Mobile options
Away from your Wi-Fi? Think about getting connected another way
There are going to be times when you need to get online and using your own home or office network simply isn’t an option – like when you’re commuting or visiting friends, say. One option is to tap into the thousands of free or paid‑for public Wi-Fi networks. Or you can add a mobile data allowance to your existing phone contract, possibly with tethering to share it with your Mac. Another option is to use a Wi-Fi or USB dongle with your Mac.
All of the UK’s major mobile networks (see below) offer a range of connectivity options, from Pay As You Go and rolling data plans to full-on mobile contracts. None are particularly generous, so you’re not going to want use them for a TV binge, but when you absolutely have to get online they can be good option. Prices range from £6–£55 per month, depending on how much data you need. The best Wi-Fi dongles also enable up to 10 people to connect at the same time.