Research firm GfK has reported that sales of USB Modem (Dongles) for 'Mobile Broadband' (3G) connections hit 18,000 last week, which compares with a similar figure tallied for the whole of September last year. Mobile operator Three (3) is believed to account for roughly 50% of the sales.

The sudden boom follows a raft of aggressive Mobile Broadband service price cuts over the past six months, which have made it a very attractive alternative to expensive wireless (Wi-Fi) Hotspots and in some cases even land-line broadband.

Elsewhere additional reports suggest that 40% of 3 and T-Mobile's new contract sales were for USB Dongles, with 55,000 being sold during January 2008. One broadband comparison site (news) recently predicted that Mobile Broadband services could overtake land-line equivalents by 2010, although this is unlikely.