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Wireless broadband is cited by many of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who offer it as the best thing since sliced bread could be delivered at the click of a button via online shopping. It is, indeed, a very useful service. This guide takes an even-handed look at wireless Internet provision in Australia – what it is, why it’s so good, its pitfalls and common misconceptions.
What is REAL wireless broadband?
First up, it’s necessary to say what wireless broadband isn’t. Wireless broadband, also called wireless Internet, should not be confused with Local Area Networks (LAN) or Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi technology is used in small-scale areas, such as a house or office, where a router (a transmitter) is set up to provide Internet connectivity to computers in the group, without the use of wires. More often than not, the router is connected to the Internet using plain old ADSL (not wireless Internet).
To receive wireless Internet, a wireless modem is connected to your PC or Mac, which then communicates using radio signals to your Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) receiver. Most of the time, these modems have a relatively compact receiver attached to them. One great feature of true wireless Internet is the mobility of the technology – it’s possible to attach this modem to your laptop, head outside, and do that essay or file that report while at the park or beach.
Availability of wireless Internet
Although most city-dwellers are content with ADSL, wireless coverage is currently expanding from cities and towns to the majority of Australia. BigPond claims it can reach 98 percent of the Australian population, while Telstra’s Next G technology (wireless Internet for use in mobile phone handsets) claim similar figures. They, and other providers such as iBurst, provide lists of areas within reach of the signal on their websites. If you are still out of reach of wireless Internet, you might want to look into satellite Internet.
Getting a wireless Internet connection
To enjoy wireless Internet, you’ll need to get in touch with a WISP (a Wireless Internet Service Provider). Telstra and Optus, as well as smaller companies such as Unwired, Big Air and iBurst, can provide you with a signal. The company in question can provide you with the relevant gear, such as wireless modem, perhaps for less than you expected. Bottom of the scale deals from Unwired (64/32kbps with a 200MB download limit) start from as little as $15.95 per month, while BigPond's Super G Fast plans go right up to 1500kbps, with a limit of 3GB per month, for $149.95.
Disadvantages of wireless Internet
Are techno-geeks addicted to freedom? Most people with a laptop dream of being truly portable, having a long battery life and access to high speed Internet from every hill top, beach or apartment they visit so they can work, surf or play for hours uninterrupted not matter what or where they may be. Unfortunately, the dream is not quite a reality – it’s close – but there are still some downsides to wireless Internet.
- Coverage is limited – in certain rural areas it may be unavailable.
- Wireless offers slightly slower data speeds than ADSL or cable – although this is improving. That said, at peak times ADSL lines can be congested, meaning they also slow down. It’s a case of half of one, fifty percent of the other.
- Reliability – as with any service that relies on radio waves, there is the chance that occurrences such as unusual weather can lead to disturbances in signal quality. As with mobile phones, in certain places inside buildings it may be harder to get a good signal.
- Theft – it is possible for other users to steal your connection unless you use password protection and adjust your settings to limit outside access.
