Is Mobile Broadband Right For You?
Introduction
As mobile phone companies wake up to the demand for mobile broadband, can you use broadband whilst on the go without breaking the bank?
Contents
- Mobile Phone Companies Wake Up
- Why Would You Want Mobile Broadband?
- Mobile Broadband Gets Affordable and Easy
- What About Mobile Phones?
- Replacement for Connected Home Broadband
Mobile Phone Companies Wake Up
In the early years of this new century, mobile phone companies coughed up billions of pounds to secure third generation (or 3G) licences. With 3G, mobile phone companies promised “broadband speeds” on mobile phones.
Some seven years later, 3G has, like many over-hyped mobile technologies, generally failed to deliver. Most mobile phone users now have 3G capable phones but most do not use them for data. Many people have been put off by the expense and the general frustration of poor quality video / TV and very limited content.
However, things are gradually starting to change as mobile phone companies start to realise that customers will use mobile data services if they are sensibly priced and reliable.
Why Would You Want Mobile Broadband?
Perhaps if:-
- You are a mobile professional who needs access to e-mail, files, diaries, notes, databases etc.
- You are on holiday and want access to personal emails or perhaps do research on local attractions, restaurants, shops etc.
- You generally can’t do without an internet connection!
Mobile Broadband Gets Affordable and Easy
You can pick up high speed mobile broadband now for anything upwards of a tenner a month.
Mobile phone companies offer several ways of plugging broadband into your laptop.
USB Modem
The standard USB modem plugs into any USB capable device such as a laptop or mac-book. It lets you access the internet at speeds upwards of 1.8Mbps.
If you want more speed, USB Modem 7.2 devices are available and you can enjoy speeds of up to 7.2Mbps.
There is usually no software to install, just plug in the modem and you’re connected in one click.
Data Card
The card slots into the PCMCIA port on a laptop and connects to the internet at speeds upwards of 1.8Mbps.
Vodafone Express™ Cards allow you to connect up to 7.2Mbps.
There is additional software to install to get it to work.
What About Mobile Phones?
Many mobile phones come with 3G capability. In theory, you could connect one of these phones up to your computer. However, there are some problems going this route:-
- Competitive data tariffs are difficult to find. The best data prices tend to be reserved for dedicated data devices (e.g. USB data card)
- Connecting up your phone to a computer can be technically challenging. For example, Bluetooth has limited implementation even in the latest “Vista” versions of Windows and cable connections to you phone need special software and configuration.
- Many mobile phone 3G implementations are not compatible with the new dedicated high speed data services. Early 3G phones do not support the new HSDPA standards required for mobile broadband.
So, unless you are a technical expert and don’t mind paying over the odds for your mobile broadband, we suggest going with the dedicated data services.
Replacement for Connected Home Broadband
With the cost of mobile broadband falling, you could consider using it as your main / home broadband option. This would suit people who don’t have a BT or cable line installed at home.
By not having a BT or cable line, you could also save money on line rental.
As of the time of writing, the cheapest mobile broadband package available is for £10 /month and includes 1GB of data usage. If you only use the internet for email and occasional browsing, this would be ideal.
