Limit: 5GB (up to)
Term: 18 Mths
per month
Limit: 3GB (up to)
Term: 18 Mths
per month
Limit: 1GB (up to)
Term: None
per month
Limit: 1GB (up to)
Term: 18 Mths
per month
3G Mobile Broadband
The term 3G relates to mobile phone standard and means that we are currently using third generation technology on our mobile devices. The previous standard was 2G and did not have the capacity or speed for 3G broadband internet access. 3G mobile broadband is now the current standard for all mobile service providers until the new 4G standard is released.
The rise of 3G broadband
With the emergence of 3G broadband as the new standard, access to the internet using the mobile phone networks became a reality with faster data transfer over much greater distances and the capacity to handle larger amounts of data. All this meant that people could now access the internet using 3G mobile broadband from anywhere there was 3G mobile broadband coverage and considering the huge growth of mobile phone usage this meant almost anywhere. No longer were people confined to places with phone sockets, network ports or wireless hotspots. The freedom to access the internet was now simply a case of buying a mobile device like a phone or a PDA or buying a 3G USB broadband modem, plugging it into their laptop, and starting to browse.
Who offers 3G Broadband Coverage and Access?
Not surprisingly 3G Broadband coverage and services is currently offered by the main mobile phone operators like Vodafone, Orange, O2, Three, Virgin, and T-Mobile. The obvious reason for this is that they already have the infrastructure for 3G broadband mobile access built for their existing mobile phone services and merely need to upgrade them for 3G use. Each 3G broadband provider offers access to the internet at varying speeds depending on the type of person that they are aiming to provide the service to and the limitations of their network.
The Pros and Cons of using 3G Broadband
The biggest benefit of 3G broadband is the fact that it is truly mobile internet access compared to its nearest rival, wireless, which still has quite heavy restrictions like the need for either a router connected to a phone line or a local wireless hotspot, which have limited availability. Another benefit is also the need for less space either at home or at work when you consider the need for modems, routers and cables needed for regular internet access compared to the USB stick, USB dongle, or data card modem required for 3G mobile broadband.
The negative aspect of 3G broadband is that it is only as good as the mobile phone network it uses. 3G broadband coverage is as much an issue for 3G broadband users as it is for mobile phone users and you need to ensure that the network provider you choose will cover the areas you need the access. To add to this coverage issue you may also find environmental issues may play a big part in the quality of internet access you get over 3G broadband. Anything from weather conditions to the thick walls of old buildings may interfere with your connection in the same way as your mobile phone
