Pay as you go dongles offer the most flexible option for occasional use. You pay a small upfront fee for the internet dongle then buy top-up credits for the data you use. If you are unsure of how much mobile broadband you are going to use then opt for buying a Pay as you go dongle.
If you are likely to use the internet more often then consider going for a monthly contract - they offer better value for money. You should opt for either a 1-month rolling contract or a 12 month contract. With longer contracts you get the dongle for free.
More information about Internet dongles
An internet dongle is perfect for you surfing the web or checking your email when you are out and about with your laptop computer. In particular, a pay as you go dongle will (after a small upfront fee of about £30) allow you to only top-up a dongle with prepaid credit when you plan to use it.
Getting a Free dongle
If you are prepared to sign a contract with a mobile phone operator (usually 12-24 months long) then they are likely to offer you a free dongle or even a free laptop. Because they know you will stick with them for a year or two the mobile operator will see the benefit of repeat custom and give away a free laptop upfront. Another benefit of going on a longer contract with a mobile provider is that they will give you more inclusive data each month than a pay as you go dongle customer - so you can surf the web for longer and cheaper than Pay as you go customers.
Pricing and tariffs
When you think of internet dongles you can be baffled by the bewildering number of prices and tariffs. The best thing to do is think of a pay as you dongle contract just like a pay as you go mobile phone - you keep the phone ready to go and occasionally top it up when your credit gets low but you wouldn't top it up with £50 with no intention of using the credit.
Internet dongle speeds
The most important thing to remember with internet dongles is that the access is via a mobile phone connection - this slows the average connection speed from home broadband speeds of up to 8mb to a mobile broadband connection speed of 1mb.
In some rare instances, an internet dongle may be faster than a BT broadband connection. This would occur in rural areas where a home is a long way from a BT exchange but a mobile phone mast is just round the corner.
What is an internet dongle?
An internet dongle is a small USB device, similar in size to a memory stick or thumb. Just like a mobile phone it contains a SIM-card and a built in aerial to connect wirelessly to a nearby mobile phone mast. The technology is pretty simple and this is why the upfront cost of buying a dongle is low at about £30.
Who are internet dongles for?
Anyone with a modern computer can use an internet dongle but they are best suited to laptop computers that are being used out-and-about. Businesses and students tend to be the largest users of dongles but you now see them cropping up all over the place, especially where people are away from the home (whether that be in the park, on the train or in an airport).
Using internet dongles abroad
You can use an internet dongle when abroad and this is perfect for occasional use and business travels caught in airports. However, always check with your dongle provider whether they support international roaming and what the extra charges would be say "you used your dongle while at your holiday home in France." Ask the provider the question or check on their website for international roaming costs.
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