Mobile broadband might seem like it's unnecessary, or just for those who are more 'techie', but as a lot of people are finding these days, it can be really useful to have. And just as now we'd be lost without our mobile phones, I reckon it won't be all that long before we start to wonder just how we got by when we couldn't check our email in the park or look up Google maps when we get lost. And mobile broadband isn't just about finding WiFi hotspots any more – it uses the 3G mobile phone networks to connect you just about anywhere. All you need is a USB modem – often referred to as a dongle – plugged into your laptop, and voila, connection.

Mobile broadband isn't yet as fast as fixed line broadband – although from what I've read it looks like it's heading that way within the next couple of years; but it is a great supplemental service, and of course its main advantage is being able to get online anywhere. It also works out really well for the likes of students, or people who move house a lot or work away frequently – anyone who doesn't find fixed line access so easy to come by. Some people are also choosing it as an alternative because it doesn't require you to have a landline, or mess around with routers and splitters and cable. It's just plug and play.

So how do you get connected?

Well, the mobile broadband suppliers in the UK are – unsurprisingly considering that it uses the mobile phone networks – the mobile network providers. That's 3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Virgin and Vodafone. They all have a seemingly ever-growing and changing number of mobile broadband deals, often bundled with various other packages or optional extras; so the hardest part of getting a mobile broadband connection is probably deciding which package is right for you. It can be a real pain wading through various suppliers' websites looking for what's on offer, so I'd recommend using one of the mobile broadband comparison sites which have sprung up, such as Mobile Broadband Genie. They have all the information on the latest prices, deals and offers in one place, and they're independent, so they're not pushing you towards anything.

The things you're looking for when you shop for a mobile broadband connection are : cost (obviously), speed, data cap, length of contract, and extras. Mobile broadband speeds are a bit contentious, with connections being sold as "up to" whatever speed – which translated means you're not guaranteed to get the advertised speed. It depends a lot on where you live. It may be that speed of connection isn't really important to you – but if it is there are user reviews on Mobile Broadband Genie which can help you get an idea of what speeds people are getting in the real world.

The data cap refers to how much data you are allowed to transfer in a month – it's basically a usage restriction, and there are some fairly stiff penalties for over-use, so it's one to bear in mind. Having said that, the data caps normally seem to start at about 3GB, and the average user will stay comfortably inside that for normal browsing and downloading. Only consider a larger data allowance if you know that you'll be using it a lot.

When you come to length of contract, things to think about are the fact that you'll probably pay slightly less for a longer contract (providers like to have your guaranteed revenue), but that it will tie you in for longer meaning that you won't have access to new deals that come out. There are even pay-as-you-go options for mobile broadband now, if you're the kind of person who prefers not to commit to a contract, or if you only plan to use the service every now and then. These allow you to 'top up' as needed, either by purchasing more data allowance or more time, depending on who you go with. The only thing to remember with this option is that you pay for the USB dongle, which is normally thrown in for free with a contract, so that can make the initial outlay greater.

And lastly – extras. Mobile broadband has been identified as a bit of a growth market, and as a result, all of the providers are competing with each other for your custom. Which means that not only are mobile broadband prices falling in the UK, but there are also quite a lot of really nice 'sweeteners' being added to the mobile broadband deals. These include laptops, which are being offered by a number of suppliers, and O2 has even thrown in a free Sony Ericsson T280i with some of its deals (again, Mobile Broadband Genie has all the info on these deals, so give it a look if you're looking for freebies). Don't be too blinded by these offers – no-one's really giving away something for nothing, but if you're in the market for a new mobile or laptop it's one to consider.

And if you're still not convinced, I will just mention that O2 are now offering a 50 day 'Happiness Guarantee' on their contracts, which means that if you're not happy with what you get for any reason, you can return all the kit for a full refund within 50 days. A good way to try out mobile broadband without getting stuck in a lengthy contract!

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