Comparison table: Wireless mobile broadband plans
Get 3G internet speeds through a USB dongle on a monthly contract
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Wireless broadband: buyers' guide
What is wireless broadband and what are the benefits?
Wireless broadband (also known as "mobile broadband" and "3G broadband") allows you to do all the things you usually use your home broadband connection for, but with the freedom to be able to connect while you're on the move. This means you can access the internet and carry out all your essential online jobs such as writing emails, surfing the net or catching up with work while you're away from home.
With a wireless broadband service you no longer have to spend time and money sitting in an internet cafe - if you have your laptop on you it's possible to connect to the internet outdoors, while you're on the train or a bus, or even on the beach.
Mobile broadband works by using a small portable USB modem (sometimes referred to as a dongle, or a broadband stick) which can plugged into a laptop. Alternatively, some devices come wireless broadband-enabled so you don't need to use a separate device. Just like your mobile phone, as long as you can get a wireless broadband signal from your provider, you will be able to connect to the web.
If you are away from home a lot, you need to be able to get on with some work or simply love the flexibility of being able to go online without being stuck to a desktop or hunting for a WiFi hotspot, wireless broadband could prove invaluable.
What does it cost?
There are two different ways to get kitted up with wireless broadband - through a contract, or prepaid. There are benefits for both so it's worth thinking about how much you're prepared to spend every month, how often you think you will want to use your wireless dongle, whether you need to rely on fast speeds, or generous download limits, or just need to use it on a casual basis.
Prepaid wireless mobile broadband internet is an easy way to set yourself up with broadband on the move without spending too much, or being tied in to a provider for a long time.
First of all you need to purchase a dongle (prices start at around $90) but then you simply prepay for credit when you need it. There are different sizes of top-ups available and each network has its own price for data usage.
For light use (such as emailing) a 500Mb prepay should stand you in good stead to download over 20 music tracks, view 30 high resolution photos, send over 40 emails and browse the web for a good few hours, all for around $15-$20. Some network providers such as Vodafone are quite lenient on how long you have to use up this data, but most others make sure prepays expire after 30 days.
You will be able to check up on your data usage using your wireless broadband dongle, so you will always know where you stand on your data limit for that month and avoid any nasty fees for going over your data cap.
Alternatively, as well as faster download speeds and bigger download limits, contracted wireless broadband sometimes throws in the incentive of a high value item such as a laptop. Once your full contract is over, this device is yours to keep, so it's a great way of getting hold of a free laptop without coughing up the full amount all in one go. Naturally, the monthly subscription is a little higher for this privilege.
Will my wireless broadband dongle work all over Australia?
A fast 3G service should be available in most metropolitan areas as well as some regional areas, but it's important to check individual provider's coverage maps before signing on the dotted line to an expensive contract deal. If a 3G service isn't available, sometimes you can get by on a slower 2.5G or 2G network, although you may find it difficult to carry out data-intensive tasks such as checking out YouTube or downloading large files.
Download speeds in a certain area may be affected by factors beyond your provider's control. For example, heavily built-up areas with large concrete buildings may offer poor reception and local weather conditions can have an affect on a wireless broadband signal too. Unfortunately, wireless broadband operators won't be held responsible for poor download speeds if any of these factors prove to be the cause of trouble.
It may even be possible to use your wireless broadband dongle overseas. Be sure to check out whether your provider offers and roaming data offers though, before you get stung with an accidental overseas bill.
Will I be able to cancel my wireless broadband account?
Every wireless broadband provider is different, so it's important to check the small print before you commit to a contract.
Some wireless broadband providers offer their customers a "cooling off" period of a couple of weeks so, if you're unhappy with the level of service, or are finding it impossible to get coverage in areas to visit often, you should be able to return your dongle without too many problems. However, after this time, you may find it a lot more difficult to cancel a contract before its natural expiry date.
If you're worried you might not be able to keep up with the monthly fees, it's probably best to try out a prepaid service first.
