Mobile Broadband Coverage

Mobile broadband is the current darling of the broadband internet market, with more and more customers signing up every day to the first truly mobile and wireless broadband internet service.

There are several advantages and of course disadvantages to mobile broadband, one of which is coverage, and there are many arguments to be made about the way that mobile broadband is marketed, but the best way to get to grips with mobile broadband is to look into the facts rather than just reading adverts.

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Mobile Broadband Basics

Mobile broadband operates in the same way that the internet is received on the most modern mobile phones, using the third generation of mobile networks, or 3G as it is more commonly known. 3G mobile networks are currently theoretically capable of providing up to 7.2Mbps download speeds, and there are currently developments of this technology going on that should bump this theoretical maximum up beyond the 20Mbps mark.

In order to receive mobile broadband you'll need a mobile broadband USB dongle, which will contain the modem and the software necessary for you to connect your PC or laptop to mobile broadband, as well as a contract with one of the main mobile broadband ISPs.

The idea itself is simple, you are able to access a broadband internet connection anywhere in the country that is covered by a 3G network operated by your chosen ISP. However, as with any internet technology there can be some complications.

Mobile Broadband Coverage Restrictions and Considerations

The amount of coverage offered by a particular mobile broadband ISP will affect several things about your service. First of all, 3G networks are still yet to be available nation wide. At the moment the mobile phone company 3 Mobile have the largest stretching 3G networks with 90% of the UK covered, though they hope to have 100% within the next few years.

Other large telecoms companies also have continually expanding 3G networks. As a result you'll need to think about where you are intending on using mobile broadband and whether your area has adequate 3G network coverage to make it worth while. Mobile broadband is great for people who are on the road a lot or who don't have a land line connection, and it's relatively easy to use either the websites of the ISPs themselves to find out which areas have mobile broadband coverage.


Alternatively you might use a broadband price comparison website to find out the same information in a more objective environment. It's also important to note that not all ISPs will offer the same speeds. 3 Mobile for example may have the largest 3G networks, but they only offer up to 3.6Mbps download speeds, whilst Vodafone offer up to 7.2Mbps in certain areas. Speed is again determined by the amount of coverage and the strength of the signal you are able to pick up in a particular area.

As a result it's important to read the small print and consider which kind of package you want. You will inevitably pay more for a deal which offers the fastest download speeds, and you may not even live in an area in which this type of service is available. As a result it's always important to check your post code against the maps of coverage offered on websites selling mobile broadband deals.