The Internet today is a completely different animal from the one it evolved from. In the early days there was no such thing as high-speed broadband. Internet access meant slow-speed dial-up, and a cumbersome desk-top PC. Today, we have smart phones and net-books that slip into our pockets, and a mobile broadband system that means we have Internet connectivity practically everywhere we go.

Mobile broadband is a relatively new concept, but it’s taken the world by storm. Internet technology is improving all the time – as are smartphones and laptop computers, and with options like mobile broadband pay as you go, you don’t even have to sign up to a long-term contract.

Over 99% of UK homes and businesses now depend on broadband technology, with fixed-line rental the most common way to connect to the Internet . However, the recent growth in high-powered mobile devices, and the growing use of laptop computers in preference to desktop PCs, has made mobile broadband a viable alternative.

The benefits of high speed broadband are numerous. In the early days of dial-up, downloads were relatively simple. However, today’s complex data files and video-linked websites demand a high-speed service – hence the high number of broadband providers. In the UK, dial-up users are in the minority.

The benefits of high speed broadband are numerous. In the early days of dial-up, downloads were relatively simple. However, today’s complex data files and video-linked websites demand a high-speed service – hence the high number of broadband providers. In the UK, dial-up users are in the minority.

* New partnership with HTC sees HTC HD2 kick start range of high-end data-enabled handsets * Two months free and unlimited calls to other Virgin Mobiles exclusively for Virgin Media customers

Hot on the heels of the recently launched LG InTouch Max, Virgin Media has secured a range of new Android™ handsets for customers looking for the best in mobile entertainment and browsing on the move. With thousands of apps, widgets and games, handsets based on Google’s Android phone operating system have been taking the UK by storm and Virgin Media has secured some of the latest and greatest to date.

This article was written on behalf of Virgin Media. For more information, please see Mobile Phones

This article was written on behalf of Holiday Extras. For more information, see Heathrow Airport Parking and Airport Parking

This article was written on behalf of Holiday Extras. For more information, see Manchester Airport Parking and Airport Parking