Finding A Wireless Broadband Service

Internet tablets and highly portable netbooks have increased the demand for a wireless broadband service that will work wherever you go, but the technology is only just beginning to catch up. While there are several different options for getting wireless internet right now, download limits and limited availability still make most options incomplete for many consumers. Read on to find out what is available, and what to keep in mind when giving it a try.

Mobile Broadband Service

For the majority of those interested in wireless broadband, the most widely available option out there is mobile broadband through a cell phone service provider. Mobile broadband through cell phone services is generally fast enough to handle most media and internet needs. Some networks provide unlimited bandwidth while others have caps on how much you can download in one month. For a network with a cap, extra bandwidth can get expensive. For networks without a cap, speeds may be cut significantly once a user reaches a pre-determined bandwidth level. Mobile wireless broadband service is easy to find in highly populated areas, and works well for portable devices like laptops and cellphones.

Local Wireless Networks

Some consumers lucky enough to live in high tech city centers and certain areas that are testing the technology can sign up for an inexpensive or free wireless broadband service that is designed to run like a home's wireless network on a much larger scale. While this technology is not mainstream everywhere yet, look for large wireless networks to start showing up regularly as options start to mature. WiMax has the potential to bring inexpensive wireless internet to areas that don't currently have reasonable standard broadband coverage.

Satellite Networks

For wireless broadband service to a fixed point, the only current option is a satellite network. While areas with high populations are usually better served by wired service to homes and businesses, satellite networks can provide wireless access to rural areas and places where wired service can't go. Most satellite providers cap bandwidth on both a daily and monthly level. Satellite broadband costs can range from wired service levels to much higher, depending on your bandwidth needs.