Mobile Broadband FAQ
Contents |
The Basics
What is Mobile Broadband?
Mobile broadband referrers to using the mobile phone networks to access the Internet at a decent speed. The technical definition of broadband is often debated but most people considerate to be a speed above 0.5mbs. Essentially this means a connection that is fast enough to use without painful waits to view the most basic web pages.
What is 3G?
3G, or third generation, mobile phone networks have a higher bandwidth than previous generations. This allows for a greater range of communication and faster Internet access when connected to a 3G network.
How to connect to the Internet on the move
Can I get free WiFi Internet connectivity on the move?
Yes, there are a number of places that offer this service, for example McDonalds, Wetherspoons pubs in the UK and some Starbucks coffee shops. There are also many independent cafes and bars that offer this service.
Can I connect my netbook to the internet using a mobile or cell phone?
Yes you can, there are some details here. Please check with your phone provider before doing this, it may or may not be allowed in the terms and conditions of your contract.
What is a MiFi hotspot?
MiFi mobile hotspots connect to the mobile phone network to access the Internet. Other devices, such as a netbook or an Apple iTouch, can then connect to this via WiFi assuming they have permission and are in range.
Mobile Broadband USB Modems?
These are offered by most mobile phone networks eg Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin, O2 and usually involve a small USB dongle which is a modem and a SIM card the providers all have different price plans with different data amounts for downloading however T-Mobile offer 1 day for £2 7 days for £10 and 30 days for £15 and give you a 3GB download allowance for the month but even if you exceed this at peak times you will see a message advising you that you have gone over but normal web browsing will be allowed still just downloading files and watching videos etc is restricted. It can be hard to get a good signal with the USB modems more so when they are just plugged into a USB port on a computer using a USB extending cable upto 4.8Metres can be the difference between 20% signal 2Mb speeds and 98% 7.2 Mbps speeds main thing is to position the modem high up using the cable this is very important if indoors. The NC10 comes with a SIM card slot near the battery on certain NC10 versions and when just plugging the SIM into this due to arials in the NC10 the signal is strong as can be.
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