Paying for internet from cable or phone companies can become quite expensive. Furthermore, wired internet options do not allow the freedom to leave the house and still have internet access. If you spend tons of time in lines waiting to pick up kids from school or watching your children participate in various activities, you often have time available to work via laptop or tablet but don't have internet access.
Why Go the Wireless Route?
Most wireless internet options include at-home internet access plus internet on-the-go service. So, why you would need a mobile internet connection with all the free hot spots available at coffee shops and fast food joints? Even though free internet is offered in some locations, there are still many places where free internet service is just not available. For example, most doctors' offices, formal sit-down restaurants, ball fields, dance studios, gyms, older buildings and many other locations do not regularly provide free internet access.
There is also the risk of an insecure connection. Connecting to an open hotspot can make your personal information and logins vulnerable to anyone else using the same connection.
Which Wireless Internet is Right For You?
There are various options when it comes to wireless internet including 3G, (or third generation) and 4G, (fourth-generation) internet, mobile broadband, WiMAX and LTE services, according to PC Mag. Wireless internet connections work using radio waves, allowing users to access the internet in virtually any location in which the signals are available. Read below for more information about each type of service:
- 3G and 4G: This internet option is provided by cell phones companies, but it is not as fast as a broadband connection. However, the speeds are adequate for basic web browsing and checking email. Verizon offers 4G for about $30/month.
- Mobile broadband: This technology allows users to connect to the internet at virtually any location. Moreover, the internet speed is similar to a home-based broadband connection. For a laptop, you'll pay around $40-$60/month.
- WiMAX: WiMAX, which stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a wireless technology that provides mobile internet at broadband speeds. WiMAX is available in various locations across the nation. You just have to pay a set-up fee. Everything will cost around $100.
- LTE: LTE, which stands for long-term evolution, is a mobile broadband technology that provides internet in virtually any location similar to WiMAX. However, its coverage spans are greater than that of WiMAX as it can often include entire cities. Unfortunately, this technology is new and not yet available in the United States. LTE internet speeds are expected to be even faster than those offered by WiMAX. LTE is expensive right now at around $150, but developers hope to get the price down to just a little more than Wi-Fi.
Breaking It All Down
Wireless internet technology means being able to access the internet at a variety of locations. Most truly mobile services are housed within a phone. However, some modems are even built inside newer models of laptops and wireless internet companies can even provide on-the-go internet for older laptops. This means wireless internet customers can travel cross country and have consistent access to the net.
Cheapest Wireless Internet Plans:
There are various ways of acquiring wireless Internet. Of course, broadband coverage is available through all the major cell phone companies. Research which companies service your area to find the best option for your wireless internet needs. those costs and services vary, so decide which is the best option for you.
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Photo courtesy of adamr, FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
