Mobile BroadBand Dongles Explained

Dongle is the collective name for any USB device that helps to stay connected to the computer. With the advent of technology, dial up internet connection was gradually replaced with broadband connection. The fact that “Change is the only thing that never changes” is quite true in the case of science and technology. Later, the Internet Service Providers surprised the users with the innovative mobile broadband technology. Mobile Broadband is prevalent in UK, and the number of mobile broadband connections is boosting high, every year.

The term mobile broadband dongle became popular with the launch of mobile broadband connections by the famous Internet Service Provider 3-mobile. Mobile broadband dongles are devices that can be plugged into the computer and used for browsing whenever required. The major advantage of mobile broadband dongles is that it is compact. Portability offered by mobile broadband dongles is quite high, so that you can surf even if you are traveling or if you are in a library, provided there is relevant Internet Service Provider’s coverage. Most of the internet service providers are availing free broadband dongles along with the mobile broadband connection.

These portable modems are also termed as USB sticks or USB modems. There are many other sorts of aiding mobile internet services, which include data cards, phone modems and 3G laptops with in-built mobile broadband modem. But these are comparatively more complicated than the mobile broadband with dongles. The major advantage of mobile broadband dongle connection is the easy setup and installation. All the mobile broadband dongles are equipped with self installing software. One can start surfing with three easy installation steps in the case of mobile broadband dongles. Bluetooth dongles are available in markets that can be used with the PC, notebooks and even with Bluetooth enabled mobile phones.

Mobile Broadband with dongles offers faster internet connection without a landline phone. Instead it uses SIM card to connect to the internet, which is inserted in the dongle (USB Modem). Whenever you need to surf, you just have to plug the dongle into the laptop/computer and start browsing. The major advantage of the mobile broadband is its portability, and it is of great use to frequent travelers, students, people working from home, etc. Dongle is one of the most inevitable devices in mobile broadband technology, and enables internet access without using landline. Almost all Internet Service Providers like 3-mobile, T-mobile, Vodafone, O2, Orange, etc are offering free mobile broadband dongles along with their mobile broadband connections.

The dongles can be used with both laptops and desktops. One can get connected to the internet by plugging the broadband dongle into the USB port. The dongle will establish internet connection by getting connected to the mobile network and also to the nearest mobile mast. Mobile mast, technically called as the Base Transceiver Station(BTS), in turn routes the Broadband connection’s unique identification number to the less trafficked channel to enable internet access. Though the process seems to be lengthy in papers, the connection is established in a jiffy. However, the speed broadband connection depends on the mobile reception strength. Mobile broadband speed can even match 3G standards if there is sufficient signal strength.

Communication Minister Lord Carter’s dream about Digital Britain can be realized only with the help of mobile broadband connections, where fixed landlines are not possible. With the sales of mobile broadband dongle connections rocketing high to over one million, and prices slashing down to £10 per month approximately, it is evident that majority of the internet users are going for mobile broadband connections. However there is a wide-spread disappointment about the sluggish internet speed and patchy network, especially when used inside buildings unlike the advertised speed and efficiency. It is also reported that many internet service providers are having high return rates due to these issues. This is the case with fixed broadband connections too.

With the increasing allegations on under performance of the broadband connections, Ofcom has released a new code of conduct for UK ISP in which service providers have to give a rough estimate on actual maximum speed of the broadband connection. According to the code of conduct, the Internet Service Providers are supposed to give an approximate limit of the actual peak speed of the mobile broadband connection with the latest sign-ups. Along with the speed limits, the Internet Service Providers are also supposed to give tips for boosting the performance of the broadband as well. However the Internet Service Providers are finding it very hard to give accurate rough estimate of the maximum speed limit in the case of Mobile Broadband, since it is highly arbitrary and depends solely on the network traffic and signal reception.