Broadbandchoices.co.uk: Michael Phillips of Broadbandchoices.co.uk comments on Ofcom’s mobile broadband speed research

Ofcom's latest research echoes what we've said for some time that mobile broadband is not a viable replacement to fixed line broadband. With average speeds of only 1.5Mbps, a user's internet experience is going to be severely limited."

"1.5Mb is fine for basic web-surfing and accessing e-mail on the move but it is depressingly slow for the burgeoning number of users of iPads and tablet devices who wish to access multi-media on the go. Unfortunately there is presently really very little alternative."

"For very light internet users, mobile broadband has the advantage of no line rental requirement and offers no contract/pay-as-you go options which can save around £13 a month, keeping costs down in these tough economic times."

"This research reinforces the fact that mobile broadband does not – as yet – offer a solution to the digital divide. Good 3G coverage in the rural/cut-off areas that need it the most can be patchy as best."

Broadbanchoices.co.uk top tips for choosing mobile broadband:

1. Check your coverage - mobile broadband works all over the UK but you need to make sure you choose the right network - coverage can be patchy in some areas. Check the network provider's coverage on their website to ensure the one you've chosen cuts the mustard.

2. Compare costs - dongles are free for those choosing lengthy contracts, but the cost of pre-pay dongles can vary significantly. Make sure you use an Ofcom-accredited comparison service such asBroadbandchoices.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, 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 check to see if you can return or exchange it if there is a problem, such as a fault or coverage proves totally inadequate despite the provider's claims.

For further information please contact:

Michael Phillips/Jon Ingram
Broadbandchoices.co.uk
020 7400 6234

Karen Wagg/Emily Church
Peregrine Communications
020 3178 5013 

About Broadbandchoices.co.uk

Broadbandchoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and is the UK's leading Ofcom accredited broadband comparison calculator.

We offer comprehensive and impartial advice on broadband, mobile broadband and bundled packages (broadband with home phone and digital TV) saving our users over £200 when they switch.

The Broadbandchoices.co.uk calculator compares thousands of different combinations of packages and provides results in a clear, intuitive table where users can rank and compare services according to their individual needs.

Broadbandchoices.co.uk powers over 20 leading comparison services including Confused.com, Comparethemarket.com and GoCompare.com.