learn what other users had to say about

the Cost of Mobile Broadband Internet Access for a Computer

Price 
Location 
Submitted by  
Description
$ 59
Aug 2007
Tampa, FL
Mobile broadband for reliable internet access  more... close row
$ 50
Feb 2008
Tucson, AZ
Mediocre mobile broadband  more... close row
$ 45
Mar 2008
Santa Cruz, CA
Work remotely with mobile broadband  more... close row
$ 40
Apr 2008
Phoenix, AZ
Monthly unlimited data on broadband for laptop  more... close row

Description of service

The price is for one month of a one year contract for unlimited data through a dedicated wireless broadband device (i.e. a mini-PCI card fitted inside my notebook computer).

Longer contract terms are available, but no discount applies. Roaming costs on other providers' networks are included, but connections while traveling abroad are not. The company also offers unlimited data contracts on cell phones enabled for data at $30/month over the standard monthly fees. The dedicated hardware required to access the network costs extra and varies from $100-200 depending on the type of hardware.


Review of Service

Although it is nowhere near as fast as my cable modem at home, I'm rather pleased with the speed of the service. It's certainly much better than the dial-up speeds or overcrowded wi-fi connections I'd resigned myself to on the road not too long ago.

The connection is stable and signal is strong, actually more so than the signal I get on my cell phone through the same provider's network. I rarely experience connection errors or dropped connections, even when traveling in a cab.

Overall I'm quite satisfied.


Tips

Make sure it does what you want, and it's something you need. With the pervasiveness of free and cheap wi-fi, most people probably won't need the added features and expense of wireless broadband. If you travel a lot and need a reasonably reliable connection, or like to work or communicate when outdoors (not just by the pool, but not out in the middle of nowhere, either), it might be worth it, if you can get DSL, a cable modem, or even fiber and you won't be doing either of the above, don't bother with mobile broadband. But your alternative to mobile broadband is dial=up or some hodgepodge of a satellite broadband system, then it might be worth it to you.


$ 20
Mar 2008
Dallas, TX
High speed internet for smartphone  more... close row
$ 40
Sep 2006
San Diego, CA
Broadband mobile internet connection  more... close row
$ 60
Apr 2008
Columbus, Oh
Can not use mobile broadband in own home  more... close row
$ 60
Jan 2008
Ashland, Ky
Speed varies on location  more... close row
$ 35
Jan 2008
akron, Oh
Mobile Internet access has some problems  more... close row
$ 50
Apr 2008
Mt. Pleasant, NC
Unlimited mobile internet access  more... close row
$ 20
Mar 2008
Pittsburgh,PA
Mobile broadband internet is useful and easy  more... close row
$ 50
Apr 2008
La Crescent, MN
Mobile Broadband very convenient  more... close row