For people who work on the web, getting access to the Internet is vital. If we can’t connect to our colleagues and projects online, we can’t earn a living. However, we can’t always stay attached to our home base and therefore we need a way to stay online while we’re on the go. Let’s give you a breakdown of the options for getting online on the go.
Cellular Options:
Mobile phone operators in the United States have been investing billions into building out their mobile broadband networks. Of the four major mobile carriers, three (Sprint/Nextel, Verizon and AT&T) provide high speed mobile broadband to their customers. The little brother of the bunch, T-Mobile, is still only delivering a slow EDGE network to subscribers but are rumored to be rolling out a 3G network soon.
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Typically, there are two ways of getting online when you are traveling: either rely upon Wi-Fi hotspots where you can find them, or pay for a mobile broadband cellular card. However, mobile broadband cards are very expensive when you do a pay-as-you go plan. With these pay-as-you-go options, you pay based on the amount of kilobits you use, which can add up very quickly, causing your pocketbook to become rather thin.
A new option has emerged called RovAir. This service provides users mobile aircards, data cards, and EV-DO card without an extended contract or service agreement. RovAir has cards from AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless available. Simply rent the mobile broadband card by the day when you need it. The costs start at $5.95 per day with a three day minimum.
Note: Be sure to research the area you’re traveling to. For example, some metropolitan areas are better served by AT&T where others might have broader network access with Verizon Wireless. Look at each service provider’s coverage map for more information.
This Verizon Wireless morning announced a new pricing plan for customers. Dubbed “E-mail and Web for Smartphone,” the new package is priced at $29.99. Verizon has aimed this data plan at those who are looking for unlimited e-mail and Internet Browsing.
E-mail and Web for Smartphone is different than Verizon’s previous data plan because it doesn’t include access to enterprise e-mail systems such as Microsoft Exchange. To use this plan, you must have a Verizon Wireless SMT5800, Verizon Wireless XV6800, or a Motorola Q9M.
I have long thought wireless carriers’ data access plans are way too expensive, this new price is more in the realm of a reasonable offering.
Last week, AT&T Mobility announced a major expansion of their 3G broadband mobile network (as covered by Om). In summary, they are planning on expanding their 3G network to 80 new cities, are going to a technology called HSUPA this year, and are looking at Long-Term Evolution (LTE) in long term planning for their wireless network.To sort out all this alphabet soup, lets take it one point at a time… Read the rest of this entry »
Web Work 101: How To Escape The Cubicle
