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Get online even faster when you’re mobile
The software to make the dongle work is supplied on the device itself
So-called ‘mobile broadband' modems use the mobile phone networks to transmit the computer data that allows laptops to access the internet.
This one is sold by mobile network Three and plugs into a USB port on the computer. It's a little smaller and thinner than ones we've seen before, but it's still over 3in (85mm) long.
The USB connector swivels for a good fit, but there's also an extension cable supplied for if space is tight or if you don't get good reception at the computer. It's made by Chinese manufacturer Huawei (model number E367) which in fact makes most of these adapters for mobile networks, regardless of how they're branded.
The software to make it work is supplied on the device itself, so you have the choice to install it when you plug it in. It worked simply and without fuss, though Windows 7 includes its own software to get online with such devices, so you can use that to avoid adding extra software if you wish. It's important to note that connection speeds will vary depending on the quality of 3's signal in your area.
We tried it in south-west London and got no signal at all, but in central London it was much better with an download speed of over 2mbits/sec - a far cry from the claimed maximum of 21mbits/sec but still impressive. A cheaper ‘Everyday' modem has slower transfer rates.
Those speeds are over the 3G network but it also works when there's no 3G signal. The network has recently changed how it offers non-3G coverage (through an agreement with T-Mobile) but it told us that when you buy the device you can check coverage against your postcode. There's also a 14-day money-back returns policy if you find that real-world coverage doesn't match the claims.
Costs vary depending on the price plan you choose – for £10 a month you get a not-very-generous 1GB of data on an 18-month contract, while for £18 a month you can have 15GB a month with a 24-month contract. If you can get Three coverage where you're likely to be using it, this is a good mobile broadband product.
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Our verdict
A good, fast connection when coverage was good – but check the contract prices before buying
Small; easy to set up; fast data transfer in good coverage areas
Coverage can be patchy; need to select the right contract for your usage
£10 a month (from)
Updating your subscription status 
Save money by switching to fast 3G broadband
USB Dongle
I brought a USB dongle, also a Huawei model, although it wasnt 3. I found out that it was very very expensive, as my laptop was set up to download updates from virus guard and microsoft. The upshot was without "using" the internet I had run up a huge bill. Be aware..
Posted by Keith Spencer, 16 May 2011
risky
No thanks. The PRC could be playing with my dongle behind my back.
Posted by stentor, 16 May 2011
usb dongle charges
contract r only worth it if u use the limit but if u go over the limit can cost u lots 100mb =100 pound
Posted by m.raza, 06 Oct 2012
Faster Than Home
I got the E3231 model from 3 on a £15 rolling month contract. At home broadband in Yorkshire we are lucky to get 2.5 mbs. Away from home the broadband checker gave a reading of 10.21 mbs on he dongle. Brilliant. And the dongle was free. Unbeatable.
Posted by John Smith, 16 Dec 2012