The Mobile Broadband boom appears to be slowing down rapidly as more and more UK consumers realise that the service often fails to match the hype. New data from Experian Hitwise reveals that the amount of internet searches for the service have decline by 50%. Comparison site Broadband Expert also reported a similar decline in sales.

Mobile Broadband is built into most modern mobile phones and can also be purchased as a standalone USB Modem (Dongle) device for computers, which allows fast-ish internet access over mobile cell networks in the UK. However operators have been having increasing problems with congestion and low revenues, resulting in a significant performance drain.

The situation has become so bad that most operators do not even attempt to publicise a download speed anymore. The majority of HSPA based 3G Mobile Broadband services are technically capable of delivering speeds at up to 7.2Mbps (the basic HSPA specification can go as high as 14.4Mbps) but real-world applications frequently see average performance of 1-2Mbps with many experiencing even slower speeds.

Mobile Broadband services are also more restrictive, with some operators making it difficult to use VoIP software like Skype and blocking other services. Likewise the charges for going over your allotted data allowance can also be quite heavy. Needless to say that Mobile Broadband popularity is not what it once was.

However the service is still excellent when used for basic internet tasks and as a compliment to your fixed line broadband ISP connection. Future upgrades ( LTE ) and coverage improvements could also reinvigorate it, assuming the government ever gets around to resolving its various spectrum auctions and disputes.