FAQ

What Is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband refers to to a broadband internet connection that is sent wirelessly over a 3G wireless network. It works the same way as your mobile phone except you are sending and receiving data rather than voice signals. To distinguish voice and data networks, mobile broadband is also known as HSDPA.

How Does Mobile Broadband Work?

The most common way to connect to mobile broadband is with a small USB device known as a 3G modem or dongle. By inserting an appropriate SIM card into the dongle and connecting to a USB socket on your computer you’ll be able to access the internet anywhere in range of a 3G HSDPA signal. As 3G mobile broadband becomes more popular we will start to see laptops with built in 3G modems and  devices such as Mifi replacing dongles.

How Much Data Can I Download?

Just as with home broadband, the amount of data you can download on a mobile broadband is determined by the package you choose. The smallest monthly allowance is 1GB, with other packages offering up to 15GB. Approximately, 1GB of data will allow you to either send 650 html emails, surf the web for 10 hours, watch 1.5 hours of clips on You-Tube or download 60 MP3 tracks.

Where Can I Use Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband uses the same infrastructure as the mobile phone network. In the UK, this covers over 99% of the population. However, because mobile broadband needs a more robust connection than voice communication, the quality of your connection can vary due to many factors.

How Fast Is Mobile Broadband?

Currently in the UK, Vodafone have the fastest HSDPA network. Recent trials have begun to enable download speeds up to a theoretical 14.4 Mbps. This compares favourably to a landline based broadband signal which are commonly up to 8Mbps. Unfortunately, most mobile broadband speeds will be way below this figure, due to several users sharing the same transmitter at the same time, and environmental effects such as tall buildings and other obstructions.

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