Mobile Broadband Review

Mobile professionals and corporate executives are the classic users of mobile broadband services. The services allow users to make every moment count by providing internet access just about everywhere. But the realm is no longer the exclusive purview of high powered business types. It’s now just as common for students and parents managing busy schedules to take advantage of the efficiencies of mobile internet service.

The emphasis as also shifted in the types of devices used. Laptop computers have always been major endpoints for the mobile broadband experience but more and more, smartphones are supplementing them or, for many user, replacing them altogether. On the other hand, the once common PDA that isn’t also a phone has become all but extinct.

Exactly what constitutes mobile broadband has also evolved. We’re not willing to refer to just any mobile internet connection as mobile broadband. Today, if it doesn’t meet the criteria for being 3G (3rd Generation) we have a hard time accepting it as broadband. That means that the GPRS and EDGE networks of the recent past and that still exist, don’t qualify without major upgrades.

For wireless providers that use the GSM network system – in the U.S., that’s AT&T and T-Mobile – if it can’t be designated 3G, it isn’t broadband. That’s why T-Mobile’s coverage is rated so much lower than AT&T’s. They got a late start in transforming to 3G and, though improving, continue to lag far behind. The other U.S. carriers which use the CDMA network must comply with EVDO standards to meet the broadband criteria. EVDO 1XRTT as employed by U.S. Cellular just barely makes the cut. The next step is EVDO Rev 0 which is still used on portions of Sprint’s network but they’re upgrading to the faster EVDO Rev A. Verizon Wireless has already upgraded its entire network to EVDO Rev A.

Of course, to take advantage of network upgrades, the mobile device you choose must also be capable of supporting the faster speeds. All of the network cards currently offered by the rated carriers support 3G and EVDO Rev A. Not so for all smartphones so make sure the one you choose meets the broadband criteria.

The 5GB Limit

Mobile broadband carriers used to advertise unlimited internet access. That was simply false and they got in a lot of trouble for doing saying it. The limit is, and has been, 5GB (gigabytes) of data per month. If you exceed that ceiling, the charges are absolutely unconscionable. Among the leading carriers AT&T is the most expensive and Sprint is the least onerous. As such, for most people, mobile broadband services are not a substitute for your standard cable or DSL internet access.

Other typical limitations of mobile internet is that they restrict or limit large data exchanges, such as streaming audio or video, P2P file sharing, multiple JPEG uploads, VoIP and automated feeds. Verizon Wireless is the exception in this regard in that they do permit use of VoIP telephone and uploading, downloading and streaming of audio, video and games

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Mobile internet services allow users to take advantage of the ever increasing number of Wi-Fi hotspots for even faster data transmission speeds. All of the mobile broadband cards offered by carriers in the U.S. support Wi-Fi connection as do a large number of smartphones. In addition to significantly faster speeds, using Wi-Fi doesn’t cut into the 5GB monthly limit so can save a tremendous amount of money. In addition to the more traditional sorts of Wi-Fi hotspots like airports, hotels and coffee shops, home and business wireless networks also allow for Wi-Fi connection.

Mobile Broadband Services: What to Look For

Almost all mobile broadband internet providers charge about the same monthly rate, so coverage is usually the deciding factor on which service is best to suit your needs. Many also require that you have a voice plan with them as well, so that may also determine which service you select.

In terms of coverage, look for a service that provides high quality connections where you need them most, whether that is in the city you live in or the cities you travel to often. It is also helpful if the service provides Wi–Fi access in convenient locations should you need a fast connection.

These are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate mobile broadband services:

Price/Fees
We considered the monthly rate for carriers’ 5GB broadband access for plans and paid particular attention for the potentially bank breaking overage fees. We also looked at service for smartphones and other fees that a customer is likely to encounter such as activation fees, the cost of network cards, and Early Termination Fees in the event that a contract must be cancelled.

Network Speed
We compared the typical download and upload data transfer rates that a customer can expect in real world conditions. Studies have been conducted with varying results. Our aim is to make sense of the myriad data.

Network Coverage
Availability of mobile broadband has expanded tremendously. In general, population centers have the best coverage followed by major thoroughfares, i.e. Interstate Highways. Penetration into more rural areas has improved but lags behind to some extent.

Data Network Reliability
Simply put, if a data network isn’t available when you need it, none of its other features matter very much. We compare the overall reliability of the various providers.

Help/Support
Providers should support several contact methods including by telephone and email. They should also post helpful information online like FAQs, tutorials, device manuals and other supportive documentation. Most importantly, when you need to contact them, their representatives must be knowledgeable and responsive to your needs.

On this site, you’ll find articles on mobile broadband services, as well as comprehensive reviews and a side–by–side comparison to help you make an informed decision regarding which service is right for your mobile broadband needs. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™