Broadband Card

3G Comparison 

Coverage Maps by Carrier

Verizon Wireless 3G Coverage (EV-DO)

Sprint 3G Coverage (EV-DO)

AT&T 3G Coverage (HSPA)

T-Mobile 3G Coverage (HSPA)

* 3G coverage is publically available information gathered prior to 11/30/09. Voice and data is available outside 3G coverage areas, however data speeds will be far slower.

Broadband Internet Card

A broadband card – or PCMCIA card – provides a reasonable, cost effective way of accessing the internet on the go.  Because they are positioned inside the laptop, broadband cards are generally believed to be a more secure option than USB sticks or dongles, which plug into the machine externally. 

Sprint, Cingular and Verizon are the main carriers in the US that offer 3G network plans with broadband laptop cards. 

Access a 3G network with a broadband card

A broadband internet card is a very convenient option for on the go web users and the hardware itself is small and discreet.  A broadband internet card will get you onto a 3G network, allowing you to enjoy internet access wherever you may travel – so long as, like with your cell phone service, the broadband card internet provider has the network coverage available in the area.

A laptop that is fitted with a broadband card can provide an easier way of accessing the web on the move over and above other wireless technologies.  The inconvenience of having to find a wifi hotspot in a cafe, hotel or airport when you are travelling is now a thing of the past.  A broadband card is a step in the right direction for ‘anytime, anywhere’ internet access.

Wireless broadband card deals

Many laptops today are manufactured to have a wireless broadband card integrated within them.  Prices vary from supplier to supplier but generally speaking you can get a broadband card plan for around $60.00 per month.  There is usually a 5GB data limit – even on unlimited deals – it seems to be the industry standard, but allowances are predicted to rise and become more flexible in time.  Sometimes limits imposed by the broadband card provider are vague and leave the consumer baffled when trying to understand just how much time and data the broadband internet card provider considers being a ‘fair’ amount of use.  You can always avoid the money mist by taking out a pay as you go, or prepaid broadband card, plan.  24-hour broadband passes are also available for around $15.00 per day.

Compare broadband card vendors

The speeds you will experience between vendors offering broadband internet card deals can differ, but not usually significantly.  The most important thing to look at when you take out a broadband card plan is the coverage area, the reliability and the level of customer service offered by the carrier.  The length of the contract is also a big consideration.  You may think about avoiding longer term contracts:  mobile broadband technology is changing so rapidly that what suits your needs today may not suit your lifestyle tomorrow. 

Further Reading on Broadband Card