Choosing a 3G Broadband Wireless Connection

Choosing a 3G broadband wireless connection should be based on a few key considerations, including budget, your anticipated use, and what type of content you will most frequently be downloading.

Essentially, 3G broadband allows you to roam anywhere there is a mobile phone signal and access the internet on a device equipped with a mobile broadband modem. Depending on the 3G broadband provider you choose, you will be allowed to select your preferred megabytes per second (mps) upload/download rate. In practice, the actual rate will fluctuate due to the transient nature of signal availability and strength. If the majority of your time on the internet is spent downloading relatively megabyte-heavy content like movies or other graphic files, 3G broadband may not be ideal. However, for emailing, texting, and exchanging relatively small files, 3G broadband is an excellent choice.

Most broadband providers tend to group their clients into categories based on anticipated use, from light to heavy. Again, depending on the specific provider you choose, different packages with different pricing will apply depending on how much you plan on using the internet. If you identify yourself as a ‘light’ user and then exceed the stated guidelines of your package, you may incur fines or, in some extreme cases, cancellation of your account. Therefore, before signing any service contracts, it is in your best interest to honestly gauge your anticipated use and discuss this with a customer service representative of a potential provider.

The temptation to sign a service contract to keep your broadband budget low is tempting, but depending on your lifestyle, it may not be in your best financial interest. Not all providers demand that you sign up on a contract. In many cases, a ‘pay-as-you-go’ option is available, or shorter contracts, such as a few months as opposed to a year or two years, can be negotiated. Service contracts, while not impossible to undo, can be costly and difficult to reverse once you have signed on. Therefore, it is of vital importance to thoroughly conceive of your needs and any anticipated changes in your lifestyle before you commit to a service.