Schools around the UK are being encouraged to introduce pupils to the extensive educational and informative power of the internet and mobile broadband is being proposed as one of the key technologies to provide the youngest members of society with suitable access.

In particular one school in Cheshire is focusing on mobile broadband for their students after seeking the aid of the e-Learning Foundation. The Alderman Bolton Primary School is now hoping to receive support from T-Mobile in order to provide the kids with a fast and flexible broadband connection that they can use at home as well as in school.

A senior member of staff said that the pupils had been given instructions on the basic principles and operation of mobile broadband technology. They had then been able to demonstrate the benefits to their parents and many families have now invested in mobile broadband as a result.

Broadband access in the home and at schools has become a very important part of everyday life according to a spokesperson for the e-Learning Foundation. The positive elements of mobile broadband, with its applications as a practical, educational facilitator for communication and socialising amongst youngsters are seen to be increasingly important by teachers, parents and government officials.

There might be some who would consider these seemingly benevolent acts by the big networks as little more than marketing campaigns to hook children who will the use pester power to get their parents to invest in mobile broadband. However, it might be useful to teach children and parents alike the best way in which to compare wireless broadband prices whilst they are learning the ropes using mobile broadband technology, as this will ensure that everyone is getting the most out of the technology.

The increasingly popular route to getting your hands on a free or cheap laptop by signing up for a mobile broadband contract has got 2 additional options thanks to O2 Mobile.

The maths for these mobile broadband and laptop offers is interesting. The monthly costs for a contract with a laptop is higher than a ’standard’ contract and it does require a two year commitment. However, the incremental charge can be of the order of £250 over the term of the contract (although it can be more, so do the sums) – £250 or so for a laptop is a not a bad price but its notional cost being spread over the course of 24 months is what makes these offers rather attractive.

The latest deal from O2 mobile broadband is for either an Asus 1005H laptop or a Samsung R519 laptop with a 24 month contract – whichever option you go for there is a £29.38 charge for the laptop. The monthly charge is then £24.48 (3Gb download limit) or £34.36 (10Gb) for the Asus 1005H and £34.26 (3Gb) or £44.05 (10Gb) for the Samsung R519.

These types of mobile broadband and laptop offers are becoming more widespread and will appeal to a wide range of mobile broadband customers but particularly those who wish to avoid the upfront costs of a laptop. Students are a clear target here but in times or recession where poor cash flow affects many people these deals will have wider appeal.

Orange Broadband doing its best to woo the ever growing number of students with an attractive offer of a £20 HMV voucher for those  signing up to one of their mobile broadband deals with either a dongle or a laptop. With prices starting at just £9.79 per month this looks like a good opportunity for students who are already looking for broadband on the move.

Click here for more information on the Orange mobile broadband HMV offer. And if you were thinking of pretending to be a student to get the HMV voucher you will not get away with this as you need to enter your NUS number to qualify!