Hodgi92 asked:
This is my guide of how to connect to the PSN using mobile broadband. this works with all mobile broadband providers (I think)
PXR5 asked:
It’s official, Vodafone’s mobile broadband service is officially the fastest and most reliable in the UK. The provider has come top in independent trials of a range of mobile broadband providers. The trials took place in a number of locations across the U.K to determine which operator provided the fastest service.
Vodafone was found to be up to 4 times faster in downloading a web page than the slowest competitor. The network was also found to be upto 10 seconds faster when downloading a 2mb file.
The tests were carried out by LCC, the largest independent wireless engineering company in the world. They conducted over 28,000 network tests in locations independently selected over March, April and May.
In all, 28000 tests were conducted in 140 locations. These included:
15 airports
11 shopping centres
33 hotels
10 service stations
27 business locations including business parks and offices and
22 rail stations
The reports key findings were as follows:
Vodafone mobile broadband internet was up to 77% faster than the slowest operator when downloading a 2MB file
Download speeds on Vodafone mobile broadband are 1.2Mbps/13.54seconds compared to 764kbps/21.44 seconds for Three, 683kbps/23.99 seconds for Orange, 812kbps/20.17 seconds for 02 and 993kbps/16.15 seconds for T-Mobile.
Vodafone was up to 278% faster to open a web page (compared to slowest operator performance): Vodafone
Vodafone UK’s mobile broadband internet takes 6.7 seconds compared to 12.7 seconds on Three, 7.45 seconds on 02, 7.8 seconds on T-Mobile and 25.67 on Orange
The report comes in the wake of media criticism of mobile broadband providers for a lack of transparency over actual connection speeds
Jeni Mundy, Vodafone UK’s CTO states “This is fantastic news for our customers, as this research shows that they can be assured of both the highest reliability and speed.
A spokesperson for Genesis Communications, one of the largest distributors of Vodafone mobile broadband said: “This report proves that Vodafone mobile broadband is the fastest and most reliable mobile broadband around. At Genesis we are committed to offering our customers the very best in communications technology and this is evidence of this.”
Shirley Stevens asked:
If you thought that mobile broadband was something to do with surfing the web on your mobile phone, you’re very wrong.
Mobile broadband allows you to have immediate web access on either your computer or laptop from wherever you are, be it at home, at the airport, on the train or halfway across the Pennine Way.
Instead of the cables or wires needed for standard broadband, mobile broadband is powered by the 3G mobile network, hence the name.
Simply, all you need is a subscription to a mobile service network and a plug-in USB modem - a dongle, if you prefer - and you’re away.
It’s not purely by chance that the present UK mobile broadband providers are also the main mobile phone providers such as Vodafone mobile broadband, T-mobile, O2, 3 mobile broadband and Orange mobile broadband.
Is it suitable for everyone?
Bear in mind though that this exciting concept is not freely available to everyone just yet, so don’t rush to cancel your current telephone or cable internet provider until you have had a closer look at it.
A mobile broadband network will only work well if the mobile telephone network it runs on is efficient.
For instance, disparities in speed are the norm and erratic reception, the curse of mobile phones, will also plague mobile internet connections in exactly the same way.
If you use the internet a lot, mobile broadband is unlikely to be suitable for you as it would not be able to compete with the unlimited usage allowances of most hardwired broadband packages.
However, if all you need is to check your email and surf sporadically, then you will find it an attractive proposition - especially if you are on the move a lot.
Depending on your specific service provider, the new mobile broadband networks offer speeds ranging from 2.8Mb to as much as 7.2Mb. However, usage limits are restrictively applied throughout.
How much can you download?
Current mobile broadband providers are offering download limits of between 1 – 15Gb per month, which means it would not suit anyone who has to regularly transfer large files.
Equally, if you spend hours on YouTube, or listening to internet radio, or can’t resist online pirated movies, mobile broadband is unlikely to suit you - unless money is no object.
For that reason, mobile broadband is unlikely to replace ADSL or cable any time soon.
But, on the other hand, the mobile broadband facility is perfect for anyone who is away from home a great deal and needs frequent and ready access to their email while on the go.
It would be absolutely brilliant for occasional users who have more than one home but don’t want to pay for two broadband connections.
It has also become increasingly popular among students living in student houses where nobody wants to pay for a landline.
What does it cost?
Mobile broadband set-up and monthly costs differ considerably from network to network.
The usage allowance affects the price, but in general, the longer the contract the less it costs.
You will probably find it very helpful to consult a broadband comparison site and compare all mobile broadband deals and current prices.
Watch out…
As mobile broadband technology is still in the early stages of development and very likely to drop substantially in price in the future, it is advisable, say the experts, that consumers avoid extended contract periods.
On the other hand, if money is no object and you are happy to pay for the many advantages of a permanently connected laptop and welcome an escape from all the wires and cables necessary for standard broadband, then go for it!
