When it comes to choosing the right Mobile Broadband dongle, ease of use and data speeds are the key factors, which is why the arrival of the Virgin Media 7.2Mbps Mobile Broadband solution is so important. Check out our Virgin Media 7.2Mbps Mobile Broadband review and see how we got on…
As it’s name suggests, the Virgin Media 7.2Mbps Mobile Broadband dongle is a modem that offers the user speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, which is a great leap forward for the technology, which for the most part seems to have stalled at 3.6Mbps.
Having access to a dongle like this means you can check email, surf online and generally stay in touch regardless of where you are. With Virgin Media offering 3G coverage pretty much over the whole of the UK – latest estimates put it at 85 per cent – you’ll be able to attain the best speeds around.
In many respects, this is an average mobile broadband dongle, roughly the size of a large memory stick it has a USB port at one end and twin LED connection lights on the side. There is also a microSD slot on-board, so sharing files with your phone rather than using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is easy. It also acts as a neat way of backing up your files.
When it comes to using it out and about we tested it on the Southern Trains daily commute in to London from the south coast. When in populated areas, such as London, you’ll find a solid and constantly high data speed, when out away from buildings you will find the service a lot slower.
Having it plugged in can have an effect on battery life, so we’d suggest not sitting for long journeys with it constantly plugged in, even in idle mode it can be a drain as the OS will be checking it’s still present and working.
Verdict
The Virgin Media 7.2Mbps Mobile Broadband modem is available in a range of data and price plans, making it one of the more economical mobile broadband solutions out there. Sure, the look is very much in keeping with the current market but the data speeds on offer put it above the rest of the pack.
Best features
Super fast connection
Easy to install and use
MicroSD slot for expansion
Not so good
Can be a battery drain
On the large side
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