Mobile Broadband Guide

This guide answers some common questions about mobile broadband as shown below.

What is mobile broadband?

Over recent years ADSL and cable broadband have become popular both in homes and offices. However, more recently a new technology has started to cause a stir, and this known as mobile broadband, which is designed to meet the needs of people that want or need to access the internet whilst out and about rather than only when they are in the home or office.

This technology enables consumers to enjoy total mobility, as well as convenience, ease, and flexibility, which is something that you do not get with fixed line broadband. With mobile broadband your office can be wherever you want it to be.

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What is the technology behind mobile broadband?

Whereas fixed line broadband uses cable or copper telephone wires to connect people to the internet, mobile broadband uses mobile phone networks to do this, which effectively means that you can use mobile broadband anywhere that you can get a mobile phone signal.

When you sign up to mobile broadband you receive a compact modem, small enough to carry around with you. Your USB modem will allow you to then access the internet via 3G mobile technology whether you are on the go or at home. The modem simply plugs in to the USB socket on your laptop or desktop so you can be online in seconds.

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What does a moble broadband modem look like?

The mobile broadband modem connects you to the internet through your USB connection on your computer or laptop. These small compact modems tend to be small USB stick size and so can be easily transported around. Here is an example of a mobile broadband USB modem.

Mobile Broadband Stick India

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Can I use my mobile broadband modem on different computers or laptops?

Yes you can plus you mobile broadband dongle or modem into any laptop or computer.

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What coverage does mobile broadband have?

Mobile broadband covers an expanding part of India. Speeds and quality of connection can vary and are typically stronger in urban areas.

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Do I need a landline for mobile broadband?

No there is no need to pay for a landline with mobile broadband.

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Is mobile broadband just for business people?

Business people are likely to find mobile broadband very useful if they tend to go out and about as part of their business, as it means that they can access the internet and deal with business no matter where they are.

However, many other people can benefit from mobile broadband technology too. For instance:

  • students who are in and out of college and university may find that mobile broadband provides them with increased flexibility and convenience

  • recreational internet users who travel frequently

  • home based internet users that have no fixed broadband and do not want to have landline installed and pay costly line rental fees

In fact, anyone that wants to enjoy the convenience, flexibility, and mobility that mobile broadband offers can benefit from this technology.

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What are the pros and cons of mobile broadband?

There are many benefits to having mob ile broadband, and this is why this technology has taken off so rapidly.

When you have mobile broadband

  • you can enjoy access to the Internet no matter where you are, providing you have a mobile phone signal
  • you don't have the same data security risks as you would with WiFi
  • you can get some very competitive deals
  • you can enjoy an affordable a flexible alternative to having a landline installed in the home

On the downside

  • transfer of data across networks can be more costly
  • you are not guaranteed a connection, as your ability to access the Internet will be dependant on where you are and how strong the signal is

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How do I chose the right mobile broadband plan?

Before you take the plunge make sure that you ask yourself some important questions to help determine which package is going to be right for you. This includes:

  • What will you be using mobile broadband for, and based on that, what sort of speeds will you need? If you are using it for business then you may want to look at higher speeds.

  • What sorts of download allowance do the various providers offer, and will this be sufficient? The download allowance can vary from one provider to another, so you need to compare this.

  • Will you be able to get proper access to the Internet based on the area/environment that you live, work, or travel in? Your speed and access ability can be affected by your location, environment, and the signal strength in the area.

  • What sort of contract length will you want to start off with? Whilst some providers offer special postpaid deals a prepaid option will enable you to manage your costs.

  • How much can you afford to pay? There are different mobile broadband deals on offer with the different providers, so make sure the compare them to see what is on offer to get the most suitable and affordable deal.

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What does the future hold for mobile broadband?

With the popularity of mobile broadband soaring the industry has high hopes for the future of this technology. Many have even speculated over whether mobile broadband will become the primary source of broadband connection, with claims that some people may even get rid of their landlines and fixed line broadband in favour of having just mobile broadband, which they can then use in the home as well as out and about.

However, the general consensus seems to be that whilst mobile broadband will probably not replace fixed line broadband largely because of restrictive download limits and slower speeds compared to fixed line connections it will complement fixed line broadband, particularly for those that want to use broadband both at home or in the office as well as whilst they are out or on their travels.

Industry officials have predicted that the popularity of mobile broadband will keep on rising over the next few years, and some officials have likened the increasing take up of this technology to that of mobile phones, when they went from being brick sized gadgets to sleek, innovative must have gadgets for people from all walks of life.

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