Time Series Foundation Models - current state and future directions
Complete Guide to Mobile Broadband
1. Complete Guide to...
Mobile
broadband
This Consumerchoices.co.uk guide will help you
understand the new and exciting world of
mobile broadband.
Packed full of insights and tips, you’ll learn the
benefits of mobile broadband over and above
conventional fixed-line broadband.
So, if a friend has told you how useful mobile
broadband is, this guide which will help
you decide if it’s right for you.
2. Welcome to the ConsumerChoices.co.uk complete
guide to mobile broadband.
Mobile broadband is revolutionising the way we get
online using the latest technology. And thanks to
competition among providers it can be as cheap as
fixed-line home broadband.
For some people it is a complete solution to their
broadband needs, for others it’s a valuable additional
service, perhaps for work or on holiday.
We’ll explore whether it’s right for you, discuss the
technology behind mobile broadband and compare
it to fixed-line home broadband. Then you’ll be in a
position to make the right choice.
Contents
What’s inside your guide to mobile broadband?
Section 1: Section 4: Section 5:
Is it time to go mobile? Pros and cons of mobile Getting the right service for you
Benefits of mobile broadband broadband Pay-as-you-go vs contracts
Checking your coverage Free laptop/netbook and mobile
Why mobile broadband is great: broadband deals
Easy set-up Bundled mobile broadband and fixed
Section 2: Low-cost home broadband deals
Is it right for you? Speed Money-back guarantees
Professionals and internet on-the-go Downloads Dongle features
Shared and rental occupants Security Dongle insurance
Avoiding a second landline at home International roaming
Is this the end of home phone Why mobile broadband may not be the
line rental? complete solution:
Coverage Section 6:
Download limits What’s the future?
Section 3: Speed Death of the dongle?
How does it work? Contract length Better speed, unlimited downloads?
3G explained VoIP on mobile broadband Is mobile broadband going to get
Mobile broadband vs. fixed-line International roaming more expensive?
broadband
Mobile broadband vs. fixed-line Summary table of providers
broadband with a wireless hub Glossary
Mobile broadband vs. Wi-fi
NB. Prices and information correct as of
14/9/09
2
3. 0808 101 3421
www.BeThere.co.uk
Is it time to
go mobile?
Using mobile broadband is as simple as putting a
plug in a socket and flicking the switch. No wires,
plugs or routers.
Due to competition for customers it’s cheaper than
ever, with monthly plans starting at less than £5.
With 85-99% of the population able to hook-up
depending on the service provider – it’s a viable
option for anyone keen to have internet access
on-the-go.
5. 0808 101 3421
www.BeThere.co.uk
Is it right
for you?
Mobile broadband appeals to two main categories
of people. Those who need access to the internet
while on the move for personal and professional
use and those who move homes regularly such as
tenants and students.
8. How does it work?
Mobile broadband connects to the mobile phone
network – the latest version of which is called the
3G network.
It is a completely different connection from that
used by fixed-line broadband as it relies on radio
technology, not fixed, physical lines. Although it is
wireless it is also different from Wi-fi. We explain
how it all works in this section.
11. 0808 101 3421
www.BeThere.co.uk
Pros and cons of
mobile broadband
Mobile broadband offers easy set-up and great
pricing making it suitable for almost everyone.
However, if you download a lot of documents or
media, you may find that the download limits of
your package aren’t enough.
In this section we’ll examine the great things
about mobile broadband, but highlight its
weaknesses too.
18. Getting the
right service for you
If you haven’t had mobile broadband before, you
need to do your research and make sure you find
the right service for you. In this section we examine
contracts versus pay-as-you-go and “free” laptop
deals. We also look at the issue of costs for using
your dongle abroad.
24. What’s the future?
Will mobile broadband ever seriously challenge the
fixed-line? We look at how the dongle might improve,
and what impact the next generation of technology
will have on mobile broadband.
We also do some crystal ball gazing and look at the
factors that may cause the cost of the service to rise
in the future.