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Business dongle deals
British companies are increasingly equipping their employees with internet dongles as a versatile and reliable broadband solution.
The rise in remote working, frequent business travel, and the demand for flexible, secure, on-the-go internet access have propelled dongles to the forefront of corporate technology.
Business internet dongles offer a solution for connecting laptops to the UK’s growing 5G networks, which provide high-speed, low-latency broadband in most large towns and cities.
This guide assists small business owners in the UK in finding the best dongle deals to suit their needs.
Different types of business dongles
Portable dongles provide mobile internet solutions for businesses, allowing laptops to connect to the internet from anywhere with a 4G or 5G signal. However, the terminology for business dongle devices can be confusing.
All business dongles use a SIM card to connect to a mobile network and transmit a WiFi signal, allowing other devices to use the mobile connection.
The difference in device names for WiFi dongles describes how these devices are powered. Here are the main types:
Business WiFi Dongle
A business WiFi dongle plugs into the USB port of a laptop or computer and uses the device’s power.
Business MiFi Dongles
A MiFi device is a standalone device powered by a battery. It is a portable version of a mobile business broadband router.
Internet Hotspot
An internet hotspot is a function of smartphones used by businesses that allow other nearby devices to connect to their mobile data connection.
Key features of a business dongle
Business dongles provide a portable internet solution. Here, our experts present the three key reasons UK businesses are equipping their workforce with business internet dongles.
Remote working
Business WiFi dongles enable remote working from various locations without appropriate WiFi coverage or access. They allow workers to connect laptops to the internet from trains, cafes, restaurants, and parks.
Security
Connecting to the internet using a password-protected and encrypted dongle or device is more secure than using any public WiFi, such as those available in airports, museums, cafes, and bars, even when using a VPN.
Performance
Business internet dongles are purpose-built and provide the most stable connection possible from the signal of cellular networks. They are superior to using a smartphone’s generic hotspot capabilities and can provide up to gigabit broadband speeds.
What to consider when buying a business dongle
Our business broadband experts cover the key considerations when purchasing dongles for your business.
Mobile internet carrier
Business internet dongles rely on 4G or 5G mobile broadband connections. The UK has three major mobile broadband carriers: EE, Three, and O2.
It’s important to get the SIM card for your business internet dongle from the carrier that has the best coverage where your dongle will be used.
💡 Vodafone is the only one of the major UK mobile carriers with European-wide coverage.
4G or 5G
The SIM card for your business dongle will either be 4G or 5G enabled.
4G is perfectly fine if you don’t need a superfast connection, and it will cost less than 5G. Also, 4G coverage is much wider than 5G, especially in rural areas.
5G enables speeds comparable to full fibre business broadband, but its connectivity is limited to urban areas, and the signal can rapidly decay with bad weather.
💡 A 5G business broadband dongle can use a 4G connection where 5G is unavailable.
Mobile data contract
Business dongles are inexpensive devices. However, the biggest cost of a portable internet solution is the mobile data contract.
We recommend comparing business mobile broadband providers carefully, considering:
- Data limit: Consider how much data you’ll need each month. The best mobile broadband packages are unlimited.
- Contract length: Exit fees are expensive in mobile broadband contracts, so choose an appropriate contract length.
- Roaming: Consider whether your employees will likely need to use the dongles abroad.
Compatibility
If using a WiFi dongle, make sure your device has an available USB port to connect to the dongle. Also, ensure the SIM card slot supports the correct SIM size.
If you plan to use the business internet dongle abroad, ensure your WiFi dongle or MiFi device is compatible with the 5G and 4G frequencies used in your destination country, as these can vary by region.
Alternatives to dongles for your business
Satellite business broadband now offers a strong alternative to business internet dongles.
Satellite internet providers like Starlink offer an internet connection with near-global coverage that can be connected to portable kits small enough to fit into a backpack.
A business broadband dongle works best in urban locations, whereas Starlink’s portable kits enable work from mountain huts and remote beaches.
Our experts at Business Broadband Hub, help small business owners find the best business broadband deals for their needs. Request a call back from our experts today and compare a range of business broadband providers.
Differences between a dongle and a modem for your business
Cellular modems are a business broadband redundancy solution that helps businesses avoid disruption if their fibre broadband connection fails.
A cellular modem can maintain a business’s internet infrastructure, enabling a network of computers, printers, and other devices to access the internet in case of a connection failure.
Unlike business internet dongles, cellular modems are typically not portable.