AUS Site: 
Mobile Broadband Comparison
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Verizon Wireless 3G Coverage (EV-DO)
Sprint 3G Coverage (EV-DO)
AT&T 3G Coverage (HSPA)
T-Mobile 3G Coverage (HSPA)
Mobile broadband is a relatively new technology offering the ultimate in ease, convenience, flexibility, and mobility to those that want to access the Internet but do not want to be tied to a particular place in order to do so. With this service users can access the Internet via a high speed connection in any location that offers a cell phone signal, and this is done through plugging a USB modem (some times called a dongle) into a laptop or computer.
This type of broadband service is ideal for all sorts of people, from business users and students that need to access the Internet whilst on the go to general users that want to be able get online no matter where they are.
A mobile broadband card works in exactly the same was as a mobile broadband USB modem. Mobile broadband cards simply plug into your computer or laptop.
Can my USB dongle, modem or mobile broadband card be used on different computers or laptops? Yes, your mobile broadband USB modem, dongle, or broadband card can be plugged into any laptop or computer.
What sort of coverage will I get with mobile broadband? You will find that coverage with mobile broadband is generally good, and in particular you should be able to get coverage in urban areas. However, access and speed varies based on the signal strength in different areas and the type of coverage available. Areas with 3G coverage tend to have much faster speeds than areas with standard cell network coverage.
Can mobile broadband be used abroad? You can use your mobile broadband abroad in most countries, but do bear in mind that there are additional charges, and the fees can increase if you exceed your download limits.
Will I be able to access mobile broadband whilst travelling on a train? You can access mobile broadband on trains, but remember that the signal strength will determine access and speeds.
If I have mobile broadband will I also have to have a landline? No you do not have to have a landline at all in order to get a mobile broadband connection.
Can mobile broadband be used for online gaming? If you are interested in online gaming then you are probably better off opting for a specialist gaming broadband or high speed internet package. This is because the speeds and download limits with mobile broadband are not currently adequate for gaming.
We have all become used to the fixed line broadband access that is provided through copper telephone wires or fiber optic networks over the years, but mobile or 3G broadband is brought to us in a very different way. With 3G the access to the Internet is provided through cell phone networks, and this is why mobile broadband will only work in areas where you have cell phone signals.
The modem, dongle or mobile broadband card that you receive when you take out a mobile broadband service allows you to access the Internet whilst on the go, so there is no need to be tied to a particular place, such as the home or office, in order to get online.
Whilst you should have no problem getting online with mobile broadband in many areas, especially urban areas, you need to remember that speed and access is affected by the signal strength in the area. You can only access mobile broadband in areas where there is cell phone coverage, because access is through cell phone networks.
In order to connect to the Internet via mobile broadband you will need a modem, and there are a number of options depending on your needs. These devices are very small and compact, and are therefore ideal for those using the Internet whilst on the go. The options include:
USB Dongle: Around the same size as a cell phone the USB dongle connects to the computer via the USB connection. You can even get these dongles in different designs, making them something of a fashion accessory!
USB Modem: The USB modem is even smaller than the dongle, and again can be easily carried around by those on the move. They also connect to your laptop via the USB connection.
Mobile Data Card: With the mobile data card you will have to have a laptop that has plug and go software installed. This device may, therefore, not be suited to all mobile consumers.
Mobile Broadband Card: Mobile, data cards are often referred to as mobile broadband cards but are exactly the same thing.
It is important that you take the time to compare different mobile broadband deals before you make any commitment, as you will find that a number of factors can vary, from the cost of the package to the speeds and restrictions that come with the package. Cheap mobile broadband services are not always the right option, the best mobile broadband deal will often depend on a number of factors. Before you decide on a particular provider or package you should compare different areas such as:
You can do this with ease and speed using the mobile broadband comparison facility provided on the site.
There are a number of main mobile broadband providers in the United States, including:
Verizon Mobile Broadband: Communications giant Verizon offers a range of solutions to both residential homes and businesses. This includes phone, Internet, television, and now mobile broadband, with a range of different packages on offer to suit different needs.
Sprint Mobile Broadband: Well known communications company, Sprint prides itself on offering business and residential users with a range of wireless and wireline communication services, giving consumers the freedom and mobility that they need.
AT&T Mobile Broadband: Another of America’s leading communications giants, AT&T offers a host of communications solutions for business and private customers, and offers Internet access for both those looking to get online at home and whilst on the go.
Alltel Mobile Broadband: Part of America’s largest network Alltel offers convenience, ease, and flexibility for its residential and business consumers with different packages and deals on offer to suit a range of needs and budgets.
US Cellular Mobile Broadband: Founded in 1983 US Cellular is an award winning communications company that offers a variety of communications and Internet access solutions for its business and residential customers.
T Mobile Broadband: T-Mobile is a subsidiary of Deutsche Telecom, one of the largest communications companies in the world serving over 120 million customers worldwide.
CricKet Broadband: CricKet is a subsidiary of Telecoms company Leap Wireless International. Wireless International currently operate in 29 states and has been building its business around unlimited wireless services.
Millenicom Mobile Broadband: An internet service provider offering mobile wireless broadband, DSL broadband access and dial up internet access. Millenicom was founded in June 1998 and bills itself as the world’s largest fastest easiest internet service provider.
With mobile broadband becoming more and more popular amongst those with busy lifestyles who want to access the Internet whilst on the go, an increasing number of people are likely to want to join this revolution. However, before you take the plunge be sure to consider some important factors to help you make the right decision with regards to which package and provider you opt for. This includes:
You should also look at the pros and cons of mobile broadband in order to better determine whether this technology is going to fit in with your needs. Some of these include:
Pros
With mobile broadband users can enjoy accessing the Internet via a high speed broadband internet connection whilst on the go providing that they are in an area with cell phone coverage
As mobile broadband services continue to become more popular, competitiveness will also increase amongst mobile broadband providers and this will help to reduce the cost of connecting.
Mobile broadband can suit those that do not want an expensive landline installed in the home but do want to have access to the Internet via broadband
Cons
The high cost of transferring data across 3G networks means that download limits with mobile broadband can be quite restricted
There are currently very few mobile broadband packages that offer unlimited broadband access due to the possibility of increased traffic, which could affect the networks.
You are not guaranteed connection with mobile broadband because the service will only work in areas where there is cell phone coverage, and may be slow in areas with weak signals.
As with most other types of technology the world of mobile broadband is set to evolve, and the future of this technology looks bright. Consumers have taken to mobile broadband over recent months, and some may even be considering ditching their fixed line connection in favour of the flexibility and convenience of mobile broadband.
The take up of mobile broadband is also expected to soar over the next few years, and in the not too distant future consumers and businesses could be as reliant on mobile broadband as many are on their mobile phones and fixed line connections today.
In the meantime, providers of mobile broadband continue to try and find ways to improve everything from speeds to coverage to make the service as smooth and convenient as possible. And in the future issues such as download limits and slower speeds could become far less of a problem as the technology evolves and the next generation of mobile technology – 4G – is launched.
