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Broadband: Fixed vs Mobile

Posted on 11 Feb 2009 at 10:24

Could you really replace your home or business broadband with a mobile dongle? Barry Collins finds out.

Mobile broadband is on the march. So much so that, for the past two quarters, the number of fixed-line broadband connections in this country has started to fall for the first time ever, according to the Office of National Statistics.

Many people have already been won over by the promise of broadband that goes with them, and doesn't require them to pay twice: once for the broadband and once for the phone line. So should you be preparing to join them?

In this feature, we'll examine whether mobile broadband or ADSL - or even both - is the best option for various different types of lifestyle. From light surfers to hard-core gamers to small businesses, we'll be delivering our verdict on which option makes the most sense for their particular needs. We'll also be recommending specific broadband packages for each of the different lifestyle categories, based on our own tests and the feedback of 16,000 PC Pro readers from our recent broadband service and reliability survey.

We've pushed mobile broadband to its very limits, to see just how far a 3G data connection will stretch in both the workplace and the home. We'll also be examining what effect the various types of USB dongle have on connection speeds, and testing the newly released 3G routers to see if they deserve a place in your home or business.

Our speed tests of all five mobile broadband networks in issue 166 revealed that mobile broadband is really only a practical option in areas covered by a strong 3G network. In areas blessed with High Speed Download Packet Access (HSDPA) connections, actual throughput speeds greater than 2Mbits/sec are a genuine possibility. In areas that only have 50Kbit connections, you're looking at sub-1Mbit/sec speeds or much worse. So, before committing to any mobile broadband network, check coverage maps on the network's website to ensure you're in a 3G area. Better still, grab a mobile phone on the network you're planning to use and check it can get a 3G signal in any room you plan to use your broadband connection from, since signal strength can vary from building to building.

Light surfers
Everyday users
Gamers & heavy downloaders
Students
Businesses

Now click here:

What difference does the dongle make?
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Author: Barry Collins