Mobile Broadband for Travelers, Expats and Foreigners

Mobile broadband is certainly the latest and arguably the greatest broadband internet solution to arrive on the scene, and it is the first truly wireless form of broadband that can potentially allow you to take a broadband internet connection with you wherever you travel in the world. This is all thanks to the fact that rather than using a land line connection, mobile broadband operates over 3G mobile telecommunications networks.

Pretty much every developed country in the world has 3G networks available in some areas, and mostly urban and suburban places will have good 3G reception, though countries like Australia have telecoms providers who claim to have 3G networks available for 99% of the population. This level is currently higher than that available in the UK, but the 3G network coverage is different for each service provider. The mobile broadband services offered by T-Mobile, Orange, 3 Mobile and Vodafone all allow customers who have purchased their contract in the UK to connect to 3G networks in selected foreign countries, though the cost for doing so will vary depending on the network as we shall discuss below. If you are an expatriate living abroad or thinking about moving out of the UK then mobile broadband can be a really good option for internet connectivity in a foreign country. Let`s look at the offers available on the main networks and why you might consider using their services.

3 Mobile - In the UK 3 offer some of the best value mobile broadband packages and using their mobile broadband abroad is also good value. In selected areas, including Hong Kong, Australia, Ireland and Italy it will cost you just 10p per megabyte used within your monthly data allowance, and once that limit has been reached it will cost you Ł3 per additional megabyte. All of their contracts include a free mobile broadband USB dongle, but the maximum download speed that their networks are capable of is 3.6Mbps which isn`t the fastest out there.

Orange - Roaming charges in the EU with Orange are Ł4.11 per megabyte, but access to Wi-Fi hotspots in places like hotels and cafes is included for free in some areas which will be a bonus for some.

T-Mobile - Within the EU T-Mobile have a great value flat rate of Ł1.50 per megabyte, so if you want a good pay as you go mobile broadband deal, available in a range of countries and ideal for light usage then this may be for you.

Alternatively you might consider signing up with one of the local carriers in the country in which you settle. In the USA for example, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and AOL amongst others offer mobile broadband starting from under $20, and in Australia local telecoms company Optus and Big Pond have great value offers that trump most British deals out there.

Choosing a UK Mobile Broadband provider should be made simpler if you use a price comparison website and think about your needs before you start to shop. Whether you want cheap roaming charges or a large monthly data allowance, searching online should be your first port of call.

(Content and Comparison Courtesy of InMobileBroadband )