Comparison of 3G Broadband to DSL

DSL download speed is typically 1.5 Mbps, while 3G broadband download speeds fall between 400 Kbps and 1.4 Mbps, depending on whether you are in the 3G coverage area or in an extended network. 3G broadband upload speeds within network are on par with DSL at about 400 Kbps, but in the provider's extended network, upload speeds can be as low as 60 to 80 Kbps.

The average monthly fee for 3G broadband service is typically more expensive than DSL services, and typically comes with Internet usage limits. DSL usually offers users unlimited Internet access. Some DSL providers offer slower connections for a lower monthly fee. It is important to remember that with 3G broadband, you will be charged per megabyte if you go over your allotted data in any given month.

While 3G broadband is portable, DSL requires a telephone line and an A/C-powered modem for service. 3G broadband requires only a modem that plugs into a computer's USB port and operates using local cell phone towers. As long as you are in your provider's coverage area, you can connect to the Internet. In addition to DSL's physical limitations, users must be within an 18,000-foot radius of a DSL service station to be able to receive DSL Internet service.

DSL Internet service uses the same lines that voice calls use, and voice calls take precedence over DSL service. Although rare, this means that in times of excessive phone use, you could get disconnected from your DSL service until the phone call traffic dies down. Your speed is also affected by how much bandwidth your neighbors are using. With 3G broadband, reliability depends on whether you maintain a connection to a cell phone tower as well as other cell phone and 3G broadband traffic. Reliability of 3G broadband varies from provider to provider and region to region.