Complete guide to mobile broadband

Rapidly changing technology is making it easier and easier to start and run a business.

Compared to even just a decade ago, it’s now simple to set up a business and reach people quickly and efficiently, thanks to the internet.

And the revolution’s not over – we’re right in the middle of it, and the rules of what you can and can’t do are changing almost faster than you can keep up with.

Take the actual process of accessing the internet. Broadband has made it the norm to expect fast always-on access to the internet. Can any business survive at the slow speeds and high costs of dial-up?

Assuming the answer to that is “no”, is it any wonder that we are seeing the broadband revolution start to leave our homes and offices and go mobile?

Over the last six months, genuine broadband access on the move has become an affordable reality. For a small fee each month – sometimes less than you pay for fixed broadband in a building – you can use your laptop for fast internet access anywhere you can get a mobile phone signal.

The seeds for this were laid a few years ago with the introduction of the 3G networks. They promised faster internet speeds, and now cover 90 per cent of the UK. The mobile networks paid small fortunes – literally billions – to get their hands on the new licences. And to have any chance of getting their money back, they needed to come up with innovative ways to use the networks.

Fast-forward a few years and we have a culture that expects to be able to stay in touch on the move. Virtually everyone has a mobile, and many people, especially those in business, access email and often the internet on a mobile device such as Blackberry or PDA.

It’s a small step from there to full internet access everywhere using a laptop.

How does Mobile Broadband work?

Well, just like broadband in a building, you sign a contract and pay a monthly fee. Four mobile companies currently offer it – 3, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone. Prices differ, and just like mobile phone deals they change virtually every day.

Your provider will give you a SIM card within a USB modem which you plug into your laptop. Click a button to get started and that’s pretty much it – you’re on the net. It’s not as fast as in an office, but it will get faster in the future.

It is also possible to connect via your 3G mobile phone, using Bluetooth to connect the phone and laptop. You’ll be compromising speed though as there are two wireless connections. And your phone may have restrictions on the amount of data you can download in this way, so check with your provider or risk an unexpected bill.

Costs & Benefits of Mobile Broadband

Prices have dropped recently. You can get 3G mobile internet for as little as £10 a month. It’s estimated that will allow you to send 650 plain text emails or surf the web for 30 hours. And like all telecommunications, prices can only come down in the months and years ahead.

But don’t sign a contract longer than 12 months, or you may be stuck in a bad deal when new cheaper faster offers are around next year.

The benefits of access to the internet in this way are huge. People expect businesses to respond quickly – the slower your business, the less competitive you will be. And genuine net access like this means you will always be able to make the most of spare time while you are out on the road.

Some people even use their mobile internet in their buildings. If you work from home and don’t want to install normal broadband, or are perhaps in a temporary office this is ideal (as long as you have a good signal). It can also give you fast net access if you are one of the few people left in the UK without access to normal broadband.