Popularity of mobile broadband on the increase

Michael Phillips, Product Director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk.co.uk comments on the hidden costs of mobile broadband usage and offers hints and tips for avoiding them.

In an increasingly busy world, consumers are spending more time at the computer at work and home when they'd much rather be enjoying the great outdoors. Mobile broadband is the perfect solution to this problem, allowing users to get online at the park, on the move or on the beach. There are some great mobile broadband packages available, but even with cheaper headline rates and more generous download allowances, the hidden costs of mobile broadband can leave you with some rather high bills if you're not careful. Consumers need to consider the following points to avoid being stung:

HARDWARE: The cost of a USB modem or stick will depend on the provider you choose and the length/price of package. Modems are often free on the most expensive and longest pay monthly mobile broadband packages, but for a shorter contract (12 months for example) or a pay-as-you go tariff, the cost of hardware can rise significantly.

SHORTER CONTRACTS: The trend in broadband and mobile phone markets is for increasingly longer contracts. Most providers will charge more for the modems if you choose a short-term contract that lasts 12 or 18 months instead of their preferred long-term option of 2 years.

DATA LIMITS: If your mobile broadband package has a set data limit you will be charged an additional fee as soon as you exceed your limit - which can range from 1 - 7GB. 1GB is equal to roughly 2 hours of downloading from BBC iPlayer. Consumers must be aware of their limits as the additional download cost varies between packages from 10p per MB right up to £15 per GB - meaning bills can spiral out of control.

‘UNLIMITED' DOWNLOADS: Most major providers operate a fair usage policy rather than a set data allowance. Although these packages are advertised as ‘unlimited' they are anything but. You won't immediately be fined for exceeding this limit, but regular over-use can result in a download speed reduction, being forced to upgrade to a more expensive tariff or in extreme cases you may be fined or disconnected.

ROAMING COSTS: If you plan on using your mobile broadband service abroad, make sure you have an appropriate package with a traveller tariff. However these can still be quite pricey - you might be better off using an internet cafe

TIE INS: Think carefully before signing up to a lengthy 2 year mobile broadband package - it may be the cheapest now but think how much cheaper it could be in 2 years time. Speeds will be much faster and data allowances a lot more generous. If you are stuck in a long term contract you won't be able to take advantage of the great deals on offer.

For further comment, visit broadbandchoices.co.uk.