gaathr.com

Shirley Stevens asked:


If you thought that mobile broadband was something to do with surfing the web on your mobile phone, you’re very wrong.

Mobile broadband allows you to have immediate web access on either your computer or laptop from wherever you are, be it at home, at the airport, on the train or halfway across the Pennine Way.

Instead of the cables or wires needed for standard broadband, mobile broadband is powered by the 3G mobile network, hence the name.

Simply, all you need is a subscription to a mobile service network and a plug-in USB modem - a dongle, if you prefer - and you’re away.

It’s not purely by chance that the present UK mobile broadband providers are also the main mobile phone providers such as Vodafone mobile broadband, T-mobile, O2, 3 mobile broadband and Orange mobile broadband.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Bear in mind though that this exciting concept is not freely available to everyone just yet, so don’t rush to cancel your current telephone or cable internet provider until you have had a closer look at it.

A mobile broadband network will only work well if the mobile telephone network it runs on is efficient.

For instance, disparities in speed are the norm and erratic reception, the curse of mobile phones, will also plague mobile internet connections in exactly the same way.

If you use the internet a lot, mobile broadband is unlikely to be suitable for you as it would not be able to compete with the unlimited usage allowances of most hardwired broadband packages.

However, if all you need is to check your email and surf sporadically, then you will find it an attractive proposition - especially if you are on the move a lot.

Depending on your specific service provider, the new mobile broadband networks offer speeds ranging from 2.8Mb to as much as 7.2Mb. However, usage limits are restrictively applied throughout.

How much can you download?

Current mobile broadband providers are offering download limits of between 1 – 15Gb per month, which means it would not suit anyone who has to regularly transfer large files.

Equally, if you spend hours on YouTube, or listening to internet radio, or can’t resist online pirated movies, mobile broadband is unlikely to suit you - unless money is no object.

For that reason, mobile broadband is unlikely to replace ADSL or cable any time soon.

But, on the other hand, the mobile broadband facility is perfect for anyone who is away from home a great deal and needs frequent and ready access to their email while on the go.

It would be absolutely brilliant for occasional users who have more than one home but don’t want to pay for two broadband connections.

It has also become increasingly popular among students living in student houses where nobody wants to pay for a landline.

What does it cost?

Mobile broadband set-up and monthly costs differ considerably from network to network.

The usage allowance affects the price, but in general, the longer the contract the less it costs.

You will probably find it very helpful to consult a broadband comparison site and compare all mobile broadband deals and current prices.

Watch out…

As mobile broadband technology is still in the early stages of development and very likely to drop substantially in price in the future, it is advisable, say the experts, that consumers avoid extended contract periods.

On the other hand, if money is no object and you are happy to pay for the many advantages of a permanently connected laptop and welcome an escape from all the wires and cables necessary for standard broadband, then go for it!

Caroline Telford asked:


Telefonica O2 Ireland Limited or more popularly known as O2 is known as an Ireland 3G and GSM mobile telecommunications operator. But its services are not only limited to Ireland but to the Great Britain too. Among the most sought-after services of the company in other parts of Europe is the O2 Broadband.

O2 Broadband and Special Internet Services

It was only in July 2007 when O2 launched the O2 mobile broadband using the technology called HSDPA over the company’s 3G network. The company is providing up to 3.6 megabits per second Internet speed and they say they are now servicing more or less 85 percent of the 3G network users.

So far, the company has started to upgrade its Internet speed. Some parts of Ireland are now enjoying up to 7.2 megabits per second of Internet speed. This development is expected to continue and become vaster than ever.

O2’s Mobile Broadband Services

O2 started and was known providing services for mobile phone users. Now, they even made mobile phone users happier with their service offered called as the O2 Mobile Broadband.

The O2 Mobile Broadband is not only available for Irish users but to United Kingdom residents also who are 18 years old and above. The service includes usage of up to 3 gigabytes of space per month which will be charged £0.20 per megabyte—that includes the value added tax. This service is also subject to status and minimum term contract.

Meanwhile, the Internet speed provided for the mobile phone users is also subject to the network coverage. The service is also good for 12 months. After that, standard broadband rates will apply.

O2 Broadband Services for Already O2 Customers

For those who have O2 Mobile Broadband connection, they can also enjoy other O2 broadband services at discounted prices. There are three O2 broadband services available for these customers. These are the Standard Package, Premium Package, and Unlimited Package.

The O2 Standard Broadband package offers up to 8 megabytes having 1.3 megabits per second upload speed. The cost for this service is £12.50 monthly but if the user is already an O2 customer, then the package will only cost £7.50 per month.

Meanwhile, the O2 Premium Broadband package can provide up to 20 megabytes of Internet speed for the customer and an upload speed up to 1.6 megabits per second. This service costs £15 a month for non-O2 customers and £10 for O2 customers.

Lastly, the O2 Ultimate Broadband package offers up to 20 megabytes of Internet speed and an upload speed 1.6 megabits per second. The premium package costs £20 per month but at a discounted price of £15 per month for O2 customers.

All these O2 broadband offerings also come with unlimited downloads, free 24/7 technical and customer support, email to clients’ mobile phones, 100 free SMS per month, and great email storage capacity. The three broadband services also have 12-month contract coverage. Customers also need to have a BT land line to have their O2 broadband connection.

Finding the Best O2 Deal

It is highly recommended that customers have their O2 Mobile Broadband connection first before taking other O2 broadband services. This way, customers can enjoy discounted O2 service prices as well as use of all potential features of the services like connecting the client’s computer to his mobile phone.

Those who are not yet O2 clients can also enjoy the O2 broadband services but with added value. Anyway, the speed and services are almost the same. It only differs on the cost of the various O2 broadband services.