Broadband Tips

Fredrick Joy asked:




Mobile broadband dongles are used for accessing internet while on the go. They are small devices which look very much like USB drives. In fact, they are a combination of a USB drive and circuitry for mobile internet access. They can be plugged into the USB port of laptops and PCs, for browsing the web, emailing, watching online videos, and doing everything else that you would on the internet. If you travel frequently and wish to carry your whole internet world with you on your journey, then mobile broadband is for you. Here are a few tips that you could bear in mind when you buy a dongle.

Find out what exactly your requirements are. When you travel, what is it that you really need the internet for? Are you a light user, who just checks emails and may be surfs the web? Or do you need mobile broadband for official work, where you might have to download huge attachments? Or are you a hard-core gamer or entertainment enthusiast who loves to get hold of the HD videos and other data intensive applications from the web, when travelling? There are plenty of mobile broadband providers who offer a variety of plans for mobile internet. So depending upon your needs, you can opt for a plan which suits you best. Light users can go for a plan which involves low download limits with low tariffs. While the heavy users can choose a plan which might have a flat rate fee with unlimited data downloading.

Also be aware that when mobile network operators mention unlimited data downloads, there might actually be a cut-off. The user’s downloads will usually be way below this limit. However, if the user actually exceeds this limit, the provider might request the user to reduce the downloading.

The network fidelity is another important criteria to consider. If you are aware of which places you’d be visiting when accessing mobile broadband, then it is better you have a good knowledge about the network coverage of the provider in those places. Most providers present a coverage checker tool on their website. This is essential because there might be regions which lie in a black-spot, where the signal strength is not strong enough. Hence you might lose connectivity or get very slow internet access in these areas. Choosing a broadband supplier who has a good coverage in the regions that you’ll be visiting, is thus important.

Some mobile network operators give you a buffer period, to try out their mobile broadband package. If you are not happy with the performance of the network, you can terminate your contract with the carrier without incurring much expenses. However, if you sign up a contract for a lengthy period, and in case you wish to terminate it in between, you might have to pay up for the reminder period of the contract. Hence be wise and careful when opting for a contract broadband. Find out all terms and conditions before signing up. Pay as you go can work out very cost effective in many cases.

When buying a mobile dongle, you can even get a dongle insurance. In case your mobile broadband USB modem gets lost or stolen, the insurance will cover you up, financially. The retailers usually ask you to sign up for an insurance at the time of purchase.

In order to protect your laptop or PC from viruses, it is best to set your system security and firewalls to forbid unauthorised access. Your PC or laptop retailer will be able to help you with getting the optimum anti-virus software.