How Mobile Broadband Technology Functions

Over the past ten years, the Internet has transformed from a mere pastime into a critical component of our daily existence.

We can't go more than an hour without checking our e-mail. When we need answers or more details (on anything), we open a browser and start searching on Google. At work, it's all about videoconferencing, the corporate Intranet, and online CRM systems. At home, it's all about Limewire, YouTube, and updating our Facebook profile.

The best way to access all these tools and resources is through a broadband (high-speed) Internet connection, which we now expect at both home and the office. As of 2007, 70 percent of adult Internet users had broadband at home [source: Pew Internet & American Life Project].

But what happens when we’re on the go? Studies reveal that our desire for Internet-based information, communication, and entertainment remains the same. A 2008 report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 58 percent of Americans used a cell phone or PDA for "non-voice data activities" such as emailing or recording videos. Furthermore, 41 percent of Americans accessed the Internet using a WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device outside their home or office [source: Pew Internet & American Life Project].

Up until recently, mobile Internet access options were limited to just a few choices:

Now, several major national cell phone providers have rolled out technologies that deliver DSL-like speeds to any mobile device within the range of a cellular network, including laptop computers.

What are the different types of mobile broadband networks, and what kind of rates and plans are available from cell phone providers? Continue reading to learn more.

Mobile Broadband Technology

Mobile broadband operates on the same technology that powers cell phones. It relies on radio waves and frequencies. Cell phones and cell towers exchange digital information packets via radio waves. For voice calls, these packets carry voice data, while for mobile broadband, the packets carry data such as emails, web pages, music files, and streaming video.

There are two primary technologies used for cell phone networks: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). GSM is more prevalent in Europe and Asia, while CDMA is the dominant technology in the United States. The key technical distinction between the two lies in how they allocate space on the radio spectrum. To simplify, both GSM and CDMA use different algorithms that allow multiple users to share the same radio frequency without causing interference.

Mobile broadband is also referred to as 3G, or third-generation mobile phone technology. Both GSM and CDMA have developed their respective 3G solutions to provide high-speed Internet access for mobile devices.

CDMA's version of mobile broadband is called EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data Only). The concept behind EV-DO is that it operates on a part of the cellular network exclusively reserved for data. Voice calls demand substantial bandwidth to maintain audio quality. By separating the voice and data channels, the network can prioritize data transfer, allowing for faster access to email, the internet, and multimedia. The downside is that you can’t access data tools or the internet while making voice calls. EV-DO offers typical speeds of 300-400 Kbps (kilobytes per second), similar to DSL speeds.

To use an EV-DO network, you need a device with built-in EV-DO hardware (like a BlackBerry or another smartphone) or a special network card that plugs into your laptop. These cards connect via USB ports or other standard PC card slots and act as antennas for mobile broadband signals. To achieve the fastest download and upload speeds, you need to be within range of the EV-DO signal. Otherwise, you'll fall back to the slower 1xRTT (Radio Transfer Technology), which supports speeds between 60 and 100 Kbps.

GSM’s counterpart to EV-DO is called HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access). Unlike EV-DO, HSDPA networks can handle both voice and data transfers, allowing you to talk while surfing the web. It focuses on maximizing download speeds, rather than upload speeds. HSDPA typically offers download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps.

Similar to EV-DO, you will require special network hardware to access HSDPA mobile broadband. This could be a device with a built-in HSDPA card or a dedicated PC card that plugs into a laptop. Additionally, you need to be within range of an HSDPA signal, which is primarily found in major city centers and along key highways.

Now, let's explore some of the key features of mobile broadband services offered by major cell phone providers in the United States.

Features of Mobile Broadband Services

In the United States, three major cellular service providers offer mobile broadband services on their networks. Sprint and Verizon operate CDMA networks, so they utilize EV-DO technology for their services. AT&T, previously known as Cingular, uses a GSM network, offering an HSDPA mobile broadband service.

All three providers have established extensive nationwide cellular networks, but coverage quality varies. In major metropolitan areas, you'll have access to the most robust data services. However, in rural areas, your options may be limited to making calls or browsing the web at dial-up speeds.

For instance, AT&T's mobile broadband service, known as BroadbandConnect, allows users to send emails, instant messages, browse the web at speeds between 400 and 700Kbps, watch TV shows, and even share live video during phone calls.

To fully utilize all the features of BroadbandConnect, you must be within the coverage area of AT&T's 3G network, which is currently available only in the largest cities across the nation. Outside these areas, you can still access some data services, such as email, text messaging, and web browsing, but at reduced speeds between 75 and 135Kbps.

Sprint and Verizon offer similar services. With Sprint's mobile broadband service, you can send emails, listen to streaming radio, download songs and videos, watch live TV, share photos, play games, and browse the web at speeds ranging from 600Kbps to 1.4Mbps (megabits per second).

Similar to AT&T, Sprint's best connection speeds and most data services are available only in 3G coverage areas, primarily located in major cities. In the outskirts of these areas, you'll find mobile broadband roaming zones that provide limited data and multimedia services. Further away from the cities, Sprint's nationwide cellular network offers basic data services with speeds between 50 and 70Kbps, comparable to dial-up.

The cost of accessing mobile broadband networks varies depending on the device you're using. There are four main options for connecting to a 3G network:

Cellular providers offer various mobile broadband payment plans for each option. The most expensive plan is usually the unlimited monthly access. Alternatively, you can choose a plan with a maximum data transfer limit per month. For example, Sprint offers a $39.99/month plan for 40MB of data transfer, while Verizon has a $59.99/month plan with 5GB of data. To put this in perspective, Verizon claims you could send 1,747,627 emails per month before reaching 5GB or browse nearly 35,000 web pages [source: Verizon].

Cellular providers typically package mobile broadband services for cell phone users. Sprint's service is called Power Vision, and AT&T offers MEdia Net. These packages are available for an additional fee on top of your regular calling plan. Alternatively, you can opt for an all-inclusive plan that includes a set number of anytime minutes and unlimited mobile broadband usage. For PDAs or smartphones, you can select between unlimited data plans or those with a maximum data limit, along with a voice calling plan.

If you'd rather not commit to a monthly plan, you can pay for mobile broadband based on the data you use. For instance, Sprint charges three cents per kilobyte of data transferred without requiring a subscription.

Next, let's break down the terms and costs associated with mobile broadband plans.

Terms and Fees of Mobile Broadband Services

Mobile broadband is a relatively new technology, which means you'll likely pay a premium to access it. Like other cellular services, mobile broadband often requires a one- or two-year commitment. If you cancel the contract prematurely, you may face an early termination fee of up to $200.

If you plan to use your cell phone for mobile broadband, you may need to purchase a new device. Cellular providers specify which phones are compatible with certain services. For instance, if you want to use AT&T's BroadbandConnect service, you'll need to select from a variety of phones equipped with the necessary hardware and software for web browsing and multimedia. Additionally, unless you choose an all-in-one voice and data plan, you'll have to sign up for a separate voice plan alongside your mobile broadband contract.

The good news is that cellular providers often offer significant discounts and rebates when purchasing a phone with a voice or data plan. Some phones and PC cards are even available for free after factoring in instant discounts, online savings, and mail-in rebates.

Be sure to carefully review your mobile broadband contract and be aware of any additional fees and taxes. For example, a quoted monthly fee of $39.99 doesn't account for the extra charges that will appear on your bill. Here are some common fees to look out for:

Certain mobile broadband services offer coverage that extends into parts of Mexico and Canada. However, using data or mobile broadband within these extended roaming regions usually incurs an additional fee, which is typically charged based on the amount of data transferred, either per kilobyte or per megabyte.