In the past few months, I would say I have been a bit of a rolling stone, I've moved house about 5 times in the past 9 months...This short article focuses on my mobile broadband usage as a result of constant upheaval and the advantages and disadvantages I have found since using Mobile Broadband...
I started using Mobile Broadband in October 2007 after deciding against reconnecting my BT landline (which I had for 8 years) at my new address due to the hassle of calling up BT as well as having to wait for a home broadband provider (I was with Tiscali for 5 years and left as a dissatisfied customer after they lost all my emails). Additionally, I wanted my Broadband to move around with me, so I quickly researched how I could do this.
Anyway, I looked up a few companies online and after eliminating one company famous for extremely poor reception (I use their mobile phone service, so I know), I decided to go with a brand that has been around a lot longer with better reception, seeing as the Mobile Broadband Technology relies on the same technology that the mobile phones use. I was able to look up the company online, do some quick research about the speed, price and functionality, and location of a shop using the postcode finder (the nearest shop to where I currently live is Oxford Street). I was able to find out the opening times and closing times of the store and rush out quickly to sign up for my Mobile Broadband service the very same day.
Additionally, I do not have a wireless facility on my old laptop, so the Mobile Broadband works out as a great alternative to connecting to the Internet without the wireless facility more modern laptops have in-built.
Service at the store
Well, I got to the Vodafone store about 10 minutes before they closed and was served by a guy who knew what he was doing, he was friendly and polite.... I took some identification and proof of address with me and after about 15-20 minutes, I was signed up and ready to use my Mobile Broadband USB modem, a sim card and CD. I received the USB Broadband modem free on an 18 month contract (I do like a freebie, who doesn't). I also received a CD with the software, but I have never used this as the modem comes with inbuilt software, which works immediately you plug the modem into the USB port, but it is worth having the CD because with some computers you have to physically install the software otherwise the Mobile broadband device will not work, I had this problem with my friend's new laptop once, when we tried to use the mobile broadband with Windows Vista to test it out.
At the same time I signed up, I was given another sim card pack free of charge, this was for pay as you go calls for Vodafone, I was silently impressed. Unfortunately, calling the Vodafone customer service is not free as some networks provide, but in the past, the customer service representatives I spoke to did offer to call me back immediately when I needed to query something on my line that I was unhappy with a few months back.
The Advantages of Mobile Broadband
Convenience - I can take it anywhere and connect to the Internet with any computer that has a USB port, I don't even have to have my laptop with me, I just need the Broadband modem or Dongle which has the software inbuilt and my external hard drive and I'm good to go!
Also there is no need to sit around your friends house twiddling your thumbs because they don't have an Internet connection.
Portability - You do not need an additional fixed land line. So, your Broadband goes wherever you go! You can use it overseas, of course at an additional cost, but the convenience factor is there.
Choice - You have the option of choosing a USB device or a Data card depending on your preference. You also now have the added advantage of new deals which offer you a laptop for a little extra each month, this is advantageous if you do not already have a laptop.
SMS Messaging - You can send and receive SMS Messages from your on-screen inbox quickly and conveniently, although I personally do not use this service any longer, I have tried it out and it works well, although it will cost you some extra money if you do use it.
The Disadvantages of Mobile Broadband
It relies on the same mobile technology the mobile phones use, therefore, no reception = no broadband. Sometimes I find this most annoying, but after a trying to connect a few times by moving or placing the modem quite high in order to receive a signal, I can usually get a 3G connection going again.
Speed - Sometimes the modem defaults to a 2G connection, the equivalent of a 56k modem dial-up connection, which is extremely slow and frustrating. After talking to a customer service representative, I was told that this happens depending on the number of people connected at a given time. At times, the connection moves back to 3G at a speed of 7.2 Mbps or close enough.
Price - Can be quite expensive compared to conventional or fixed home Broadband services, but when you add the price of a fixed land line rental to conventional home Broadband, it can work out to be the same cost but you do have the convenience of unplugging it and taking it with you, unlike your fixed home broadband.
Some companies have usage clauses and fair use policies in their small print, which is usually so small you need a magnifier to read...LOL
Susceptible to junk text messages, the kind that you get on your mobile phone that costs you money, you know, debt consolidation etc. However, I have read that adding your mobile number to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) can help to eliminate this annoying intrusion. I guess you could contact the company and ask them to put a block on junk text messages and advertisements too.
Actually, I had to change my number due to the nuisance this was causing me.
Additional Information
I must say that I was impressed with the ease and speed in which I was able to receive my Broadband connection, I didn't have to wait around for 2-3 weeks while the company tested my phone line or hang around waiting for the postman or courier to deliver my modem and all that kind of hassle. Additionally, I did not have to wait to be connected on the phone after pressing 50 options before I could talk to a human being, while running up a huge phone bill.
Finally, one last thing, you cannot make calls with the Mobile Broadband sim card (well, not with the company I am subscribed to), I suppose this is an advantage as well as a disadvantage, but seeing as I already have a mobile phone, it does not bother me too much.
Related External Link
Ofcom - Office of Communications
BCS News 12/02/2009: Mobile broadband to grow
BCS News 16/02/2009: Vodafone eyes mobile broadband
Satellite broadband rakes in profits
Is mobile broadband worth it?
Dongle users face stiff penalties
I started using Mobile Broadband in October 2007 after deciding against reconnecting my BT landline (which I had for 8 years) at my new address due to the hassle of calling up BT as well as having to wait for a home broadband provider (I was with Tiscali for 5 years and left as a dissatisfied customer after they lost all my emails). Additionally, I wanted my Broadband to move around with me, so I quickly researched how I could do this.
Anyway, I looked up a few companies online and after eliminating one company famous for extremely poor reception (I use their mobile phone service, so I know), I decided to go with a brand that has been around a lot longer with better reception, seeing as the Mobile Broadband Technology relies on the same technology that the mobile phones use. I was able to look up the company online, do some quick research about the speed, price and functionality, and location of a shop using the postcode finder (the nearest shop to where I currently live is Oxford Street). I was able to find out the opening times and closing times of the store and rush out quickly to sign up for my Mobile Broadband service the very same day.
Additionally, I do not have a wireless facility on my old laptop, so the Mobile Broadband works out as a great alternative to connecting to the Internet without the wireless facility more modern laptops have in-built.
Service at the store
Well, I got to the Vodafone store about 10 minutes before they closed and was served by a guy who knew what he was doing, he was friendly and polite.... I took some identification and proof of address with me and after about 15-20 minutes, I was signed up and ready to use my Mobile Broadband USB modem, a sim card and CD. I received the USB Broadband modem free on an 18 month contract (I do like a freebie, who doesn't). I also received a CD with the software, but I have never used this as the modem comes with inbuilt software, which works immediately you plug the modem into the USB port, but it is worth having the CD because with some computers you have to physically install the software otherwise the Mobile broadband device will not work, I had this problem with my friend's new laptop once, when we tried to use the mobile broadband with Windows Vista to test it out.
At the same time I signed up, I was given another sim card pack free of charge, this was for pay as you go calls for Vodafone, I was silently impressed. Unfortunately, calling the Vodafone customer service is not free as some networks provide, but in the past, the customer service representatives I spoke to did offer to call me back immediately when I needed to query something on my line that I was unhappy with a few months back.
The Advantages of Mobile Broadband
Convenience - I can take it anywhere and connect to the Internet with any computer that has a USB port, I don't even have to have my laptop with me, I just need the Broadband modem or Dongle which has the software inbuilt and my external hard drive and I'm good to go!
Also there is no need to sit around your friends house twiddling your thumbs because they don't have an Internet connection.
Portability - You do not need an additional fixed land line. So, your Broadband goes wherever you go! You can use it overseas, of course at an additional cost, but the convenience factor is there.
Choice - You have the option of choosing a USB device or a Data card depending on your preference. You also now have the added advantage of new deals which offer you a laptop for a little extra each month, this is advantageous if you do not already have a laptop.
SMS Messaging - You can send and receive SMS Messages from your on-screen inbox quickly and conveniently, although I personally do not use this service any longer, I have tried it out and it works well, although it will cost you some extra money if you do use it.
The Disadvantages of Mobile Broadband
It relies on the same mobile technology the mobile phones use, therefore, no reception = no broadband. Sometimes I find this most annoying, but after a trying to connect a few times by moving or placing the modem quite high in order to receive a signal, I can usually get a 3G connection going again.
Speed - Sometimes the modem defaults to a 2G connection, the equivalent of a 56k modem dial-up connection, which is extremely slow and frustrating. After talking to a customer service representative, I was told that this happens depending on the number of people connected at a given time. At times, the connection moves back to 3G at a speed of 7.2 Mbps or close enough.
Price - Can be quite expensive compared to conventional or fixed home Broadband services, but when you add the price of a fixed land line rental to conventional home Broadband, it can work out to be the same cost but you do have the convenience of unplugging it and taking it with you, unlike your fixed home broadband.
Susceptible to junk text messages, the kind that you get on your mobile phone that costs you money, you know, debt consolidation etc. However, I have read that adding your mobile number to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) can help to eliminate this annoying intrusion. I guess you could contact the company and ask them to put a block on junk text messages and advertisements too.
Actually, I had to change my number due to the nuisance this was causing me.
Additional Information
I must say that I was impressed with the ease and speed in which I was able to receive my Broadband connection, I didn't have to wait around for 2-3 weeks while the company tested my phone line or hang around waiting for the postman or courier to deliver my modem and all that kind of hassle. Additionally, I did not have to wait to be connected on the phone after pressing 50 options before I could talk to a human being, while running up a huge phone bill.
Finally, one last thing, you cannot make calls with the Mobile Broadband sim card (well, not with the company I am subscribed to), I suppose this is an advantage as well as a disadvantage, but seeing as I already have a mobile phone, it does not bother me too much.
Related External Link
Ofcom - Office of Communications
BCS News 12/02/2009: Mobile broadband to grow
BCS News 16/02/2009: Vodafone eyes mobile broadband
Satellite broadband rakes in profits
Is mobile broadband worth it?
Dongle users face stiff penalties
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