There are a multitude of mobile broadband deals out there right now, so making sure that you pick the right one involves doing your homework and being a little bit canny when it comes to deciding whatyouneed.Afterall,withso many deals and numerous different ways of getting connected, there’s little point in signing up for features you’ll never use.
Compare the Market
Spend plenty of time using a comparison website to get an idea of the best deals that are available at any given time. They come and go, so to make sure you’re seeing the latest offers then the comparison website is perfect for the job. These are free to use too, so it’s not going to cost you anything but could end up saving you a small fortune. Better still, you’ll generally find that thereareall manner of incentives to get you to sign up, including free hardware and software or specials deals on extra airtime or data allowances.
Decide what you need
Be decisive in what you want from your mobile broadband package. If you’re a lightweight Internet and email user then a pay as you go deal may prove to be better value, as you only have to spend cash on whatyouuse. Simply buy a mobile broadband dongle, connect it via USB and spend the available credit. Alternatively, anyone with heavier connection needs is better off with a contract option as this affords much more flexibility and larger data allowances. There are always deals and offers on both options at any rate.
Get a free laptop
If you’re happy to sign up for a contract, usually over a couple of years, then many mobile network providers offer free laptop deals as part of a sign-up option. This can be a great way of getting some new kit and connected all at the same time. Failing that, look out for free dongle deals, or even the new MiFi device that allows you to share a mobile broadband connection with up to five other authorised users. Data allowances are divvied up in this scenario, but it can be a real boon for some.
Speed and data
Keep an eye on the deals that offer decent data allowances if you expect to be on the internet a lot. Mobile broadband is a great supplement to traditional broadband, but it’s not really a replacement. Nevertheless, this can be a great way of downloading chunks of data that aren’t too big, although to do this you’ll need to be sure that you’ve signed up for a package that will offer this sort of flexibility. Use the aforementioned comparison sites to check allowances and read the small print. Also check to the speed and coverage in your area too and remember that speeds will also be more impressive in advertising than they are in reality.
Which device?
Nowadays there are plenty of ways of enjoying mobile broadband and if you don’t want or need the bulk of a laptop then consider a tablet device. Shop around for one of the many deals on offer and you may find that a more portable gadget such as a tablet may be much better suited to your requirements if you’re on the move a lot. The Apple iPad was the first, but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives. The added benefit with many of these is that they also have Wi-Fi connectivity alongside 3G. That means you can tap into free wireless if you’re in an area that has hotspots – many of these are free too, meaning an even cheaper way of enjoying internet on the go.
