Networks that Provide Mobile Broadband

The big 5 mobile phone service providers in the UK offer the best mobile broadband packages because they use the latest mobile networking technology. These networks include O2, Vodafone, 3, Orange, and T-Mobile. These networks also form the Mobile Broadband Group, whose task it is to work with consumers, regulators, and government to bring about the best regulatory environment across a range of issues in the UK.

You should consider three factors in choosing a mobile broadband network: coverage, speed, and reliability. Vodafone offers the best mobile broadband coverage in the UK, whether you are using a dongle at home or on the move. It also claims to have the fastest ‘up to’ mobile Internet speed currently available in the UK, at 7.2Mb, although there is no actual evidence of its superior performance over other mobile broadband products tested. It is about the only choice at the moment for overseas mobile.

O2 Mobile Broadband gives you access to their data network, which is sometimes referred to as GPRS, 3G, or HSDPA. It also includes unlimited access to over 7,500 hotspots in the UK with The Cloud and BT Openzone.

In 2008, the 3 Company signed an agreement with T-Mobile, a rival network, to combine their 3G access networks. The agreement made to improve both quality and coverage across the network, and impact on the quality of its mobile broadband service.

Orange became the new player back in 1994, and was taken over in 2001 by France Telecom, along with the company’s internet branch originally known as Wanadoo. In December 2008, Orange started selling subsidised ‘free’ laptop deals with its mobile internet service.