Miriam Brent, writing for the Guardian newspaper, believes that mobile broadband users would be better off subscribing to a dedicated service rather than wireless hotspots.

The fact that there are not as many free Wi-Fi internet hotspots as people think means that signing up to a wireless broadband service from a mobile phone company is the only way of ensuring a dedicated service when out and about.

Users still have to pay, but they are not at the mercy of "temperamental" Wi-Fi zones, she wrote.

Ms Brent pointed out that monthly subscription rates depend on criteria like contract length but the most important issue is download limits.

"Usually these are around two or three gigabytes, so if you're looking to watch TV programmes or download music and videos it's best to go for the higher tariffs," she advised.

A recent survey by T-Mobile found that mobile broadband is close to becoming a mainstream product, with 44 per cent of Brits wanting to use the internet on the move.

Categories: Wireless Broadband

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