03333 447700Mobile broadband. What it is and what it's really useful for.
You may have already heard of the term 'mobile broadband', but what does it actually mean?
What is mobile broadband? Are there different types? What can it be used for? What devices are needed to make use of it?
Here's an explanation as to exactly what mobile broadband is, the various ways in which it can be used, the equipment you'll need to do so - and what it's particularly good at doing.
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What is mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband is simply a type of wireless signal that is transmitted by the UK's mobile phone operators - that's EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three - from their cellular phone masts. Suitably enabled devices can pick up those signals, connect to those masts and then use mobile broadband as a connection to the internet.
4G and 5G
The two types of mobile broadband
Nowadays, mobile broadband comes in two types. 4G, which has been around for well over a decade, now covers pretty much all of the UK. 5G, the latest technology, has also recently started to spread out from its initial deployment in major towns and cities.
4G data speeds can reach as high as 300Mbps in laboratory conditions, but in the real world, 4G broadband performance averages around 30 to 40Mbps. 5G broadband is significantly faster with theoretical maximum speeds of 1,000Mbps, but again in real world use, you'll most likely see performance averaging between 150 and 200Mbps.
What can mobile broadband be used for?
Accessing the internet on smartphones...
Whether we realise it or not, most of us are already making use of mobile broadband every single day on our smartphones. Whether you're scrolling through your socials, checking your emails, watching a video or just browsing the web, it's mobile broadband that lets you get online and access the internet when you're out and about.
Getting a laptop online when you're on the move...
If you need to get a laptop connected to the internet when you're out of your home or office, then at the very least you'll need something called a 'dongle'. This small device plugs into a USB port and although not offering great performance, should allow you to get online, providing there's coverage from your mobile network where you are.
Sharing a connection when you're out and about...
For a more robust mobile broadband connection that can shared between a few devices, a 'MiFi' unit can be used. These are battery-powered mini routers that feature one or two ethernet ports and also broadcast WiFi over a short range. Although not enabling optimum performance, a MiFi device will typically offer better broadband speeds than a dongle.
But the best thing about mobile broadband is...
it's the ideal and instantly available solution for properties with slow landline broadband
The most valuable use for mobile broadband is that it can easily be used to provide a fast and stable internet connection to a single fixed location - and this can be done in just a few days. 4G broadband is a godsend for rural homes and businesses with frustratingly slow landline speeds and 5G broadband is a genuine alternative for urban properties that can't get a full fibre service.
To get the best performance, you'll need a full-blown 4G or 5G WiFi router and a connection to the mobile network offering the strongest coverage where you are. In areas with weaker signal strength, you may also need a small but very effective outdoor antenna to be installed. But the end result will be genuinely life-changing and far faster broadband.
We're National Broadband
The alternative broadband experts
We are a specialist internet service provider - or ISP - with over twenty years of experience in providing fast and reliable connectivity over 4G and 5G to tens of thousands of broadband-starved homes and businesses scattered all around the UK.
So why not see what our alternative broadband services can do for you and finally end your digital disadvantage? With our No Quibble Money Back Guarantee, there's literally nothing for you to lose... but there's an awful lot to gain.
There's just no need to wait for hugely improved broadband any more - so don't!
National Broadband or the mobile operators?
The smart choice is to sign up with us
There are a whole host of reasons why you should choose us as your supplier of mobile broadband, rather than going direct to one of the UK's mobile network operators, not least because we're already partnered with all four.
Don't just take our word for it
Here's what real customers say about us
Would you like to know more? Give us a call on 03333 447700 or email us
at enquiries@national-broadband.co.uk - or just fill in the enquiry form at the top of this page