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Mobile broadband is a popular connection type for those who need internet on the go.
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Mobile broadband is the main choice for Australians looking to access internet while out and about. If you need a connection while you’re on the go or simply want a plan as a backup for your home internet, it’s important to find out exactly how mobile broadband works to help you determine whether it’s right for you. You can do just that with Savvy’s comprehensive guide, so learn all you need to know about mobile broadband with us today!
Mobile broadband is a wireless internet service that allows users to access the internet using mobile networks, such as 4G or 5G, rather than fixed line connections like the NBN. It works by transmitting data over the airwaves using radio signals. Here's how it works:
Mobile broadband relies on a network of towers which cover specific geographic areas. As you move, your device automatically connects to the nearest tower with the strongest signal, helping ensure a continuous internet connection.
The speed of mobile broadband can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your network technology (4G or 5G), location, network congestion and your device's capabilities. In optimal conditions, 4G mobile broadband may be able to provide download speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 100Mbps, although this may sometimes cap out at 12Mbps. In contrast, 5G has the potential to theoretically deliver up to 1Gbps in downloads, but you’re unlikely to experience speeds close to this.
Real-world speeds are typically much lower than these maximums, especially during peak usage times when network congestion may occur. To get a better idea of the speeds you can expect, it's advisable to check with your mobile carrier for coverage maps and speed estimates in your area.
There are three main types of mobile broadband to choose from:
Data-only SIM cards are SIM cards that are specifically designed for mobile broadband use. They don't have a voice component, so you can't make traditional calls with them. However, they provide access to cellular data networks for internet connectivity.
To use a data-only SIM card, you insert it into a compatible device, such as a tablet, USB modem, or mobile hotspot. Once inserted, the device connects to the mobile network and allows you to access the internet.
USB modems, also known as dongles, are compact devices which you can plug into a computer's USB port. They function as cellular modems, providing internet access to the connected computer.
To use a USB modem, insert a data-only SIM card (if required) and plug it into your computer or another compatible device. The modem connects to the mobile network and establishes an internet connection for the computer.
Pocket Wi-Fi, also known as a mobile hotspot, is a portable device which can create a Wi-Fi network. It uses a data-only SIM card to connect to the network and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal which multiple devices can connect to simultaneously.
By turning on the pocket Wi-Fi device, you can connect smartphones, tablets, laptops and any other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to its network and access the internet through the mobile data connection.
Each of these mobile broadband options has its own set of advantages and use cases, allowing you to choose one which best fits your specific needs, whether it's individual connectivity, device portability or sharing internet with multiple devices.
Prepaid and postpaid mobile broadband refer to the payment schedule employed by each plan. However, there are several other key differences to be aware of:
Mobile broadband and home wireless broadband are both wireless internet solutions utilising 4G and 5G mobile networks to establish connections, but they differ in several key ways:
Speed and data limits
Usage location
Installation and equipment
Mobile broadband is suitable for a range of users and scenarios, including:
Ultimately, mobile broadband offers flexibility and convenience, making it suitable for users who value mobility and on-the-go connectivity. However, heavy internet users or those requiring consistently high speeds for a fixed location, such as a home or office, may prefer home wireless broadband or other fixed line internet plans.
Receive a $50 Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Savvy's partner, Econnex Comparison. Terms and conditions apply.
Disclaimer:
Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.
Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.