The ultimate guide to buying Mobile Broadband

June 26, 2025

Taking photos on a phone with mobile broadband

We’ve created the ultimate guide to buying mobile broadband, including the different types of mobile broadband available, the best ways to use it, and how to choose the right deal for you.

What is mobile broadband and how does it work?

Mobile broadband is your personal internet connection. It gets you online whether you're at home or out and about. Whilst traditional fixed-line broadband is delivered through cables, mobile broadband works quite differently.

Mobile broadband requires a SIM card to work, and like your smartphone, it allows you to connect to the internet through mobile data on a specific network. Mobile broadband taps into 4G or 5G data networks to create a mini broadband hotspot.  

The biggest advantage of mobile broadband is its portability. Once you have a mobile broadband device, you can take it wherever you want, and get online wherever you can connect to a mobile network. 

The number of devices you can share your internet connection with will depend on the type of mobile broadband device you choose. It is also worth noting that you can enjoy this type of connection as a pay as you go mobile broadband option as well as pay monthly.

The different types of mobile broadband 

With Three, you can get connected using one of our devices or SIM Only plans. Discover the different types of mobile broadband we offer: 

MiFi device

A MiFi is a small, portable mobile broadband router that’s about the size of a large mobile phone. You can use MiFi to share a connection with multiple users while you’re on the go. Our 4G MiFi and 5G MiFi use our network to provide fast, stable Wi-Fi you can share with up to 32 devices. It’s incredibly easy to set up – just switch your router on and you’re good to go. 

Data Only SIM cards

Data Only SIM cards work exactly like SIM cards for your mobile phone. But as the name suggests, they only have a data allowance with no calls or texts. Simply put them in the SIM card slot of certain iPads, Tablets, Laptops and mobile broadband devices, and you’ll get online wherever you can connect to our network.

Tablets

With mobile broadband, you can connect your tablet to the internet when you’re out and about and away from Wi-Fi. Whether you want the latest iPad or a Samsung tablet, you can get connected using a Data SIM Only contract

What can you use mobile broadband for?

There are many ways that you can use mobile broadband to help you stay connected. Here are some of the best ways to use mobile broadband:

  • As a temporary Wi-Fi solution. Mobile broadband is ideal if you’ve just moved home and haven’t got the internet yet, or if you’re a small business working in a temporary office, or if you’re living in short-term accommodation.
  • To stay connected when you’re out and about. The good thing about mobile broadband is that it’s more reliable than public Wi-Fi on transport and in cafes. So, whether you’re travelling for work or leisure, you can access the internet, wherever you are.  
  • To get online when travelling abroad. Mobile broadband allows you to stay connected to the ones you love, even if you’re time zones apart. With Go Roam, you can use your mobile internet hub and unlock your data allowance in over 160 destinations around the world.
  • As a back-up Wi-Fi option. If your home broadband connection isn’t always reliable or often fails to support the whole home, mobile broadband can provide the perfect back-up option.
  • For caravans and motorhomes. With mobile broadband, you and your family can stream your favourite shows and download games from your caravan or motorhome without a hitch.
  • To get Wi-Fi on a boat. Whether you’re planning a boating adventure or have a residential mooring in a marina, mobile broadband can help you stay connected whilst on board.
  • As a car Wi-Fi solution. Using mobile broadband to create an internet connection in your car makes journeys more efficient for the driver, provides more fun and entertainment for your passengers, and helps keep kids occupied. 
Taking photos on a phone with mobile broadband

How to choose a mobile broadband deal

When you’re choosing a mobile broadband deal, there are several things you need to consider. We’ve broken down the following questions to help make your decision easier:

Where do you want to use it?

We always recommend using our Coverage Checker to determine whether you can get adequate coverage wherever you are.  Simply enter the postcode of where you want to use your mobile broadband and find out if 4G or 5G is available for you. You can also use our Network Status checker to see if there’s any disruptions or maintenance going on.

When it comes to mobile broadband, you need a network you can rely on. Our network already covers 99% of the UK outdoor population, meaning you can get online from almost anywhere. And we’re always investing to build a better, stronger network. 

What do you want to use it for?

If you want to share your mobile broadband with multiple devices and users, then a MiFi device will be your best option to help you stay connected.

It’s also worth noting that we have Pay As You Go Data Only SIMs for those who want a pay as you go mobile broadband for occcasional use, as well as our Pay Monthly Data Only SIMs for those who want to pay monthly for more regular use.

How much data do you think you’ll use?

If you’re looking for mobile broadband that you can share with friends, family, and colleagues, an unlimited data allowance is your best call. With our truly unlimited data, you can enjoy as much data as you’ll ever need. Endlessly stream, browse, download and share in the UK, without worrying that you’re going over your allowance.

If you only do a little bit of browsing and streaming, our smaller data allowances should be more than enough. They’re ideal for those who won’t be using their mobile broadband every day or sharing it with as many devices. 

How long do you think you’ll need it?

With our pay monthly mobile broadband, you can choose how long your contract will be. We offer both short-term rolling plans and long-term contracts, so you can find the right plan for you.

If you’re using mobile broadband as a temporary Wi-Fi solution, a shorter contract might suit you best. Or if you're looking to use mobile broadband as a more permanent solution, you’ll benefit from our 24-month data plans.

How much do you want to spend?

With our MiFi mobile broadband hub, you can choose how much you want to pay upfront and monthly. The cost will depend on your exact needs in terms of length of contract and data allowances.

All our 24-month contracts and our 12-month unlimited data plan come with no upfront cost. If you’re buying mobile broadband hub on a 1-month plan, you’ll need to pay an upfront fee.

For our Data Only SIMs, you can choose from a variety of different plan lengths and costs, so it’s easy to find something that suits your need and budget. 

If you’re ready to get connected, you can check out our mobile broadband deals online. Or if you want to learn more about MiFi devices, you can check out our recent blog post.