What to Consider when Choosing a Mobile Broadband Plan
There are several features which combine to make up a mobile broadband plan and it’s always the best combination of features for your particular circumstances which make a plan the best choice for you.
The main things to consider are price, data allowance, coverage, speed, contract and connection device options. We’ll outline the main considerations for each of these components.
Price
The price of mobile broadband is made up of monthly charges plus any initial set up fees if they apply such as the cost of a modem. Be careful when comparing prices to consider everything related to a total cost including whether excess data charges apply if you exceed the monthly limit. Also look at what is charged for roaming if you are outside the network coverage area. One other thing to consider is the payout costs if you terminate a contract early.
Data
Mobile broadband plans come with a monthly data allowance, usually in gigabytes. It’s important to consider how often you will use the mobile broadband service and for what purpose. As a guide only, 3 mobile publish this indication of what 1GB will allow you to do.
> Surf the web for 100 hours
> View 25 two minute videos
> Download 50 music tracks
> Chat on Skype for 5 hours
> Instant message for 50 hours
> And send 1000 emails, every month
Some providers allow you to switch to a different plan if you miscalculate your typical data usage.
If you are likely to be a light user then one of the lower limit plans will be fine (and obviously cheaper). There are a few cheap mobile broadband plans around currently from around $15 a month. These plans are good if you want to check emails and browse the web occasionally.
If you download a lot of music or wa tch streaming content such as youtube or ABC iview then the higher data plans are the right choice.
Mobile Broadband Speed
Be aware that advertised speed is usually the maximum available and the actual speed at any one time can vary quite a bit depending on hardware capabilities, network congestion and signal strength.
Telstra have the fastest network with the downside of the highest prices.
Contract Length
Most mobile broadband plans have a contract length of 24 months with a cost per month for terminating early.
1.5 GB for $15 plus a free USB modem on a 12 month contract. This
is one of the cheapest mobile broadband plan available and excellent if you need email and Internet
while on the move. 
6 GB for $39 plus free modem over 12 months. New 12 month contract.