From time to time, many have wondered about throwing it all away and taking a job that takes them more out of the office, or at least tried to find a way to avoid wasting most of the day.

Even if they do have a laptop, the amount of time office workers typically need to spend connected to the internet means taking it out into the open won’t be an option without trailing a long and cumbersome cable behind them. Discovering the benefits of mobile broadband puts an end to the dilemma of balancing work with life in the great outdoors.

What is mobile broadband and how does it work?

Mobile broadband gives you access to a high-speed wireless Internet connection through a device that connects to your laptop. These devices, or ‘dongles’ as they are widely known, are available through all major mobile phone and internet service providers.

Although it has taken a while to gain momentum, the concept of mobile broadband is finally mainstream and today it is possible to access the Internet from anywhere you would normally use a 3G mobile phone. In other words, almost everywhere except the London Underground, the bases, and the most remote corners of the country. In many areas, especially cities, coverage is good enough to achieve comparable browsing speeds to what you would get over your usual broadband at home.

The dongle can take the form of a mobile data card, a USB stick or modem, or a device that connects your mobile phone to your laptop. Your service provider will give you the dongle when you sign up for the mobile broadband agreement. Many laptops now have built-in 3G technology, which means they are capable of broadband Internet access more or less as soon as you buy them. With longer contracts, typically 18 or 24 months, some companies will even offer a broadband-enabled laptop for free.

Enjoy flexibility and freedom with mobile broadband

The benefits of mobile broadband mean your office no longer has to be in the office and workplaces become much more flexible. You can do your computer-based work just as well outside, in a park or cafe, as you can at your desk. You can even work on the train, making downtime productive and consequently shortening your workday.

Costs vary depending on the type of offer you choose, which can be a monthly contract or pay as you go. Contracts usually start from as little as £10 per month, though they usually come with restrictions on how much data you can download; going over your limit results in an additional charge. This might be fine if you just want to send a few emails, but if your internet use is essential then a less restrictive contract is essential, which can cost up to £35 per month. Just like with your mobile phone, there are also packages available that allow you to use your mobile broadband abroad without incurring high costs.

So next time the weather permits, armed with a laptop and mobile broadband dongle, take the opportunity to enjoy the sunny side of life while keeping your activities productive and profitable.