Mobile Broadband Devices
Some kind of device is needed to connect to mobile broadband and the most popular choices are a USB modem plugged into a laptop, or a smartphone with 3G capability.
The options are widening however and it is likely that mobile broadband devices will be more varied with more options for connecting.
Now there are netbooks with inbuilt 3G capabilities which means that there is no need for an external USB modem. This is likely to become more commonplace.
It’s also possible to use a mobile phone connected to a laptop as a modem. This is known as tethering and hasn’t been embraced by providers as an allowable way of connecting to mobile broadband networks. This is changing however. Optus, for example, will offer tethering with the third generation iPhone due at the end of June.
A USB modem is a simple and easy way to connect to mobile broadband and it is the device which is predominantly offered by mobile broadband providers as part of their mobile broadband plans. USB modems are easy to use. You just plug the USB stick into the USB port on your laptop and you are connected directly to the Internet through the provider’s mobile phone network.
Most mobile broadband providers offer a choice of USB modems and provide a summary of features and benefits of each one on their website. Independent reviews of modems are also available on the Internet.
1 GB for $15 plus $4 modem charge. This
is the cheapest mobile broadband plan available and excellent if you need email and Internet
while on the move. 
Vodafone offer 3GB for $29.95 per month on a 12 month plan. This is great value especially if you want the flexibility of a 12 month rather than 24 month plan.
5
GB for $34. Great value plan in the mid-range price bracket. No excess data charges. 