Cellular broadband has been around for a few years now, and in that time coverage has gone from just a few isolated places to a broad spectrum of coverage. While most people know that cellular broadband is what allows them to use the cells phones to access the Internet they really have no idea what it is or how it works. To begin with, cellular broadband isn’t broadband at all.
Where Does Cellular Broadband Come From?
Cellular broadband comes from different cell phone companies who use their cell phone towers to provide wireless internet to customers. You don’t need to have a cell phone to access cellular broadband but you do need a laptop or other device that either has a built-in card, or that has a expansion slot where you can install the special internet card.
The idea of cellular broadband in the United States, began with Verizon and their Evolution-Data Optimized EV-DO broadband. Sprint soon followed with their own version and before long almost all cellular companies were offering some type of broadband service.
In the beginning, this service was often sketchy, with each cell phone company covering limited areas of major cities, however, as more and more people began using broadband and more were demanding like service, the companies began expanding, offering service to wider areas and segments of the population.
Like with everything else, the longer cellular broadband has been around, the more it has to offer. Today, rural areas who could not get any other kind of internet service, other than that slow dial-up service of yesteryear, can often get cellular broadband that allows them to connect to the Internet at a greater speed than dial-up ever allowed.
Cellular Broadband Got People Moving
It’s pretty safe to say that in many ways, cellular broadband got people moving, or at least working more efficiently, while they were on the move. Businessmen who often traveled a lot, found themselves often frustrated because they could not attend to business while on the move. Now they are finding that they can answer emails and surf the web from the back of taxis, waiting areas in offices and a variety of other places, making for less wasted time when they need to travel.
It also allows people to take working vacations with family and friends, keep in touch with friends and families when both are traveling and simply offers a way for people to go just about anywhere and take their technology with them.
Currently cellular broadband is not meant to replace that DSL in your office or home but it is a viable companion for those who need to be away from the office or home and still need to access the internet.
Pay As You Go
Using cellular broadband doesn’t have to be overly expensive either. For those who want computer access on a continuing basis when they are away from home, most packages run about the same as your DSL services which many feel is worth it. For those who need Internet access while traveling but only occasionally, many cell phone companies offer pay as you go plans. How these pay as you go plans work is really quite simple.
First, you need PC card or USB that handles the connection protocols between the computer and the provider some computers such as the Lenovo T60 already has networking capability built in. Then you enter your credentials, the advance payment for the amount of time you want access. (Usually, the minimum is 24 hours) and you are ready do go. The cost for 24 hours may vary with different companies but it usually somewhere around $15.00.
There are a few things you will need to know before using the pay as you go service. First your special access card must match of the cell phone company providing service to the area. And second, there are set data limits that do apply and if you go over those limits you will be charged for it.
So Just How Great Is Cellular Broadband Without Phone Lines
There is no doubt that cellular broadband makes using that computer when traveling easier and more convenient. However, it is not without some problems that you should be made aware of. Here are a few of those problems.
* Although it is getting there, cellular broadband is not everywhere when traveling. If you are going to be relying on this service to keep you connected to the Internet, then make sure that the service you need is available where you are going.
* Cellular broadband for your computer is no better than the cell phone reception in any given area. If cell phone reception comes and goes and is iffy, chances are that your Internet connection could be iffy as well.
* Not all cellular broadband service is the same. The amount of service you get and the price you pay will vary from cell phone company to cell phone company. Many companies give you a package deal with your cellphone and broadband all rolled into one package at a slightly cheaper rate. This could be a great deal unless you do most of your traveling to areas where that particular cell phone company does not have much coverage.
While cellular broadband can be a great help to you and your business, choosing the company wisely and being aware of both the good and the bad points of cellular broadband will ensure that you get the most out of this type of technology.
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