Mobile broadband USB dongle is a plug and go device connected to a USB port of laptops to provide broadband internet access in 3G or WiMAX networks.

It is easy to use mobile broadband this way as you can work at home or on the move just by plugging into the USB port on your netbook, PC or laptop.

You do not need a phone line to use mobile broadband via dongles meaning there is no line rental such as with ADSL type broadband.

Despite 3G mobile broadband network has a wider coverage in UK (90%), you would need to check the coverage of your mobile ISP in the areas you will be using this kind of broadband connection just as some areas in rural and remote locations may not have coverage.

USB dongles offer better mobility, freedom and all the convenience you would need on the move. You can access 3G mobile broadband to send emails, surf the net and watch the online videos.

HOW DO I GET A USB DONGLE?
Mostly you need not buy USB dongle as mobile broadband providers in UK include it in their packages. You can also buy mobile broadband dongles in the outlets.

IS USB MODEM STICK DIFFERENT FROM DONGLE?
No, they are broadband jargons referring the same device.

HOW MUCH SPEEDS CAN MOBILE BROADBAND USB DONGLE OFFER?
The speeds depend up on the mobile broadband providers and the packages. Most USB dongles are high speed modems as long the package speeds and 3G broadband coverage support them.

I AM A MAC USER? DO USB DONGLES SUPPORT MAC OS?
Mobile broadband dongles (offered by most UK mobile ISPs) support Windows XP, Vistas and MAC OS X Panther 10.3.9 or higher. However, check this feature on the website of your mobile broadband provider or contact their customer support, before sign up.

WHICH MOBILE BROADBAND PROVIDERS OFFER USB DONGLES IN UK?
Vodafone, T-Mobile, Three (3), O2 Mobile, BT and Orange Mobile offer USB dongles bundled into their mobile broadband packages.

IS USB DONGLE FREE WITH THESE PACKAGES?
It may sound free, however, you need to sign a contract for 24 months or so and this will help the providers to adjust the cost of dongle offered to you initially.

If you do not want sign a contract and go for Pay and Go (PAYG) service, you would pay for the dongle surely.

CAN I USE MY USB MOBILE DONGLE ABROAD?
Yes, dongle can be used when you travel outside the UK. However, you need to pay roaming charges when you use mobile broadband dongle abroad. Roaming charges will also change depending on the countries where dongle is used.

You can get more information on roaming charges by contacting your provider.

Should I have to buy new dongle when I switch my mobile broadband providers?
Unfortunately, you cannot use the dongle supplied by the previous provider with the new service you would like to subscripbe. This is because, when you buy a dongle with a specific provider, it usually comes with pre-configured settings that would work only with that provider. So, you will need to buy a new dongle when you go for new service.
How to install my USB dongle?

No matter who provides you mobile broadband (whether it is 3 or T-mobile or Vodafone or O2), the following guide is useful for all users, as the installation doesn’t vary much, except that you would see different Licence Agreement with each provider.