View the summary of 3G broadband tariffs
UK mobile phone networks are highly promoting high speed 3G broadband as a way to take the Internet with you when you're away from home or the office and is a real alternative to finding wi-fi hotspots when you're out and about. The way this works, is by having a USB 3G modem that plugs in to your computer. Think of this as a mobile phone without any keys or a screen, that allows your computer to connect to the Internet via the mobile phone network.
As with standard mobile phones, these 3G 'dongles' only work when there is coverage by the network. As 3G is a more recent technology than that used by standard mobile phones, the coverage tends to be worse (or non-existant) in less populated areas of the UK. Approximately 80% of the UK has 3G coverage, but this is dependent on the network. Three, which is a 3G only network has the best coverage, so this may be another factor to consider before signing a contract.
The cost of 3G 'dongles' as they're known has come down recently as competition increases, but don't be fooled by these seemingly low prices, as you are often tied to a 12, 18 or even 24 month contract! In addition, the amount of data that can be transferred every month (bandwidth) is limited to a specific number of gigabytes (GB) depending on the tariff that is chosen. The more you use the Internet the more data is transferred. Activities such as watching video or downloading music require lots of data so can use up your allowance far more quickly. It's also worth remembering that some tariffs have restrictions, which can include prohibiting the use of certain applications such as Skype. Three have a handy tool to estimate your monthly usage, although remember, this is only an estimate.
As well as long term contracts for 3G mobile broadband, some network operators are launching shorter term contracts or the ability to pay as you go.
Unlike mobile broadband with a long term contract (see below), 3G broadband modems on short term contracts or PAYG can cost more initially, but can save you money in the long term if you use the device less frequently.
| Network | Description | Monthly usage | Modem | Cost | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Top up online | 1GB | £49.99 | £10 lasts up to 30 days | No contract |
|
Top up online | 3GB | £49.99 | £15 lasts up to 30 days | No contract |
 |
Ideal for infrequent usage | 3GB | £99.99 | £4/day | No contract |
 |
Includes access to 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspot locations in the UK. | 3GB | £99.99 | £20/month* (£30/month for non O2 customers) |
1 month rolling contract with 30 days' notice |
|
Top up online | 7GB | £49.99 | £25 lasts up to 30 days | No contract |
The cost of Three PAYG mobile broadband is actually comparable with the pay monthly tariff, so is even more competitively prices against the other networks. Competition between the networks is likely to continue, so being locked in to a lengthy contract could be a disadvantage in the long run.
Use the handy summary below to compare the cost of these mobile broadband deals and see which could be the cheapest for you. The cost of the cheapest modem has been shown; others may be available for a charge.
| Network | Description | Monthly usage | Contract length | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 18 months | 24 months | |||||||||
| Monthly | Modem | Contract Total |
Monthly | Modem | Contract Total |
Monthly | Modem | Contract Total |
|||
|
Maximum speeds of up to 2.8Mbps on 3's HSDPA network in the UK. | 1GB | £10 | £49.99 | £169.99 | £10 | free | £180 | £10 | free | £240 |
|
Maximum speeds of up to 2.8Mbps on 3's HSDPA network in the UK. | 3GB | £15 | free | £180 | n/a | n/a | ||||
 |
Download music and movies at speeds up to 7.2Mbps – 14 times faster than standard 3G. | 3GB | £15 | free | £180 | £15 | free | £270 | £15 | free | £360 |
|
Web'n'walk Plus: excludes internet calling services like Skype | 3GB | £20 | free | £240 | n/a | £15 | free | £360 | ||
 |
Broadband speeds up to 3.6Mpbs | 3GB | n/a | £15 | free | £270 | n/a | ||||
|
Includes access to 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspot locations in the UK. | 3GB | n/a | £20* (£30 for non O2 customers) |
free | £360* (£540 for non O2 customers) |
n/a | ||||
|
Maximum speeds of up to 2.8Mbps on 3's HSDPA network in the UK. | 5GB | n/a | £15 | free | £270 | £15 | free | £360 | ||
|
Download music and movies at speeds up to 7.2Mbps – 14 times faster than standard 3G. | 5GB | £25 | free | £300 | £25 | free | £450 | £25 | free | £600 |
|
Maximum speeds of up to 2.8Mbps on 3's HSDPA network in the UK. | 7GB | £25 | free | £300 | n/a | n/a | ||||
|
Web'n'walk Max: includes internet calling services like Skype | 10GB | £35 | free | £420 | n/a | £30 | free | £720 | ||
|
Maximum speeds of up to 2.8Mbps on 3's HSDPA network in the UK. | 15GB | n/a | £30 | free | £540 | £30 | free | £720 | ||
* O2 Mobile Broadband is available to O2 mobile and broadband customers from £20 per month. O2 Pay & Go customers are required to maintain a minimum top-up of £30 per quarter, otherwise you will be required to pay £30 per month for the following quarter. If your mobile phone or home broadband are disconnected, then O2 Mobile Broadband will be charged at £30 per month for the remainder of your contract.
Last updated: 16th July 2008. Please check current prices before purchasing. Other networks, products, services and offers may be available.
