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The average mobile broadband user receives download speeds of 1.46Mb/sec according to figures from Broadband Expert, just half that of the average home broadband user who receives speeds of around 3Mb/sec.

However, many suppliers claim far higher speeds are possible, such as Vodafone (7.2Mb/sec) and 3 (2.8Mb/sec).

"It is not surprising that mobile broadband is behind fixed line broadband as it's a comparatively new technology. But, mobile broadband providers must not follow the lead of home broadband services and advertise

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speeds that are largely unachievable," warns Broadband Expert technical director William Harvey.

Different suppliers varied in their average download rate, with Vodafone emerging as the leader with 2.3Mb/sec. T-Mobile customers received on average 1.1Mb/sec and 3 users achieved just 1Mb/sec.

The survey measured the download speeds of over 1,200 customers during February and March of this year, but Broadband Expert emphasised that speed is not the only priority when choosing a supplier.

"With mobile broadband, speed shouldn't necessarily be the main focus when choosing a product," explains Harvey. "Mobile broadband use tends to be business focused with email and web browsing the key activities. Speeds of 1-2Mb/sec are generally adequate for this type of activity."

"The most important factors to consider are network coverage linked to reliable service provision," he continues.

To help you choose a supplier PC Pro will be investigating mobile broadband in a forthcoming issue, looking at all five main suppliers in the UK and rating them on speed and reliability.