This article was published in 2011 and updated in October 2026.
Staying connected on the move has never been easier — or more confusing. In 2011, mobile broadband meant a USB dongle and a separate data contract. Today you can use your phone as a hotspot, carry a pocket 5G router, replace your home internet with a 5G box or add an eSIM data plan to your laptop or tablet. Here’s how to get the best mobile broadband for your needs.
Your options
- Phone tethering (personal hotspot): share your smartphone’s mobile data with your laptop or tablet. No extra hardware or contract needed — ideal for occasional use, but it drains your phone’s battery.
- Mobile hotspot (MiFi): a pocket-sized, battery-powered router with its own SIM that shares a 4G or 5G connection with several devices — great for families, small teams or long trips.
- USB mobile broadband dongle: still available for a single laptop, though largely replaced by hotspots and tethering.
- Built-in 4G/5G: many tablets and some business laptops have a SIM slot or eSIM, so they can go online anywhere without extra devices.
- 4G/5G home internet: a router that uses the mobile network instead of a cable or phone line — a real alternative where fixed broadband is slow or unavailable.
Prepaid or contract?
Pay-as-you-go and prepaid data plans are flexible and good for occasional or short-term use: you pay only when you need data and can stop at any time. Monthly contracts usually offer more data for the money and sometimes include a device, but tie you in for a fixed period. Many providers now also offer monthly rolling plans that combine flexibility with good value.
Get the right data allowance
Choosing enough data is critical. As a rough guide, video streaming in HD uses around 3 GB per hour, video calls around 1–2 GB per hour, while email and web browsing use much less. If you work online or stream regularly, an unlimited or high-data plan is often worth it — but check the small print for speed limits after a certain amount of data (“fair use” policies) and for restrictions on tethering.
Check coverage first
Mobile broadband is only as good as the signal where you use it. Check each network’s coverage map for your home, workplace and the places you travel to, and read recent reviews or ask neighbours. Coverage indoors and in rural areas can differ a lot between providers. If you have a choice, a 5G plan on a network with good 5G coverage in your area will give you the most speed.
Using mobile broadband abroad
Roaming charges can still be expensive outside zones such as the EU, where “roam like at home” rules apply. Before you travel, check your provider’s roaming options or buy a local or travel eSIM data plan for your destination.
Compare before you buy
Take your time comparing plans on comparison websites and providers’ own sites, and always check the terms: the price after any introductory period, contract length, data limits, speed caps and cancellation fees. A little time spent comparing will get you the right broadband package at the right price.
Ifham khan
Sep 21. 2011
Good review of mifi well i used many mobile broadband i like the data card which is used by many people nowadays
admin
Sep 21. 2011
Thanks for your comment Ifham …
Rebi
Sep 21. 2011
Nice article….there is a plenty of options and very useful tooo…
TracyAnn0312
Sep 27. 2011
Nice tips. This is very useful to internet lovers in order to surf easily and fast. I will also try to use this broadband deal.
Julie Hayes
Sep 28. 2011
I am dependent on mobile broadband from the point when I started doing business in the internet. It gives me the option to work any where I want, the only problem with it is its speed.
admin
Sep 28. 2011
You might be using it in an area that is out of reach to the tower !!
Julie Hayes
Sep 29. 2011
I think so. or maybe it is on the time of the day? there are some time when the speed of my broadband is fast and there are times that its not.
admin
Sep 29. 2011
yep … that is why one should avoid using it during peak hours
miami prostate cancer
Oct 26. 2011
It’s really advisable to compare mobile broadband packages and read the terms and conditions. Some people tend to purchase this packages without even knowing the data allowances and reading the terms and conditions thus resulting in spending more money than expected.
junaid
Nov 01. 2011
really informative article.can get a lot of help from it
Yuri
Feb 27. 2016
Hey John. I had the Google Voice call widget up too and the only one that caleld me was you! So I guess it was worth having it in that case. Valentine is really a special guy and he is going to go far and get tons of traffic with those list posts he writes. Can’t wait to see what you guys got planned. Thanks for the post and have a great day!