Do you dongle?

Broadband modems are known as many things; but it doesn’t matter whether you call it a USB modem, broadband dongle, or simply just a dongle, because broadband modems are definitely here to stay.

Broadband modems are set to be very big business and it is estimated that over 1 million people will each own a broadband dongle for accessing the internet over mobile broadband by the end of 2008. If you aren’t looking at broadband modems yet, you will be soon.

In fact, the popularity of using USB broadband modems has rocketed and there are now seven times more people using a USB modem to access data via mobile broadband since the initial launch of broadband modems in mid 2007. All you need is a PC as the dongle has its own software embedded, which loads when you plug the broadband dongle into the USB slot on either a desk top or laptop. This also means that your broadband modem is totally portable and is not ‘tied’ to one computer – you can simply plug in your dongle to any computer to get instant mobile broadband access.

There is a concern about how much traffic the mobile networks for broadband modems can actually handle given the rapid growth of broadband dongle users. However, the technology is now very robust and broadband modems are flying off the shelves and people are even choosing to use a broadband dongle over traditional fixed-line home broadband packages.

Broadband modems are so popular because mobile broadband gives you portable broadband and internet access with no wires. It is simple, quick and all done via small USB broadband modems.

Using a broadband modem to access mobile broadband means you don’t need a telephone line or to be in a Wi-Fi area to get online, you just need a USB modem to plug into your laptop or PC. The average speed of UK mobile broadband modems has been tested at 1.46Mbs, so you get access to fast mobile broadband, via a neat little USB broadband dongle and you can do it all while you are on the move; no wonder broadband modems are proving such a hit. Watch this space to see the market for broadband modems grow and get ready to see a broadband dongle on a laptop near you soon.


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