Find the best way to stay connected on the move

Mobile internet access is offered by many suppliers and can be delivered through a variety of devices. With such a wide choice of networks, tariffs and equipment, how do you know which is right for your business? Matt Powell from Broadband Genie takes a look at the options

The growth of 4G mobile internet

Before we look at different pieces of mobile internet equipment, it's worth considering the two main types of mobile connection: 3G and 4G.

Both use mobile phone networks to get you online.

3G is well-established with coverage across most of the UK. In strong signal areas it offers reasonable speeds of up to around 5mbps (megabits per second), which is adequate for checking email or visiting websites.

4G is the latest generation of mobile internet connection. It can provide you with a much faster connection. In strong signal areas, you may be able to connect at 20-30mbps. These speeds are similar to many home broadband connections.

With 4G it's easier to handle demanding tasks like downloading large files or watching high-definition video. But you'll notice the difference in any case, because websites, maps, emails and so on will load much faster.

This makes the experience of using the internet on the move feel much more snappy. If you're buying new mobile internet equipment, it's almost certainly worth choosing a device and tariff that enable you to take advantage of 4G.

All the major UK mobile networks now offer 4G. In areas where it's not yet available, these devices should automatically drop down to 3G, so you won't lose out.

With both 3G and 4G connections the actual speed you get will depend on where you are and how strong the signal is. There are still parts of the UK where 3G and 4G are unavailable.

Mobile internet on your laptop

The simplest and cheapest way to get online is with a mobile internet dongle (pictured right). This small piece of equipment looks like a USB memory stick.

It plugs into one of the USB connections on your laptop and contains a SIM card, providing you with 3G or 4G internet on the go.

Basic USB dongles can be purchased from all the main mobile phone networks. You can get them free on contract and they're inexpensive (£20-£40) on pay-as-you-go tariffs.

However, USB dongles can only connect a single device at a time, and only generally work with laptop computers, not tablets.

Typically, mobile internet access via a dongle on a contract is a cost-effective option if you plan to use it regularly.

If you only need occasional mobile internet access then a pay as you go service will almost certainly be better value.

Mobile internet on your tablet

If you want a connection that can be shared between several devices or used with a tablet computer then it's worth opting for a portable access point (pictured right).

Sometimes called MiFi or pocket Wi-Fi, these provide a local wireless network that any Wi-Fi device can use to connect to the internet. This means you can use them with a tablet, smart phone or games console as well as a laptop.

Portable access points are pricier than USB dongles, but give you more flexibility to get your iPad or Android tablet online.

If you’d rather not carry around another gadget, and only require mobile internet access on your tablet, then you may want to purchase a tablet with mobile data built in.

The iPad and many Android devices are available with optional SIM card slots for mobile internet access. When coupled with a compatible SIM you don’t need anything else.

Tablets with mobile broadband built in tend to be more expensive than Wi-Fi only models. However, you can soemtimes get a tablet free when you buy it as part of a mobile internet contract.

Mobile internet on your smart phone

As you'd expect, all smart phones have a mobile internet internet connection.

You can probably use your smart phone an alternative to a portable access point. Many models offer wireless tethering, so other devices can connect through them.

Tethering is usually easy to set up, but can run your phone's battery down quickly.

Always check with your mobile network before turning on the tethering function. Some contracts don't permit tethering. Others will make you pay an additional fee.

More on this topic:

• Mobile internet access
• Keep your mobile devices secure
• Mobile phones for business