Pay as you go mobile broadband (or PAYG) is relatively new in the UK broadband market. The humble internet dongle has become a quick seller with many realising the benefits of a mobile broadband product without the ties of a hefty 12-month contract.

Why you should consider mobile broadband

Pay as you go mobile broadband allows the user to access the web on the move via an internet dongle – you can access the internet anywhere you can receive a mobile phone connection. The flexibility of accessing the internet from pretty much anywhere means you can use the dongle for a number of things:

• When you are travelling – away on business or on holiday but still need to check email
• On the commute – the dongle will keep a connection as you travel by bus or train
• Staying in a hotel – rather then using the often expensive hotel internet connection, you can rely on your own connection
• Hanging out – down the park, coffee house, or college

The dongle also doubles up to offer back-up in the instance of short-term issues with the users ADSL broadband connection in the home or office.

Obtaining pay as you go mobile broadband

Pay as you go mobile broadband works in the same way as mobile phones, you;

1. Select a mobile phone operator (check the mobile phone coverage page to check the signal in your area).
2. Pay an up-front fee to purchase the internet dongle and internal SIM card.
3. You use the supplied software to install the dongle on your desktop or laptop computer.
4. Enjoy surfing the world wide web.
5. Pay a small monthly fee or top-up your dongle with credit whenever you need extra usage.

Visit the mobile broadband page for more information.

For more detailed information about each mobile broadband provider visit the T-mobile product page, the Vodafone product page, the 3 product page, the Orange product page and the O2 product page.