Internet on the Go: Mobile Broadband Options

For those who want to stay forever tethered to the Internet, a mobile broadband subscription is the way to go. We’ve examined the major service providers.



Choosing from the long list of mobile broadband service providers is in many ways like choosing any service provider, with a few important differences. The first comparison point is always going to be cost, and in this there is, at first glance, remarkable consistency among the providers we’ve looked at. The roughly $60-per-month rate is typical, so this is not an immediate or obvious factor for differentiation. Costs can also vary depending on the plan specifics—more expensive plans usually bring higher data limits. In addition to cost, here are some other factors to consider:

* Data – Providers may set a limit on the number of Megabits or Gigabits of data that can be transferred on a monthly basis.
* Availability/Coverage
* Activation Fee
* Early Termination Fee
* Equipment Costs

Of those factors, the most important will probably be coverage or availability. Consumers should look for a plan that will grant them internet access in the many areas or regions where they will need it. This may be primarily the home, but it will most likely include major metropolitan areas frequently visited. Check out the compared service providers’ coverage maps below, and keep in mind that cell phone service does not always guarantee internet service.

Mobile Broadband Hardware Requirements
The integrated wireless technology found in today’s laptops is suitable for 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless scenarios, e.g. modem-to-wireless router-laptop, but accessing a mobile broadband provider’s service can require additional hardware. The 3G cellular wireless networks leveraged to provide mobile broadband operate differently from the shorter-ranged IEEE 802.11 wireless network. The major cellular/mobile broadband providers all sell the required laptop cards, PC-cards, or USB-connected hardware to connect to their cellular network. (These hardware pieces come under a variety of names, including "mobile broadband cards," "express cards," and "wireless internet card.") By connecting the hardware device into the laptop’s appropriate port, the consumer can access the Internet across the same network used to provide cell phone service. Theoretically, wherever one can get solid cell phone service, one can get wireless Internet.


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[Link: electronichouse.com]