3G is so called because it refers to the third generation of mobile technology, the second generation of mobile technology was known as 2G.
3G is a common name widely used in the telecommunications industry for a service that allows mobile access to the internet. It allows you to browse through internet pages, as well as download content such as videos and music without being restricted to a fixed line broadband connection or a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Third Generation technology, or 3G has been around for a while now and whilst it was initially only available to owners of more expensive mobile handsets such as ‘Blackberry’ devices, more and more mobile manufacturers are equipping their devices with 3G.
But why use a phone when you can access web content on your laptop using 3G technology? Well, that’s where mobile broadband steps in.
With companies like 3 Mobile Broadband, T-Mobile and Vodafone it’s possible to equip your laptop with 3G using a dedicated ‘dongle’. This plugs into your laptop device via the USB and means that you don’t need to go on a traipse to find a wireless hub or hotspot in order to connect to the internet.
Of course, as 3G Mobile Broadband relies on strong reception it’s not always possible to link up to a connection, especially in more rural areas. However, you will find that most Mobile Broadband services will give you the means to check coverage in your area using a basic web check.
Whilst there are a number of issues debated on 3G services, including lack of coverage in sum areas and high power usage, 3G networks are increasing in popularity at a dramatic rate.
hi, i`m a student from argentina and i`m doing a research for my thesis about international mobile broadband, how could i estimate the mobile broadband market share if i dont have the number of suscribers to this service per company?
do you have any idea?
How can you estimate the size of the market without knowing the number of subscribers? I would suggest contacting the PR/press/media departments of the mobile providers. I’m sure they’d be happy to spread the word
Why doesn’t Broadband Genie publish a report on the size of the market
I live in a rural area where I’m currently just out of range from the local exchange to recieve ADSL broadband. Does mobile broadband technology such as 3G present a solution to isolated rural areas being able to now receive broadband? Am I right in thinking these broadband technologies achieve data transmission via satellites… if so why is satellite broadband so much more expensive?
Hi
On a single mobile broadband contract using a USB modem, is it possible to easily switch the USB modem from one laptop to another or to a PC? I wish to use this service on several computers.
Regards
Are there any considerations about coverage?. I guess that 3G coverage is not problem in most cities but what happens if you venture out into the rural community?
@tracker69
Satellite broadband (i.e. actually delivered via satellite, not just a DSL offering from Sky for example) is a niche area and not the same as mobile or cable/adsl broadband. It can deliver high bandwidth but generally suffers from poor latency (not good for high responsive applications, typical example being online gaming).
@gabrieloak
Ask the vendors this one, it depends only on their terms and conditions not the hardware/technology. Some ‘terrestial’ broadband providers put limits on this even using fixed location cablemodems or adsl routers (limits to X changes of MAC Address every Y hours). The mobile broadband vendor I contacted and asked this specific question of said there would be no problem with disconnecting from one device and connecting to another, and that they didn’t have a limitation on the time or quantity of changes.
@Mike Ellis
Coverage is as much an issue as it is for mobile phones, but at least you can somewhat check this directly yourself by taking a 3G phone to different locations you would use the broadband in, or checking other people’s phone signal strengths, to get a good indicator before hand. Some phones can report individual signal strength for 3G connectivity and GSM connectivity, to distinguish how good it is.