Wireless internet is amazing when you’re within the connectivity zone but what happens when you’re nowhere near a Wi-Fi zone? A great solution to this problem is the wireless dongle. A dongle is a USB device that allows your laptop to connect to the internet by using a mobile connection, so it doesn’t matter where you are in the UK, you can connect to the internet as long as there is a signal. Check dongle deals from Three here.
There are a few different types of USB dongle available, but all have a common goal of providing internet wherever and whenever you need. It means that you can take your laptop to the park, on a bus or non-Wi-Fi train, or anywhere that doesn’t have a wireless connection and surf the internet. Usage of the broadband connection is usually paid in advance and can be similar to a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. There are mobile networks that offer a monthly plan which can save you from running out of credit and ultimately save you money rather than paying by the minute, even though that’s quite affordable too.
Internet dongles are a little bigger than a credit card and you simply fit a SIM card and plug it into the USB port on your computer. Some dongles come with an installation CD which you need to run once to set the system up, and others simply start straight away. Also known as broadband dongles, they are perfect for those that cannot get a wired connection in their home or don’t want to be tied down to a contract. The pay-as-you-go system means that the plans can be cheaper than a traditional internet service provider and this can make it a more affordable choice.
Some people buy internet dongles for emergency usage. If you’re caught out and need to connect to the internet, or if your home internet system is unreliable, then an internet connection through a broadband dongle can come to the rescue. In some cases, it can be a lot faster and more reliable than a WiFi or dial-up internet service, and as you only pay as much as you can afford, it can help you save some pennies on your internet bill.
It’s worth mentioning that mobile broadband coverage isn’t perfect. In some areas, the connectivity is limited just as a mobile phone signal would struggle, but it does allow more freedom and helps you save on those times when you have to pay to connect to the internet when you visit a restaurant or café. As we’re constantly on the move these days and smart phones can limit the way you use the internet, for example if you wanted to write a long email or play a resource-sapping game, then having a wireless dongle and mobile internet is a great solution.
In many cases, buying a USB dongle is just as important as having wired internet in your home or at work. If you’re caught short and the network goes down or you move home and can’t get a wired system installed for a few weeks, then a mobile internet connection is the way to go.
