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Demystifying Mobile Broadband

by Ava on June 22, 2010

Mobile broadband has revolutionized the entire framework of communication technology. If anything, it offers people so much convenience in the way they communicate, as well as allows them to stay “connected” wherever and whenever. The answers to the following questions are hoped to demystify the term, concept, and processes of mobile broadband.

What is mobile broadband and how is it different from wireless broadband?

Mobile broadband is any technology that allows a truly wireless internet connection at broadband speed while out and about. This is interchangeably used with wireless broadband. Both terms may suggest similarity, but they do spell a significant difference. Think of mobile broadband as your cellular phone which allows you to communicate anywhere at anytime as long as there is network coverage or signal. Think of the wireless broadband as your cordless phone which can only be used around the house.

How do you get mobile broadband?

There are two ways, at least in the U.S., to get mobile broadband. You can get it through Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), and through High Speed Packet Access (HSPA). EV-DO is based on code division multiple access (CDMA) technology (think regular old cellular phones). It now reaches up to 3.1 Mbps while downloading and 1.8 Mbps uploading. HSPA comes from the global system for mobile communications (GSM) family. It has a theoretical download maximum of 14.4 Mbps, although the current maximum available is 7.2 Mbps.

What are the various mobile broadband devices?

There are two major mobile broadband devices, also called mobile internet devices. The first, of course, is your cellular phone. You can also use mobile broadband cards, and in fairly rare instances, portable satellite modems.

Initially, mobile broadband was possible only with personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Smartphones. However, most cellular phones these days are connected to third generation mobile technology (3G) networks. If you are treading this route, you need not have additional equipment. You may even decide to “tether” your phone to your laptop to connect on the go. The downside to this is some carriers now charge an extra fee, and it may not run as fast as a dedicated data aircard.

Mobile broadband cards are little devices you can plug into your laptop. These works like a mobile digital subscriber line (DSL) connection for about $50 to $60 monthly. Some carriers offer cheaper plans, but they are not usually worth it due to really low usage caps (only 40 to 50 MB per month, which is less than a music album).

In addition, you can also get mobile broadband from satellite providers. Remember, not all places are reached by cellular networks. For such places, portable satellite modems may provide the solution.

If anything, mobile broadband offers people so much convenience in the way they communicate, as well as allows them to stay “connected” wherever and whenever. The above post hoped to demystify the term, concept, and processes of mobile broadband.