What is a mobile internet dongle?

What is a dongle?

USB dongles are small pieces of hardware that can fit into the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port on any computer.

Dongles have many uses and can be added to your laptop to provide external storage, Bluetooth, internet access, or even added security, depending on the type of dongle used.

What is USB internet?

USB Internet refers to wirelessly connecting your device to an internet dongle, as those dongles connect directly to the USB port.

USB internet is popular with people who work remotely and need a secure internet connection for their laptops. However, it’s worth noting that USB internet dongles are not a substitute for a home internet connection as they’re generally less stable and less suited for use with multiple devices.

How does a dongle work?

An internet dongle plugs into your laptop’s USB port and connects to your provider’s network, serving as a small modem or a mobile router. In most cases, your dongle will connect your device to the internet without additional software or procedures and can be a quick, hassle-free way of connecting.

Dongles have a built-in network adapter. Depending on your plan and your area’s network availability, your dongle will give you internet access to 3G, 4G, or 5G networks on the go. Additionally, you can connect multiple devices with a dongle.

2 reasons to get an internet dongle

An internet dongle shouldn’t replace your home broadband connection. However, the flexibility and convenience it offers can be highly useful. These are the most common reasons people generally buy an internet dongle:

1. You travel a lot

It’s not possible to gain access to high-speed internet wherever you go. Whether you commute to work or travel across the country, you may need a USB dongle to avoid relying on public WiFi and instantly connect to the internet wherever you go.

A dongle also saves you the effort and strain on your battery of looking for WiFi connections or asking for passwords.

2, You work in shared spaces

If you’re a freelancer or a remote worker, you may be used to working in shared workspaces such as cafes or libraries.

However, the WiFi in such spaces is unsafe and easy to hack into, leaving you vulnerable to cyberattacks and is generally slower because of all the people competing for bandwidth.

You can get a USB dongle with high-speed, reliable, secure internet wherever you go.

Pros and cons of mobile broadband dongles

Still deciding whether or not you should buy a mobile broadband dongle? Here are the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Easy to set up

Internet dongles don’t need any extra software or tech of any sort to set up. You just need to purchase the dongle and connect it to your laptop in order to get a connection instantly.

This means no extra steps and definitely no additional hassle. Anyone with basic knowledge of operating a computer can set up an internet dongle.

2. Flexible usage

Broadband dongles allow greater flexibility as they can be used anytime, anywhere. Depending on your data plan, you can travel with it and even use it abroad. Nor do you need to worry about charging them since they run off your laptop’s battery and don’t require any additional charging.

3. Small and compact

Nowadays, mobile dongles are smaller and sleeker than ever, and you don’t need to worry about carrying a big device. They are pocket-sized and can fit into your purse as well. You can carry them around easily.

4. Short-term contracts

USB internet dongles don’t necessarily require long-term subscriptions or plans. If you only need it for a short while, you can choose a pay-as-you-go or short-term plan.

5. More secure and private

Buying a mobile dongle protects your device from the dangers of public WiFi or WiFi hotspots. Free WiFi in public areas can leave your laptop vulnerable to various internet security threats.

Using a mobile broadband dongle gives you access to a secure internet connection that can’t be easily hacked.

Cons

1. More expensive than a router contract

A mobile broadband dongle might be more expensive than a home internet connection or paying extra for data directly on your mobile phone. If you get a subscription plan through a provider, you generally enter into a 12-month or 24-month contract, costing you a lot over time. You can even get unlimited data on routers.

Even if you use the pay-as-you-go option, you still have to purchase the USB internet dongle, which can cost a significant amount upfront. It’s always good to plan ahead and have an eye on your broadband bills.

2. Slower than home broadband

USB internet sticks connect to the network in the area. However, most cities only have up to a 4G connection, which is much slower than the fibre optic home broadband connections.

Although you can perform most basic tasks on 4G internet, it’s not suitable for downloading large files or streaming videos, limiting your usability.

3. Unstable connection in some areas

The stability of your internet dongle depends on the reception of your provider’s network in a specific area. You likely won’t get good internet or download speeds if you’re using the dongle in an area with poor network reception.

You might face poor connectivity while travelling in certain areas as well.

Summary

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:

Which companies offer mobile broadband dongles?

Almost all mobile networks in the UK offer mobile broadband dongles and most offer free dongles with their subscription plans. A few of the most popular mobile broadband dongles currently on the market are:

• Vodafone K5161z dongle
• Vodafone K5161 dongle
• Three’s 4G dongle
• O2 Huawei 4G dongle

These dongles are easy to set up and give high-speed internet of up to 150 Mbps. You can also look for great broadband and dongle deals on their websites. However, they are limited in that they do not allow you to create a WiFi hotspot.

Final thoughts

A mobile internet dongle can keep you connected to fast and secure internet on the go and may be a good option for you if you need access to the internet while travelling. You can choose your provider and customise your data plans depending on your usage.