3G wireless broadband: The next generation

3G refers to the third generation of wireless technology and is the latest version of wireless technology for mobiles. It is a very fast way of transmitting data and many users have already come to appreciate the benefits of switching to the 3G wireless network.

3G wireless broadband features

Living up to its 'next generation' tag, 3G wireless broadband allows you to do a lot more with you broadband access and some of the features you can expect with 3G are:

• Mobile TV
• Gaming
• Video calling and SMS functions
• Emailing

Most mobile broadband services in Australia are based on the 3G network technology and the 3G Broadband Zone is accessible in most of Australia's cities and larger metropolitan areas. 3G is also available in a number of overseas countries so it may be accessible on your mobile if you are travelling overseas.

3G wireless plan options

3G wireless broadband is available as a prepaid option and prepaid customers can often roll over any of their unused data into the following month. This option is usually available to customers who renew before their current expiry date, however all providers have different policies regarding data rollover.

Those on a plan, however, cannot roll over into the next month; all unused data is lost at the end of every month - which is where carefully choosing your plan comes into play. Don't pay for data that you may not use, work out your usage on a monthly basis and go with the plan that offers nearest to this amount. If you find that you have underestimated your usage you can always upgrade to a broadband plan that provides more data - the cost will increase, but it will certainly be less painful than extortionate excess data fees.