A tutorial on how to install mobile broadband modems on a mac.

• Best Mobile Broadband For Macbook
• Best Mobile Broadband For Gaming

On this page, you'll find links to the best mobile broadband deals currently available in the UK; the market is currently very competitive with some surprising names popping up. The best 4G mobile broadband offers the speeds and data allowances that fit your mobile internet habits, whether that’s checking emails during lunch, surfing the internet while on the bus, or streaming YouTube videos at the beach. It also has widespread, reliable coverage and the equipment to cater to your specific needs. Get the latest software for your mobile broadband device. Updating your device is easy. Just plug it into your computer or laptop and select it from the carousel below. Make sure to choose the correct device in order to get the appropriate software. Updates are compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

• All About Wireless

• How To Connect At Home

• How To Connect On The Go

• How to Troubleshoot Wireless Issues

• The Future of Wireless

It's increasingly becoming more important for us to have high-speed Internet access wherever we are — especially, for example, on our laptops when we're working on the go. Mobile broadband devices allow us to tap into a wireless carrier's ​4G or 3G network from our laptops and other mobile devices for always-on connectivity. Here's an overview of the different ways you can get 4G or 3G Internet access on your laptop.

Built-In 4G or 3G Mobile Broadband

Most of the latest laptops, netbooks, and tablets offer a mobile broadband option, where you can have a 3G or 4G card or chipset built into the laptop when you order it (for an additional cost). You'll have to sign up for mobile broadband service, but often you'll be able to select the wireless service provider.

• Pros: Convenience of having mobile wireless connectivity already set up as soon as you get your laptop (no need to install your own mobile broadband device); less obtrusive than a USB 3G or 4G laptop stick.
• Cons: Not transferable to other laptops or devices.
• Example: In the configuration options for the HP EliteBook 2540p ultraportable laptop, for example, there's a drop-down option for HP Mobile Broadband that will add the 'universal mobile broadband module' to your laptop. The module works with Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T wireless data services.

4G or 3G Laptop Stick

If you don't already have a mobile broadband card built-in or want a separate device that you can use with more than one laptop, a 4G or 3G USB modem (a.k.a. laptop stick) is easy to install — it's plug-and-play like most USB sticks. You can buy the laptop stick and sign up for the mobile broadband plan directly from the wireless provider or retailers like Best Buy.

• Pros: Can be used on different devices (e.g., switched from one laptop to another). Some laptop sticks also function as USB thumb drives for portable storage and other useful purposes.
• Cons: Sticks out of your laptop's USB port; easy to misplace or lose.
• Example: The Virgin Mobile Ovation MC760 USB Modem taps into Virgin Mobile's 3G network, while FreedomPop's USB Modem offers free 4G wireless internet access over Sprint's network.

3G or 4G Mobile Hotspot

Mobile hotspots can be either hardware devices like FreedomPop's Freedom Spot or a feature on your mobile device. You connect your laptop wirelessly to the 4G or 3G mobile hotspot, much as you would connect to a wi-fi network or wi-fi hotspot. As with the other options, you'll need to subscribe to a mobile data plan for your mobile hotspot device — or if you may need to pay an extra 'hotspot' fee to use the built-in hotspot feature on your smartphone. One major advantage of a mobile hotspot, however, is that you can typically connect more than one device to it for shared mobile Internet access.

• Pros: Usually can connect 5 or more mobile devices at once.
• Cons: Have to carry around a separate device (though mobile hotspots tend to be pretty thin and small, about the size and width of a credit card).
• Example: Most smartphones these days have a built-in mobile hotspot feature. The MiFi mobile hotspot made by Novatel is available on several wireless carriers. Learn about how to use your Android phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot to turn on Wi-Fi Internet sharing.

Cell Phone Tethering

Tethering is where you connect your cell phone to your laptop to use your cell phone's data service on the laptop. There are many tethering apps available to enable tethering via USB cable or Bluetooth, including the popular PdaNet app. Although many people have been able to get around additional tethering charges by jailbreaking their smartphones, most wireless providers are charging extra for the privilege of connecting your phone to your laptop.

• Pros: May be able to use the data plan you're already paying for on your cell phone without extra charges.
• Cons: Tethering can be slow and drain your phone's battery more quickly.
• Example: Learn how to use your cell phone as a modem for tethering instructions for the major US wireless carriers.

Which option is best for you? Besides heading to a wi-fi hotspot or Internet cafe for free Internet access, tethering is the least expensive option for getting Internet access on your laptop when you're not at home. If you have multiple devices or want to share a mobile broadband connection, a mobile hotspot makes the most sense. 3G or 4G laptop sticks are also convenient and easy to use.

Use Wi-Fi

Learn how to connect to an open, secure, or hidden Wi-Fi network. You can also create a new Wi-Fi network. Best logo design software for macbook.

Connect to a Wi-Fi network

Click in the menu bar, then choose a network. If Wi-Fi is off, click , then select Turn Wi-Fi On.*

If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, a window might appear with terms and conditions you're asked to agree to before you can connect.

Connect to a secure Wi-Fi network

Secure Wi-Fi networks are password-protected and have by their names.

1. Click in the menu bar. If Wi-Fi is off, click , then choose Turn Wi-Fi On.*
2. Choose a network.
3. Enter the password, then click Join. If you don't know the password to the Wi-Fi network, contact the network administrator.

Best Mobile Broadband For Macbook

Connect to a hidden network

1. Click in the menu bar. If Wi-Fi is off, choose , then choose Turn Wi-Fi On.*
2. Choose Join Other Network.
3. Enter the network name. Make sure you enter the network name correctly.
4. If the network is secure, choose the Security type, then enter the password.
5. Click Join.

Learn what to do if you can't connect to a hidden network.

Create a Wi-Fi network

If you have Internet service at your location, you can connect an AirPort base station or a third-party router to your modem to create a Wi-Fi network. Use the setup guide for your AirPort base station, or check your third-party router's manual for help.

* If you don't see the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, you can add it back. Choose Apple () menu > System Preferences, click Network, click Wi-Fi, then select 'Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar'.

Use Personal Hotspot

With most carrier plans, you can share the cellular data connection of your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) with your Mac.

Learn how to set up Personal Hotspot.

Use Ethernet

To connect to the Internet over a wired connection, connect an Ethernet cable between your router or modem and the Ethernet port on your Mac.

Some Macs require an Ethernet adapter like the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, or the Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.

Best Mobile Broadband For Gaming

Learn more

• Use recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points.