The Beginners Guide to Mobile Broadband
Mobile broadband is an excellent option for people on the move who don’t want the bother of having a fixed-line telephone connection. The following guide will let you get to grips with the fundamentals of this type of internet option.
Introduction – How Mobile Broadband Technology Works
With mobile broadband, you will have the ability to do everything online that you would normally do with a traditional internet connection. The difference is that instead of connecting your PC to a fixed-line telephone, you will use a small portable USB modem called a dongle (otherwise known as a broadband stick), or a built-in device or a data card to connect instead. What this means is that your PC will be able to access the Internet from just about anywhere.
Mobile Broadband technology works using the same signal as mobile phones – in other words, as with a network provider, if you can receive a signal from your mobile broadband supplier, you will be able to go online. Also, thanks to the recent introduction of Mi-Fi, you can even share your mobile broadband connection with others.
The Uses of Mobile Internet
Professionals
Mobile Internet is ideal for professionals who value their time and want to make the most of it during long commutes or business travel. While smartphones including Blackberry’s allow you to use the web, they have small screens so are no substitute for getting large bodies of important work done on your laptop.
Flexibility
Mobile broadband is also an excellent choice if you don’t have a fixed residence or prefer not to pay the installation costs for a traditional fixed-line telephone. You will be able to connect to the internet from wherever you are – this is the perfect solution for students during lectures.
Choice and Security
By using your laptop at a Wi-Fi hotspot you can also connect to the internet, but with the exception of free zones, the charges tend to be much higher than if you were to use a mobile broadband provider. There is also the important factor of security risks using WI-FI. The main point is you’ll have choices while out and about – if you find a free hotspot and aren’t working with sensitive data, you have the option to switch off your mobile broadband and turn on your WI-FI.
Travelling Abroad
When it comes to using your mobile broadband while abroad, be aware that some providers block internet connection outside the UK, especially when it comes to pay as you go deals. Other providers allow you to access the internet using your account in any country they have an agreement with. All in all, the cost of mobile broadband while abroad has been reduced recently, especially in Europe, but admittedly, in terms of saving money, it is best used within the UK.
Compatible Equipment
All you need to access mobile broadband on your laptop is a USB port to plug in the dongle – from there the software kicks in and takes you through the setup i.e. it’s generally a simple plug-and-play process. Some of the more recent laptops have built-in mobile broadband so they’re ready to fire away immediately once you sign up to a provider. While some dongles struggle to work on Mac or Linux operating systems, Microsoft Windows systems such as XP, Vista and Windows 7 are compatible.
Choosing the Right Payment and Service Provider
If you decide mobile broadband is for you, there are currently two payment types to choose from – a long term contract entailing set monthly payments, or pay as you go (PAYG). When shopping around, you should consider not only the best price on offer, but the type of services a provider can deliver to match your lifestyle and usage habits. To clarify this, ask yourself such questions as:
- What internet speed do I expect?
- Does the mobile broadband supplier offer good connection coverage?
- Is their dongle compatible with my laptop?
- How much download allowance do I need?
- What is their cancellation procedure?
Also, since competition in this market is rising, keep your eye out for any extras a provider might be offering to entice you to sign up with them.
Conclusion
For professionals to students and everyone in-between, Mobile Broadband is a super choice if you want the flexibility and security to connect your laptop to the Internet while on the move. The above information gives you a clear idea of what you can expect and the advantages it delivers – but if you’re still not sure, you might like to try it on pay as you go before signing up to a binding contract. All in all, the decision to go for mobile broadband depends on your individual needs; however the versatility of this option makes it well worth the try.
About the Author: Peter C. Williams is an Internet specialist and Mobile Broadband consultant.
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