Internet provision has come a long way in recent years and gone are the days of needing a landline phone to use the internet. The emergence of wireless routers meant that the internet could be used on multiple computers within a particular radius.
Then, the internet became available on mobile phones and in so-called ‘wireless hotspots’. Now mobile phone and laptop technologies have been combined so that the internet is truly mobile and can be used anywhere, without the need for cables to physically connect to a broadband service.
What is mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband enables you to access the internet anywhere, even when you’re not in a wireless hotspot. Mobile broadband users can now use their laptops anywhere as long as there is a sufficient strength mobile phone signal.
Mobile broadband technology
There are several ways to get hooked up to mobile broadband. Options include using:
- A mobile data card
- Built-in 3g modems
- Data modems built into phones, and USB modems (or dongle)
USB modems, or dongles, are the most popular way to obtain mobile broadband.
Why use mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband has a wide range of advantages for a broad set of consumers for the following reasons:
- Mobile broadband is ideal for people who want to use the internet, but would prefer not to pay phone line rental, or who live outside a cable area.
- Business people will appreciate the freedom that mobile broadband offers them.
- Mobile broadband will benefit those who traveling on business are able to work on trains where there is no wireless network.
- Workers who are not desk-bound can work anywhere using mobile broadband, whether that is a coffee shop or in clients’ homes.
Getting started with mobile broadband
Around five of the major networks now offer mobile broadband solutions. As mobile broadband technology develops, it’s likes to be offered by all the networks and deals will become increasingly competitive.
When you sign up for mobile broadband, you usually sign up for a fixed monthly fee which entitles you to a capped download allowance, for example 1GB, 2GB, or 3GB.
Mobile broadband providers will be able to provide rough outlines of what each allowance would include in terms of sending emails, surfing the web and downloading music.
Mobile broadband developments
Mobile broadband is now starting to really take off, due to technology improvements. Initially download costs for mobile broadband were high and it wasn’t an option that was cost-effective enough for broadband users. However, networks are becoming increasingly competitive. It’s now possible to get a mobile broadband connection with a 1GB allowance for just £10 a month.
As we’ve stated above, mobile broadband can be used wherever there is a mobile phone signal. Mobile broadband providers usually offer a service whereby customers can check the coverage in their area before signing up for mobile broadband. Additionally, mobile phone coverage is improving all the time.
Comparatively slow download speed was also a major drawback of mobile broadband technology. However, mobile broadband providers are rapidly improving their download speeds, with speeds of up to 7.2Mb now possible.
Mobile broadband is becoming more accessible and increasing in speed capacity as well as becoming more competitive on cost but it still pays to compare broadband packages to make sure you are receiving the best deal. |