Nowadays, almost every smartphone on the market is proudly 4G capable. The majority of mobile phone plans have followed suit - with everyone from Telstra to Vaya offering 4G network connectivity as standard. Consequently, the idea of a "3G-only" plan sounds positively archaic.

However, there are significant benefits to a 3G plan, ranging from cheap prices to generous data allowances of up to 90GB a month. If speed isn't hugely important to you - or you live in an area with flaky 4G coverage - the plans in this roundup could be worth considering.

If you're looking at buying a new mobile device, especially one that's an import, it's worth knowing which Australian networks it will support. These are all the frequencies currently used in Australia.

The history of ALDI Mobile has been one in which data allowances for customers have been steadily reduced. So we're somewhat surprised to learn that some plans are actually going to become a tiny bit more generous from November.

Worried about going over the data limit on your mobile phone and running up a big bill? With the right apps, you can keep track of what you've used and avoid any nasty surprises.

Vodafone has revamped its unlimited contract plans under the Red moniker, promising better voice inclusions, Australian customer support and other enhancements. Here's what you need to know about how the plans work and what they offer.

Vodafone has revamped its tablet plans, offering much more data on its standalone plans than its rivals but cutting back a little on choices for prepaid users. Here's what we like and what we don't about the new offerings.

iOS: OpenSignal is a do-it-all toolkit for improving your mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity. Previously only available for Android, iPhone users can now use this handy utility for maximizing their connection on the go.

Hi Lifehacker, interested in your thoughts. I'm planning on travelling with an iPad as my main computing device. Is it more cost effective and user friendly to get a Wi-Fi model and take a pocket hotspot, or get a model with a 3G/4G SIM slot and grab a SIM when I'm overseas? Thanks, Pad Thai

Everyone you know has a smartphone and mobile data network usage is growing hugely, but what do those developments mean for IT pros when it comes to managing and deploying apps and equipment? Here are some key trends to watch out for (including average download speeds for Aussies and how many of us really use 4G) and what they'll mean for your future projects.

Dear Lifehacker, I recently moved house and I have had to make do with using a 4G/3G USB modem for internet access. Is there a way to plug this thing into a Wi-Fi router so it acts like an ADSL modem/router does? I seem to remember devices like this in the past. Thanks, Rerouted

A group of Dutch researchers has demonstrated a technique for measuring rainfall by examining disruption to mobile phone signals. As well as providing a potential method for providing more measurements in the future, the study also reminds us of one of the downsides of mobile networks: they can be a bit rubbish during a downpour.

Dear Lifehacker, I'm moving to country Victoria (Horsham) and I'm wondering how I can find out before I move what provider I should go with (or stick with.) I'm really stuck with what terms to Google search or how to find coverage maps. Is there a central resource with this kind of information? Thanks, Signal Seeker

iiNet has begun offering Samsung's 7 and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab 2 tablets and the 3G-enabled Galaxy Camerain bundled deals with its mobile broadband service. Are those deals worth signing up for?

Optus is ditching one of the main selling points for its postpaid mobile plans: new customers will no longer receive unlimited access to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networking sites.

Can't decide between a Wi-Fi hotspot and a USB dongle? Telstra's new prepaid 3G dongle offers both: you can plug it directly into your laptop, or use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five other devices. Here's how it stacks up.

Variations in signal quality don't seem to have dampened the enthusiasm of photo-sharing AFL fans. According to a just-issued Telstra press release, a total of 2.4 million data requests adding up to 185GB were made at the MCG during the course of Saturday's AFL grand final.

Internode has expanded its range of NodeMobile plans with a $60 a month plan that includes unlimited calls. It might tempt some existing NodeMobile customers, but there are still better deals to be had.

Once more a simple 3G mobile broadband dongle rises from the primeval bargain soup. From tomorrow (August 8) until August 14, Coles is selling a basic Vodafone USB dongle with 3GB of data for $19 — $30 down on the usual price. (Check how the service compares with our prepaid mobile broadband Planhacker guide.) Coles is also offering $3 off any Vodafone recharge above $29.

A prepaid mobile broadband service is ideal if you want occasional internet access while travelling, or just need a backup service when your home or office broadband goes down. Who has the best deals? Planhacker rounds up all the current offers in Australia so you can compare and choose.