Mobile broadband has become the go-to for reliable connectivity while on the go. We want to be able to respond to an e-mail, stream the latest episode of a TV show or just mindlessly scroll through social media.
While these things are easy to do at home with fibre or fixed-line Wi-Fi, what happens when you go elsewhere? That’s where mobile broadband comes in, giving you Internet access from wherever you are.
But in order to be connected, you need a device. So which one is the best to use for mobile broadband?
Why Mobile Broadband Matters Now More Than Ever
Internet connectivity is the backbone of so many opportunities that people may not have had in the past. It’s used for working remotely, learning online and even running a small business.
This is all made possible by mobile broadband especially in rural areas. Most of these areas don’t have fibre or DSL connections which means that they have to rely on mobile broadband for connectivity.
What Are The Best Devices For Mobile Broadband Access?
When it comes to mobile broadband, there are a couple of device options that you can use. Of course, each device will have its pros and cons and the one that will work best for you depends on what you need it for.
Smartphones
Smartphones are usually the go-to device for mobile broadband since most people do have one. It can connect directly to the mobile network to give you Internet access and with the hotspot feature, you can connect other devices too.
The great thing about smartphones is that they are portable so they can go everywhere with you and if you already have one, you don’t need to spend extra money purchasing one.
However, using the hotspot feature can drain your battery very quickly. And if you need it to work online, it may not be the most suitable option.
Portable Wi-Fi Routers
These are also known as MiFi devices which create a Wi-Fi signal once it connects to a mobile network. All you need is the router and a SIM card and you can connect multiple devices at once.
MiFi devices typically have a longer battery life than if you had to use your smartphone’s hotspot and it’s secure for those who work remotely or travel often.
It is a bit more costly to buy and does require charging but if you need connectivity for multiple devices like on a business trip, it’s worth looking into.
USB Dongles
These are small devices which plug directly into your laptop’s USB port with a SIM card to enable mobile broadband.
It’s easy to use and more cost-effective compared to portable routers which is perfect for students or freelancers who work mostly with their laptops.
On the other hand, it’s not ideal if you need to connect multiple devices. This is because it only works with the laptop that it’s currently plugged into.
Fixed Wireless Routers
In underdeveloped areas without fibre or DSL, you could also use a fixed wireless router which work with 4G and 5G SIM cards. These are for home-use since they aren’t portable like MiFi devices.
Wireless routers generally have stronger signals and can connect to multiple devices however, it needs to be plugged in to work and is a bit pricier.
Laptops With Built-In Mobile Broadband
Some laptops that are top of the range have built-in SIM slots or eSIM support. This means that they can connect to mobile networks without needing a hotspot or dongle.
It’s great for remote workers or travellers who need instant connectivity with no setup or don’t want extra devices or routers.
The downside is that these laptops are more expensive than standard options since not all models will support mobile broadband.
Tablets With SIM Capability
Similarly, some tablets have a SIM card slot which enables them to connect directly with mobile broadband networks.
These have bigger screens than smartphones which is ideal for streaming or working and it’s portable.
However, they are quite limited compared to laptops and they aren’t as flexible as portable routers. They are also more expensive than tablets that only support Wi-Fi.
How To Choose The Right Device For You
The choice that you make will depend on various factors. Consider how many devices you will need to connect. If it’s only one or two, you could get by with just a smartphone. If it’s more than that, you may need to look at a MiFi device or wireless router.
Your budget will also be a big deciding factor. If you’re on a tight budget, a phone or dongle will do. If you can splurge a bit, you could look at a laptop with built-in broadband or a high-end MiFi device.
Ultimately, the best device to choose will be the one that can keep you connected where and when you need it the most depending on how you need to use it and how frequently you travel.
