If you thought that mobile broadband was something to do with surfing the web on your mobile phone, you're very wrong.

Mobile broadband allows you to have immediate web access on either your computer or laptop from wherever you are, be it at home, at the airport, on the train or halfway across the Pennine Way.

Instead of the cables or wires needed for standard broadband, mobile broadband is powered by the 3G mobile network, hence the name.

Simply, all you need is a subscription to a mobile service network and a plug-in USB modem - a dongle, if you prefer - and you're away.

It's not purely by chance that the present UK mobile broadband providers are also the main mobile phone providers such as Vodafone mobile broadband, T-mobile, O2, 3 mobile broadband and Orange mobile broadband.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Bear in mind though that this exciting concept is not freely available to everyone just yet, so don't rush to cancel your current telephone or cable internet provider until you have had a closer look at it.

A mobile broadband network will only work well if the mobile telephone network it runs on is efficient.

For instance, disparities in speed are the norm and erratic reception, the curse of mobile phones, will also plague mobile internet connections in exactly the same way.

If you use the internet a lot, mobile broadband is unlikely to be suitable for you as it would not be able to compete with the unlimited usage allowances of most hardwired broadband packages.

However, if all you need is to check your email and surf sporadically, then you will find it an attractive proposition - especially if you are on the move a lot.

Depending on your specific service provider, the new mobile broadband networks offer speeds ranging from 2.8Mb to as much as 7.2Mb. However, usage limits are restrictively applied throughout.

How much can you download?

Current mobile broadband providers are offering download limits of between 1 - 15Gb per month, which means it would not suit anyone who has to regularly transfer large files.

Equally, if you spend hours on YouTube, or listening to internet radio, or can't resist online pirated movies, mobile broadband is unlikely to suit you - unless money is no object.

For that reason, mobile broadband is unlikely to replace ADSL or cable any time soon.

But, on the other hand, the mobile broadband facility is perfect for anyone who is away from home a great deal and needs frequent and ready access to their email while on the go.

It would be absolutely brilliant for occasional users who have more than one home but don't want to pay for two broadband connections.

It has also become increasingly popular among students living in student houses where nobody wants to pay for a landline.

What does it cost?

Mobile broadband set-up and monthly costs differ considerably from network to network.

The usage allowance affects the price, but in general, the longer the contract the less it costs.

You will probably find it very helpful to consult a broadband comparison site and compare all mobile broadband deals and current prices.

Watch out...

As mobile broadband technology is still in the early stages of development and very likely to drop substantially in price in the future, it is advisable, say the experts, that consumers avoid extended contract periods.

On the other hand, if money is no object and you are happy to pay for the many advantages of a permanently connected laptop and welcome an escape from all the wires and cables necessary for standard broadband, then go for it!