Mobile phones gave Australians an immense amount of freedom. With the introduction of internet for mobile phones, you can basically take the world with you wherever you go.
The term mobile broadband refers to high speed internet accessed through a mobile device. Most internet service providers offer mobile phone plans that are mobile broadband inclusive. If you have a pre-paid phone, you can purchase data to keep you connected.
Devices that can use mobile broadband include:
- Mobile phones (smartphones)
- Tablet PCs- View our “What is Tablet Broadband?” Video
- PDAs
- USB flash drives (also referred to as dongles)
Mobile Broadband Speeds
Depending on which provider you sign up with, you will get varying speeds. Most providers of utilise the 3G network, which offers customers average speeds of between 300kbps to 3Mbps.
In regional areas, slower speeds tend to be experienced. For example download speeds are usually between 20-30kbps.
2G, 3G and 4G
The 2G network was used to deliver high quality phone services across most of Australia. In conjunction with other technologies, such as GPRS, a user can connect their device to the internet.
2G technology has been superseded by the 3G network.3G uses high bandwidth to deliver information to your mobile broadband device. The 3G network allows you to access content at higher speeds than the 2G network. Because of the higher speeds, any data transferred across the network is cheaper.
The latest 4G networks are currently rolling out across Australia. 4G increases mobile speeds to rival that of wired broadband.
Roaming Data and iPhones
If you purchase an iPhone, the plan you are on will probably come with roaming data. Roaming data enables you to connect when you are out of your provider’s network area. However, any plan that you are on with your iPhone will have additional charges in place for the use of such data. Make sure you check the costs with your mobile broadband provider are if you use roaming data.
Who Offers Mobile Broadband in Australia?
There are many internet service providers offering great mobile phone and mobile broadband deals. In fact, you will find that most internet providers in Australia offer mobile broadband of some sort.
Compare, select and save on mobile broadband plans with iSelect.