For simplicity's sake, it's easiest to compare one category of mobile broadband solutions, and USB mobile internet is one of the most flexible solutions. If you're getting started with USB mobile broadband, you should have a basic understanding of how it works and what types of plans you can get. Here's what you need to know to get your first USB mobile stick.
1. Each device comes with a few plan options
Some are pay-as-you-go solutions, but the standard contract will tell you how much data you're allowed (usually something like 250 MB to 20 GB or more, depending on the provider), what type of USB stick you'll receive, and how long the contract runs. You may have to pay upfront for the USB stick if you have a short or month-by-month contract.
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2. You need a 3G network to access the internet
If you're on a road trip or you travel frequently, it's a good idea to pick up a USB mobile plan so you can always be connected. But wait: you won't be able to connect in every situation. You must have access to a 3G cell network, as the USB stick will pick up the network in order to give you internet service. If you're in a rural area without much 3G, you may find yourself paying more than the value you get from the plan.3. There are other mobile internet options
Does your computer have limited USB ports? If you're plugging in a keyboard or hard drive, you might quickly run out of ports. Other solutions include SIM and micro-SIM cards if you have a card reader, or ExpressCards that plug into a specially designed slot in your PC.You can also use your phone to create a MiFi network, or vice versa. For simplicity, however, the USB stick solution is one of the easiest to adopt – many providers give you plug-and-play simplicity.
4. Pay close attention to internet speeds
The faster your speed, the more you're going to pay for it. If you're willing to wait, it can be better to pay less for a slower speed, like 1 Mb/sec. On the other hand, if you want a solution that's as fast as possible, look for 4G USB mobile broadband solutions.4G is much faster than 3G, but the network isn't as large. In areas where 4G isn't available, if you have a 4G stick, you should be able to connect with 3G internet anyway, but it will be slower.
5. If you're traveling the world, expect to pay more
Your speed and price plan only counts within the USA. As soon as you leave the country, you're going to have to pay more – sometimes much more – for roaming. In theory, you can replace the USB stick with a foreign one, but it's less hassle to get a MiFi solution from XCom that covers multiple countries. In any case, be very careful how much you browse, as roaming rates can be as high as $20 per megabyte or more.While USB mobile broadband isn't perfect, it's a solid solution for those who work online or need to be able to access the internet at short notice. If you travel a lot and don't want to pay for local Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile internet can work perfectly.
Besides the obvious disadvantage of having a USB stick protruding from your laptop, you might pay more if you do a lot of internet-heavy tasks like streaming videos, but for light internet use the USB modem is perfect.
LauraAbout the Guest Author:
Laura uses mobile broadband to stay in touch with her clients when she is away from her desk. It isn’t the fastest service in the world but she appreciates it.
