What is a Dongle?
A dongle is a simple piece of electronic equipment. It can be plugged into the USB port on your PC or Laptop in the same way as a USB stick. The major difference between a stick and a dongle is that a dongles uses a cable to attach to your machine whilst a stick plugs straight into your machine. The larger modem devices which use a cable have now all virtually been replaced by the USB stick.
What does it do?
A dongle allows you to access the internet over the mobile phone network, as long as you can get a reception. Speed will vary, but can be extremely fast when using 3G. Some dongles also contain a space for a small memory card meaning you can carry around your files and access the internet using just one device.
Where does it work?
Your dongle will work anywhere that you can get a mobile phone signal. If your signal is patchy, or if you are in a tube train or inside a building where you would normally expect a lower signal you may find that your connection speed is slow, however, this will rarely prevent your internet connection altogether.
How fast is it?
Speeds currently range from 2 to 7 mbps depending upon where you are and who your service provider is. Speed also varies depending on your location: in a rural area you can expect a slower connection and less consistent coverage, while urban centres are fast becoming hubs of wireless communications, offering some very high speed connections, with systems constantly updated to the highest standards.
Who needs mobile internet?
The Internet has become an integral part of modern living, so internet connections are what everybody needs! Whether it is for updating your facebook account or for checking your stocks online, if you are on the move a dongle is an essential travel accessory, letting you stay online on the move and providing access to the huge repository of information which is the Internet.
How much does it cost?
Mobile broadband starts from around £10 a month rising to around £40 a month for the most comprehensive package.
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