be listed separately. If the area you are located in has decent 3G coverage, you can well assume that you can get a good mobile broadband speeds of up to 384 Kbps. The other technology used is the HSPA that also offers better speeds; of course it will depend on the network provider. As you can rightly guess speeds will be much faster in metropolitan areas for HSPA services.

Mobile phones receive their wireless signals through transmitters located at vantage points and the reception on your mobile phone will depend on how far or how close you are located to the transmitter and also on whether there is any thing that can block the signals that are being received. The best signals are received when there is a good view of the transmitter from where you are or at least if there is a transmitter located close at hand. The walls of your home or any building can decrease the strength of the signals and that is the reason why you find that coverage inside homes or buildings are weaker.

Can mobile broadband connection be accessed even if there is only 2G coverage?
EDGE and GPRS are technologies that are used for mobile broadband if only 2G coverage is available in a area, but they are slower than 3G coverage and the quality of reception is quire bad. That is why when you are traveling by train or road you will find that reception is god in some places and in others the signals oscillate from 3.5G to GPRS and at times to no coverage at all. If you require mobile broadband for home use, and can only have GPRS, why not think of subscribing for a fixed line broadband connection?

Some Important Guidelines for Mobile Broadband Users

Science and technology have created such wonderful strides that it has become possible for you to get connected online even through your mobile phone or laptop. Mobile broadband is not as cheap as you imagine and so make sure that you make your decision carefully before selecting a mobile broadband connection for yourself. Given below are some extremely vital guidelines that are sure to be helpful for you to make the right decision as far as mobile broadband is concerned.

1. First and foremost, you have to consider whether you actually have a requirement for a mobile broadband connection. If your broadband usage is limited to checking mails, browsing the net and chatting in order to keep in touch with your friends, you do not need to go in for a mobile broadband connection at all. Mobile broadband is also not suited for people who regularly download movies and music files and share their connection with other people at home. This connection is targeted mainly at business people who are constantly on the move and require keeping in constant touch with their office and clients so that their business does not suffer in any way.

2. There are two options you can avail of while selecting a mobile broadband connection. You can either go in for the Pay as you Go connection or the contract based connection according to your needs and requirements. The former kind of connection is a little more costly as compared to the latter that provides you with a free modem and other accessories related to it. The former connection cannot be used when you are abroad. On the other hand purchasing a long term connection will provide you with a lot of extra benefits like a free laptop, additional download period and subsidized rates for monthly subscriptions. However, make sure that the exciting packages are really worth the cost that you are going to pay before you make a decision.

3. You can also opt for the “Pay-up-front” scheme where you benefit from a reduced monthly subscription fee when you purchase a three to twelve month scheme that is offered by T- Mobile. This could be an ideal gift for your teenager who requires a mobile broadband connection.

4. It is advised to go in for USB modem if you are planning to go in for a mobile broad band connection. This comes in extremely useful when you have to access the net from alternate laptops or PCs at different times. You just require removing the USB from one PC and plugging it to another to get online. The latest technologies USBs are integrated with software which implies that you do not require an additional CD drive. Make sure that your laptop is integrated with a 3G broadband modem while some branded laptops like Sony and Dell come with built-in modems in their particular laptop version. This means that you do not need any mobile broadband modem for such laptops. You just require pushing in your SIM card into the laptop.

5. In the earlier days, when mobile broadband was just launched, they did not have excellent coverage although the situation is much improved now-a-days. It is vital that you enquire whether the mobile broadband service provider that you are going to select is trustworthy and provides you with excellent service with commendable speed. It would be a good idea to enquire about their service with people who already have the connection and ensure that it is worth the price you are going to pay for it. Mobile broadband modems are available in all kinds of sizes and differ in the dimension of their antennae. Do not forget to enquire whether the proposed mobile broadband provider offers you 3G or 3.5G coverage if you happen to possess a 3G mobile device.

6. Make it a point to check out the usage options when purchasing mobile broad band service. Various packages offer different usage options. While some packages offer unlimited downloads, others provide only a limited download usage. Costs also vary accordingly. It is imperative that you are certain about what exactly your usage is and then select a package that is best suited for your purpose. Keep in mind the fact that there unlimited offer is not as unlimited as you think. Every broadband service keeps a cut off limit for downloads or comes up with a “fair usage policy” to ascertain that all their clients receive unbiased service.

7. You can also avail of mobile broadband subscription over one year that will enable you to make use of their service even when you are out of the country. However it may cost a tidy packet even in EU.

8. Another tip is to make sure that you keep a constant check on your broadband usage and its functioning. Majority of the ISPs come with an application that can keep record of your usage. You can also avail of the tbbMeter device that I suitable for Windows 7, XP operating systems and Vista. This equipment can send out an alarm when your usage exceeds your limits. The tool also comes in useful to check out the speed of your connection.

9. Possessing a 3G mobile can help you to get online through your laptop device these days. This can be done with the aid of a Bluetooth cable or a USB. This process that is commonly known as “Internet tethering” cannot be made use of if you own a PAYG iPhone that comes with an O2 scheme. On the other hand you can go in for a 3.9 or 10GB “bolt-ons” that ranges from 15 to 20 p per GB. This scheme is meant for residents of the UK only and costs an extra fifteen pounds a month.

10. Last, but not the least, if you discover that you are not receiving the prescribed coverage for mobile broadband, it is best to put an end to the deal with the provider by claiming that they are not providing the promised coverage.

Usage Guide for Mobile broadband

There are a number of deals and choices available when it comes to mobile broadband. In order to win a place for themselves in this competitive market, mobile broadband providers try to make themselves more attractive through rates or price, extras benefits, laptop deals etc.



Though there are generous deals that offer all quotas, there are many economic deals that allow deals as low as 0.5GB, which is about 500MB per month, or you can choose for deals like to pay as you go (PAYG) deal where you get the choice to pay per day, or even per GB. However, the burning question is how much can you get for your gigabyte?



Basically 1GB is equivalent to 1024MB. For the sake of ease of calculation let us consider 1GB as 1000MB. You may have noticed that in most forms and data, MB is the base for measurement and in many cases you may also come across KB. KB is the smaller measure. It takes 1024 KB to make 1MB (1024KB = 1MB). For smallest equation, 1024B is equal to 1KB.



The following is just a rough approximate guide and cannot be calculated as precise. It is information to understand how large or small the file is, to understand how much space you are using. Checking account online with mobile broadband service provider is the only way to measure your used download. Data counter for mobile broadband is not really reliable.



How much usage is needed for a user?


Mobile broadband usage totally varies and depends from person to person. For some mobile broadband users, it just a back up service for the fixed-line or their business connection. They have minimal use and use the mobile broadband service with their laptop to browse the web or download mails and send mail when out on a holiday or when out of the office etc. For these types of users their usage may be just within 3GB. Unless they spend time surfing the net or have major downloading or huge sized files, they may not need more.



However, for those who wish to replace their fixed line service with mobile broadband, the usage will be far generous and expanded. To avoid penalties and excess bills, it is better you work out of what you download from the given table below. The fact is even if you use the mobile broadband as your main source, a 15GB limit per month will be sufficient for all your work online.



Mobile broadband changes for exceeding the usage limit. Therefore it is best to study the fair usage and excessive usage policies to escape penalties in bills. The cost or the charges levied for crossing limits varies with each provider. While T-mobile does not charge heavily for over using their service, continuous abuse of their service will be punished by the provider limiting your usage further. Orange Broadband too charges less than £0.02 per MB on a one and half year deals. Those who choose monthly contract are charged around £0.05 per MB. Another broadband provider O2 charges about £0.20 per MB and 3 Mobile charges £0.10 per MB. Vodafone charges less than £0.02 per MB and £15 for every extra GB that you use.



Calculator for Mobile broadband usage


As aforesaid, the following is a rough calculation based on the information provided by the mobile broadband provider’s sites. Do not forget to read the notes below the table for detailed understanding on the different estimates.

















































1 hour of instant messaging 0.25-1MB
1 hour of web browsing 1.5-25MB
Download 100 emails 1-10MB
100 minutes talk on Skype Around 50MB
Download 1 photo 0.05-2MB
Download 1 MP3 3-8MB
Download 1 film trailer 7-50MB
1 software download 70-800MB
Download 1 film 700-1500MB
Streaming 1 hour of video 250-500MB
Streaming 1 hour of audio 50-150MB


Instant messaging, surfing the web and social networking


Now it is clear from the above table that just being online is not what mounts your usage bill. Even some one who is allotted the highest estimates gets 40 hours of surfing with a 0.5GB monthly plan. That can be calculated to more than an hour per day.


If you are simply surfing the website, chatting with friends or sending messages and emails, you usage will be low. However, there are many websites that have advertisements popping up or animations and streaming audio/video etc. These take up the usage. Many social networking and instant messaging websites have image viewing or video facility. This adds to the data usage. Those who visit sites download pictures and videos are naturally using a lot of their data usage.


Information on downloading emails


There are two types of email.


1. Web-based (Hotmail, Yahoo or Google mail,) here the usage is low, except if you have video or pictures to download.


2. Software based- like Outlook where you are downloading all that email to your computer. Here the usage will increase if it contains large files.


Downloading images, films and software, and MP3s


Here too the usage depends on the length of the file and the quality as well as size.


Images and Pictures


Smaller images will use just 20 K while larger images can take even up to 5MB. Compressed images and photos can be restricted to 2MB.


Downloading audio and MP3 sounds


Today everyone likes to listen to music online. MP3s music files are usually between 3 and 8MB in size. The longer the song the higher will be the usage.


Downloading MP4 and video


This is really space taking, and data intensive. A small song or video can be just 10MB, and full DVD quality film can take as much as 1.5GB approximately.


Streaming video and audio


Streaming audio is less data intensive than video, though both are very popular in the modern times. These are data intensive and can take away almost 250MB of data to 300+MB per hour depending on the quality.


Guide to using the Mobile Broadband Dongle

Looking for the best deal on mobile broadband in the UK? Then, humble dongle is the one to go for. However, be sure to do thorough research on all the deals and mobile internet devices, prior to confirming the decision to purchase one.

Getting one can well be the best and cheapest means to access the 3G internet, even if travelling.

You very well know that there are a numerous deals on wireless broadband offered across the UK. Do thorough research and be sure to go for the best one instead of the most cheapest.

Most common service providers providing wireless broadband packages in addition to 3G broadband include O2, Vodafone, Orange, 3 Mobile and T-Mobile. For offering 3G services, these providers make use of the same network as that used in the mobile phones.

Types of Dongles and Mobile Wi-Fi for various Laptops
Having a mobile internet lets the user to stay connected to the net, while on the go or even when at home. You have the option to choose between the cheapest deal available or the loaded 3G broadband access.

Mobile Broadband for the Laptop is in no way an alternative to the usual landline ADSL or cable broadband connection. It is only an add-on connection.

You can connect your mobile broadband dongle to the available USB port of your laptop or netbook and access the signal of the mobile broadband, same technology as in how the handset of a mobile can get the signal.

Tips on getting the mobile broadband dongle

A dongle allows the user to access the 3G internet signals and get online on your laptop or netbook. Seeing as numerous offers are available be sure to do proper research and then go for the best package.

Most of the mobile service providers also offer, mobile broadband dongles, in the UK. Hence, be sure to check on mainly two points, before you get one connection.

At the outset, you could opt go for the pay as you go dongles for mobile broadband offered in several incarnations by major of the regular mobile suppliers. Mobile broadband devices are also available on contracts.

Whichever option you choose, you can get online on a laptop or a netbook, whilst on the move.

Advantages of using a mobile broadband dongle
Whatever deal on a mobile broadband dongle you may opt for, one constraint, that affect pretty much every mobile broadband service, is the coverage problem or the inability to access their signals.

On the other hand, if you are opting for pay on usage deals or the complete contract package, it is definitely the handiest device to use.

Using the dongle, you can get superfast broadband on the laptop or netbook, while travelling, thus permitting you to get online, download not too large files as well as to browse through the emails, check on social networking updates and so on.

Broadband dongle normally function using the SIM card within it. At the same time, a number of laptops as well have wireless connectivity featured in them.

Whatever it is, you have to confirm first as to the compatibility of the dongle with the laptop or netbook that you have, for certain old devices, may not work properly with a mobile broadband.

You can always look up in the available guides available on various websites, to see the requirements in addition to the specified rules and regulations of any dongle package that you may wish to opt for.

Features offered in Dongles
If the laptop or netbook is working fine with a broadband dongle, then opt for the most suitable and best package, from the available. Look into all the key features in deal, the set up offered, as well as the provided time period of a contract and the speed in addition to the possible download limits.

Facts on Mobile broadband speeds
Get to know of the possible speeds of dongles when connected to laptops. Mobile broadband speeds are also currently not that promoted by advertisers, seeing as the speed is not that great for most.

Even if a few may declare speeds up to 3.6Mb, 4.5Mb or 7.2Mb, in actuality the average speed of mobile broadband is about 1.5Mb in the country, thus revealing that the speed of mobile broadband access is much lesser, when connected to the laptops or netbooks.

Cause for the slower speeds may include, the geographical location, the coverage access available, traffic congestion online and such. Nevertheless, if you are only browsing the net or going through your emails, then it is the most convenient device to use.

Broadband dongle deals offered
Most of the users focus on the cost of a deal, in case they have many options to choose from.

When you go through the comparison tables offered, as per the specified criteria, numerous packages comes with additional bonus or other deals. At times, you may as well get complimentary dongle with the package offered.

Be sure to not choose the cheapest connection, just because they are offered. Consider first, the data usage possible in this deal. Inconsistent or infrequent users could go for such deals, if they wish.

At the same time, heavy internet users would prefer to use a package with much better download or data usage limits, for the reason that they may use the connection to download files like the music, movie and more.

The data usage limit definitely influences the files or documents, which you may access or download. However, a cable broadband or ADSL line remains to date the best option to use for downloading huge bulky digital files.

Tips on the Broadband dongle
See if any complimentary laptops deals are offered, when you buy a new laptop, despite of needing to make the payment for a long term contracts, for the reason that the users requiring a laptops and a mobile broadband access may go for it.

Using the mobile broadband while in foreign countries is very costly, if you continue using the internet regularly. Best would be to go to the internet cafe, as an alternative or even to access a Wi-Fi connection at its hotspot, from a bar, a café or a restaurant.

Pay per usage packages are most apt for those who do not want to go for a contract that may last for a year, a year half or even 2 years.

You can instead go for the Pay As You Go or PAYG dongle for the required time period, even if the download or usage limits offered or restrictions imposed may be more than while using a contract deal for a mobile broadband dongle.

Speed of a Mobile Broadband and its usage limits

Main aspects to consider prior to purchasing a mobile broadband deal, is the speed as well as the usage, right after the coverage of any service provider.

When you refer to the speed of a mobile broadband connection, you chiefly mean the time taken to download or upload any data, like the web pages, music or video files, via the mobile broadband network. At the same time, the data usage limit specifies the amount of data, which you can download or use, specified under the tariff that you choose.

Speed of any mobile broadband connection
Even now, the maximum speed of a mobile broadband connection is not still anywhere near that of the traditional permanent line ‘broadband’.

You can see, below the specified speed of each network operator given in Mbps (megabits per second), as is claimed by them for their 3G network.

Mobile broadband speeds advertised by the service provider
Comparing the speed given by the mobile broadband service providers is not that easy, seeing as a few of them such as Three and Vodafone reports the usual expected speed, whilst other providers like Orange and T-Mobile provide the utmost or ‘up to’ speed.

At the same time, the provider O2 is believed to have not made any claims via advertisements of its speed, so far.

Three, in the meantime claims 0.6 to 1.8Mbps speed, while for Vodafone, the expected typical speed is 1 to 2Mbps. Orange, also claims up to 3.6Mbps and T-Mobile up to 7.2Mbps speed.

We can also look at the download time taken at the expected speed. If the speed is 1Mbps, a track of the usual 4MB or megabyte can be downloaded in nearly half a minute and a film of about 1.5GB from maybe iTunes, could be downloaded in over three hours.

Speed with regards to mobile broadband
Even if permanent broadband providers advertise speed, the mobile broadband providers, normally do not do so, for the reason that their speed could be varied as per the locality and situation, in comparison to fixed line connections.

The speed would as well oscillate, broadly in the instance that you are using a mobile connection, while travelling.

Depending on the user satisfaction on using the mobile broadband connections as well as reported instances states that the usual mobile broadband speed are much less than that claimed by the service providers.

We can estimate that for a 3G mobile broadband connection, the predictable accurate connection speed could be 500Kbps.

Let us as well have a look at some of the aspects that could influence the speed and coverage of your mobile broadband connections.

Factors affecting the speed and coverage of your mobile broadband
1) Speed and coverage definitely would vary depending on how close you are located to a 3G mobile post

2) Bad weather is another factor that adversely affects the mobile broadband access

3) Another factor to negatively affect your mobile broadband connection is the thick trees and vegetation

4) At times, the coverage of a service provider could be increased, depending on the height, in which the user is at

5) In case, the user is inside some building, then the 3G signals may find it difficult to reach within, thus reducing the coverage. In such instances, you may be required to move towards the window, in an attempt to increase the coverage.

Kinds of Mobile broadband networks
Speed of a mobile broadband is affected by certain aspects, which as well includes the type of mobile data signal offered by your service provider.

If the 3G coverage in a certain area is nil, in that case, your connection will function as a normal GPRS connection.

GPRS network
This second generation (2G) network is the most regularly used technology for providing internet access. However, the speed that it offers does not fall under mobile broadband speed.

GPRS connection is used, mainly if you are not able to access a 3G signal. Other reasons are in case you have used up more than is allowed, as per your data usage. Then the service provider has the right to reduce the speed of the connection.

The speed of your mobile broadband working on a GPRS connection is expected to be about 20 to 40Kbps, thus taking up to fifteen minutes to download a normal MP3 file.

EDGE network
Right at the end of a 3G network is the EDGE, better known as the 2.5G claiming the speed of about 200Kbps.

EDGE networks are less expensive to use, in comparison to 3G networks, and is commonly offered by the service providers as low- speed internet, to cater to the hole, as is caused by the quick 3G connections.

Third Generation (3G) Networks
The third generation or 3G networks consist of wide-ranging network technologies such as the UMTS, HSDPA and the EDGE. All these networks normally provide the mobile broadband access at a much higher speed than that of a 2G network.

HSDPA network
HSDPA, known as 3G UMTS network is as well termed as 3.5G. HSDPA and is expected to be the highest mobile broadband speed as is offered in the UK, at 14Mbps (even if in actuality the speed maybe less).

In terms of coverage, the HSDPA network is not that widespread as a regular 3G network.

4G network
The next 4th generation or 4G network, is yet to arrive in the UK. In the meantime, a few of the US networks, as well as the networks in other areas declare that they have already launched a 4G network, functioning on the WiMax or the LTE.

However, these are said to be more developed form of 3G and is no way caters to the needs of a 4G connections, as was specified by the International Telecommunications Union.

It is believed that LTE Advanced is as well on the look out to launch the first ever 4G network in the UK. Known as the advancement of UMTS network, this connection as per the analysis done in Japan, claims at the most a download speed of 5GB, under the ideal conditions.

Usage limits of Mobile Broadband
Downloading data via the mobile broadband costs definitely more, be it per MB or even GB, in comparison to using a permanent line broadband.

Hence, in case, you access a lot of data, such as play online games or stream and download videos and TV, then you should go for a permanent line broadband.

At the same time, if you do not use too much of internet and is just using the net to browse through the websites or only to check emails and maybe to download some light music files, then the usage limit specified by the mobile broadband providers should not be much of an issue for you.

Usage limits in real terms
See here, below three usual data usage limits that is chiefly used by mobile broadband providers with regards to web browsing, mp3 or video downloads, checking emails and as is measured with the which? Broadband Calculator.

500 MB Usage limit
500MB includes approximately browsing the internet for about six hours in seven days, reading and replying to about 33 emails a week, as well as updating two software per week.

Usage limit 1GB
1GB usage estimates to about 10 hours a week of browsing the internet, sending and receiving about 50 emails per week; updates of four software every month; downloading and uploading 10 photos, downloading 5 short videos and five music tracks for the month.

2GB usage limit
Usage limit of 2GB means 20 hours of web browsing for the seven days, sending and receiving 50 emails for every week, updating four software for the month, downloading or uploading 10 photos every month, downloading 10 short videos and 15 music tracks per month.

Issues of exceeding the usage limit
In general, all service providers has to email or text the user to warn in case they are using up more than the data limit, that is set for them.

Each service provider comes up with varied punishment, in case of exceeding data usage limits. Hence, make sure of the policy at the outset.

Here are some of the procedures as is followed by the service providers:

In case of exceeding data usage limit, the provider has the right to terminate the connection, even if such a step is rarely taken and is the norm for those frequent offenders who continuously go beyond the data usage limit.

A few of the operators may opt to cut back on the speed. Most of the service providers like the T-Mobile and Vodafone may bring down the connection to the 2G network, if the user surpasses the usage limit.

Some of the providers including Orange and O2 will charge extra 5p and 2p, respectively, for each additional MB used up.

Some may even terminate the access to Wi-Fi hotspots, which was offered initially as a package, in case of going beyond the data usage limit.

Browse through the details on the hidden fees of the mobile broadband, to get an idea about the out of tariff charges.

Data usage specified as “Unlimited”
The tariffs for the mobile broadband are not usually promoted as “unlimited”, seeing as the data allowances normally have fair usage policies.

The service provider T-Mobile in the meantime, with its fair usage policy of 3GB specified on its unlimited broadband charge per month. Even if T-Mobile does not ask for any extra charge on going beyond the usage limit, the speed definitely is curbed.

Guide to solving Mobile Broadband Issues

Mobile broadband you know has become popular and is available all over. At the same time, the coverage in each area varies. For this reason, be sure to verify as to the extent of 3G coverage in your region, prior to getting a mobile broadband connection.

However, if in case you happened to have bought a connection, and then were to find that there is no coverage in your area, then here are some tips for you on how to get your money back.

Tips to get Money back on your Mobile Broadband Connections

Distance Selling Regulation
In the instances, where you have purchased the mobile phone through the internet or on the phone, then the distance selling regulations, will be levied on your purchase, thus offering a total money back guarantee, in a week of receiving your equipment, even without your stating any particular reason.

This distance selling regulation, is effective under the UK law, thus protecting your interests, when you make a purchase ‘at a distance’, despite of any specific return policies by the seller.

Money back policies with regard to Mobile Broadband
Next, it is the money back policy, even if you don’t come under the distance selling regulation. In such cases, you can ask for your money back, citing poor coverage for the service, as the reason.

Nevertheless, each seller may have specific policies concerning this. Virgin claims to have the best cash back policy, permitting the user to give back the device and cancel the deal, within almost 28 days.

Let us look at some of the refund policies of certain good mobile broadband sellers, if their coverage happens to be weak.

These sellers give the user the right to withdraw the deal, at whatever time, in the instance of weak coverage.

The service provider, Carphone Warhouse has a two weeks withdrawal policy, in case the coverage is weak, levied on all the deals purchased, whether it be in-store, via the phone or even over the internet.

Phones4U as well did not offer any official return policy at first. However, this year, they had to come out with a two weeks returns policy, in case of any coverage issues.

O2 is another provider with two weeks cancellation policy, if the coverage is poor, same for all purchases, be it at the store, by phone or via the internet.

Orange, in the meantime does not have any specific returns policy, if the coverage happens to be weak. The cash back in such instances varies and is done as per the personal decision of the store manager.

Tesco Mobile offers the 2 weeks cancellation policy, in case of weak coverage on the deals purchased in- store, via telephone or via the internet.

In the meantime, the cancellation policy of Virgin Mobile is for almost 28 days, if the coverage happens to be weak in the users area, valid for any purchase made, be it at the store, by telephone or even online.

Now, let us as well look at T-Mobile with its cancellation policy of a week, if the coverage happens to be weak, for the entire deals, purchased at the store, via the phone or even if bought over the net.

Vodafone, at the same time has a week’s cancellation policy in case of any weak coverage, valid on all deals, purchased in-store, by phone or via the internet.

Refund for Mobile Broadband Device with defects
Most of the manufacturers of the mobile broadband offers warrantee for the user for a specified amount of time in case of any defect happening to the device, within the given time. However, the warrantee becomes nullified, in the instance that the defect is self-caused or in case of any misuse of the device.

At the same time, notwithstanding the guarantee by the manufacturer, the seller will anyways have to provide a refund, or repair or replacement, as per the Sale of Goods Act, if you find the device faulty within a specific amount of time.

However, the compensation or policies differ based on the causes, as well as the time period, it was used for when the fault occurred. The seller, also, as a first option would normally offer repair or replacement, rather than money back.

On the whole, if the defect is found in half years’ time, the law accepts that the defect was part of the phone, until the seller has any proof to the contrary. Simultaneously, if the defect occurs, after this half year period, then the user will have to provide proof that the defect is not caused by them, or that they have not in any way misused the device.

Let us now see the guide on how to handle these faulty devices.

Tips on how to deal with defective products

Cancellation of the broadband contract, before time
You can take a step to withdraw your broadband contract, before the time. Be sure to confirm if you have the option to do so and the stipulated time period within which you can do it, prior to entering into a deal with the mobile service provider.

Sometimes, if you withdraw a contract, prior to the end of the contract term, you may be charged some early cancellation costs, which could be expensive, amounting to either the total fee for all the months, till the termination period of the contract.

For example, in case you are cancelling at the second month a deal valid for 18 months, then you have to put in money worth the charge for 16 months.

You should also be aware that currently, there are no specific official rules, which may permit the user to terminate any deal at the middle, in case the network coverage is weak, even if your house be at an area, where you do not have any range for the mobile signals.

On the other hand, a few of the dealers offer certain policies, permitting the user to terminate a deal, if the coverage happens to be weak for the service.

In case your contract period is over, then you can terminate the deal at any point whatsoever, even if most of the companies have a notice period valid for 30 days.

Guide to complaining about your service provider for Mobile Broadband
At first, be aware of the official steps for complaining about any mobile broadband provider. In case, you find that calling up has no effect, then write and send your grievance, maybe it could help. Be sure to retain an account of all the spoken or written communications.

Secondly, in the instance that your mobile broadband provider is not responding even after 8 weeks or so, then you can approach the Otelo or Cisas, with the issue. All the service providers of the mobile broadband is part of at least one of these two telecoms dispute resolution schemes (at the official websites of each, you can find the service providers, that come under it).

These separate complaints schemes help you to look into your complaint with regard to a service provider of mobile broadband, in the instance that you are unable to solve the issue, directly with the provider.

You can approach either Otelo or Cisas, prior to the 8 weeks, if for instance the service provider sends you a “deadlock letter” stating their disinclination to solve the complaint.

Otelo and Cisas can be approached in case you have issues with your mobile service provider that you pay for and not regarding other mobile phone sellers who are reselling the mobile deals and does not own a service, an example is Phones4U.

Cisas and Otelo can urge your provider to either make an apology or give a reason for its actions. They also can ensure that you get a product or service from your provider. In case, you have any proof for the damage, which may have occurred, then they can as well confirm that the service provider will compensate for the same.

Finally, you can also connect with the telecoms regulator, Ofcom. Even if it has no authority to deal with an individual issue, it could still keep track of the problems of the users and urge the company to pay fine in case, it observes any severe continuous issues.
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