Wireless broadband allows your laptop to connect through airwaves to an ISP connection up to 30m away. You can set up a wireless connection within your own home, all you need is a broadband connection and a wireless router.
If you have a new laptop with pre-installed wireless technology you will be able to take advantage of free wireless which is available increasingly within high street cafes, restaurants and pubs. Most users will be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks for free especially in built up areas. Ensure if you are using free Wi-Fi it is a completely free wireless network not someone’s private connection. It is illegal and a criminal offence to use private connections without permission.
Fon.com is attempting to become the biggest wifi community in the UK by allowing users to have access to the internet via their own connection and via the connection of other fon users. BT has signed up with fon allowing existing BT broadband customers to access BT hotspots for free.
Myhotspots.com has information on free Wi-Fi available throughout the UK in public places as does, jiwire.com , free-hotspots.com and hotspot-locations.com. If you are using a ‘free internet connection’ be cautious of what sites you are using and in regard to any personal information you are entering via sites – i.e. internet banking. There have been high profile cases throughout the UK were consumers have been entering secure data while on a free network and have had this information copied.
Mobile Broadband
If you would prefer to use a guaranteed network, the majority of mobile phone companies now offer mobile broadband via a dongle USB stick. This broadband is not received via a landline but instead makes use of the established phone networks to send data. Connection is available wherever there is a network signal, and you don’t need a mobile to connect to the internet. Most of the packages come with a portable modem and although the strength of the signal does vary, 90% of the country can get at least the basic signal which is faster than dial-up internet.
Different providers have different rules in regard to download capabilities but all state that you will be charged if you go over your download limit. Certain sites can monitor your downloads to ensure you don’t go over the limit – this can be done at webuser.co.uk and rokario.com. If you are simply checking emails and surfing the internet then 1GB should be enough, if you are going to be downloading frequently you will need to increase your capability. How can I minimise my data use?
- Turn of any automatic updates
- Use a web based email such as hotmail or yahoo instead of Internet Explorer
- Get rid of any adware or pop-ups
- Turn off pictures when you are surfing via your ‘Tools’ setting
Top Mobile Broadband Packages:
Monthly Price: £10
USB Modem: £50 (free with 18 month contract)
Monthly Usage: 1GB
Contract Length 12 months
Monthly Price: £15
USB Modem: free
Monthly Usage: 3GB
Contract Length 12 months
Monthly Price: £25
USB Modem: free
Monthly Usage: 7GB
Contract Length 12 months
Monthly Price: £15
USB Modem: free
Monthly Usage: 3GB
Contract Length 12 months
