Broadband dongles latest must have Christmas present
Since 2007, mobile broadband has been making inroads into the UK broadband market. Dongle sales are currently running at around a quarter of a million every month in the UK, so with Christmas just around the corner, Broadbandchoices.co.uk offers tips on how to choose the right dongle to give to loved ones this Christmas.
Michael Phillips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk commented: “Pre-pay dongles are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, and for good reason. They are small, lightweight and need no contract or instructions to use them – they are the ideal laptop accessory for techies and technophobes alike and they make great Christmas gifts.
“There are no ties to contracts or landlines, making them perfect for students, renters or those who travel a lot and there is no complicated software required to get them working. Most importantly, by ditching line rental in favour of a dongle, consumers can save over £100 per year.
“Whilst some consumers will spend Christmas morning poring through instruction manuals, those that receive a dongle in their stocking will be surfing the web within minutes of ripping open the wrapping paper, making it the perfect Christmas present for all ages.”
Broadbandchoices.co.uk’s top tips for choosing the perfect dongle:
1. Check your coverage - mobile broadband works all over the UK, so as long as consumers have their laptop and their dongle they are able to connect to the internet. However, mobile broadband coverage can be patchy in some areas, so check Ofcom’s coverage map to ensure the provider you have chosen cuts the mustard.
2. Compare costs - dongles are free for those choosing lengthy contracts, but for those giving pre-pay dongles as gifts this Christmas, the cost of the dongle can vary significantly. Make sure you use an Ofcom-accredited comparison service such as Broadbandchoices.co.uk to search the whole market and find the best deal.
3. A long or short memory? - many of the latest dongles double up as memory sticks but pre-pay dongles tend to be of a lower spec than those on a contract. It is important to compare any additional features such as memory storage or download limits, alongside the price.
4. Free Wi-fi: some mobile broadband providers offer free Wi-fi minutes, which is perfect for downloading or streaming programmes onto a laptop. Once again, consumers must look into the various features on offer from the different providers before choosing a dongle, as some won’t offer free Wi-fi minutes.
5. Returns policy – When buying a dongle for a loved one this Christmas, you need to ensure that there is enough time – from date of purchase to the recipient unwrapping it on Christmas morning – to return it or exchange it if there is a problem such as a fault.