Mobile Broadband - O2
O2 offer some very competitive mobile broadband packages available on a wide variety of schemes. Originally their mobile broadband launched on a contract basis only but it wasn't long until it launched on pay as you go.
O2 are the number one mobile network in the UK and offer coverage in most areas. If you're ever after one of their mobile broadband packages it's always worth checking in one of their stores to see if there are any promotions available. Right now at the time of this review O2 are offering a half price dongle on pay as you go which will cost you a grand total of £9.99 and they're also offering three months free to their mobile broadband contract customers. Not a bad deal, especially if you need a dongle as a back up £9.99 really is worth splashing out on.
The hardware provided by O2 is good quality. Originally their pre pay mobile broadband dongle would support a maximum of 3.6mbps download speeds whereas their new replacement hardware supports up to 7.2mbps.
As I mentioned earlier O2 have a massive coverage which means most areas will receive some form of signal. However O2 haven't been the quickest network when it comes to 3G and hsdpa network roll out. Combine this with the massive success of the iPhone and you get slow connectivity and peak times or in high traffic areas. This won't be the case for much longer. As of November 2009 o2 have begun a multi million pound investment in upgrading their coverage to cope with demand from both smartphone and mobile broadband users. The network is also undergoing trials of the new 4G technology known as LTE which is set to revolutionize mobile broadband and download speeds. If their trials are a success then o2 will well and truly be the network to go with.