Compare Wireless Broadband Services

You can turn your existing home broadband service into a wireless broadband service by setting up a wireless network. You will need a special Wi-Fi router and all your receiving devices will need to have wireless network cards. Many broadband service providers offer a router and wireless broadband services as an add-on to your existing service plan. Some will even do the installation for you or provide you with the necessary instructions so you can do it yourself. Your home wireless broadband service will have a limited range, and you can configure your security settings to keep your data relatively safe.

You can access wireless broadband services using your laptop or smartphone at any number of public wireless access points, known as hot spots. Public hot spots are widely available in most countries and especially in large cities. Some of these are free and open, while others are secure networks. You can gain access to a secure network by purchasing a service or access pass from a service provider. The quality of service at public hot spots varies widely, depending on network speed and congestion. The personal security of your data can also be compromised when you access a public network.

Mobile broadband is technically any type of fast Internet access that is wireless and portable. The most common types of mobile broadband services are delivered using cellular telephone technology and accessed using a special wireless modem that is equipped with a SIM card, much like a cellular phone. The modem dials up to an exchange whenever you need to access the Internet service. You then manually disconnect from the service to end a session. This type of wireless Internet service is subject to usage caps and is best suited to low-volume Internet usage customers or as a mobile backup to your home broadband service.

Mobile Wi-Fi wireless Internet service combines the functionality and portability of mobile broadband with the features of a wireless router. You can take your mobile modem around with you and use it to wirelessly connect multiple devices to the Internet wherever service is available.