If you have been following the recent advancements in Internet technology, then you might have heard about the new phenomenon of wireless broadband. This is a revolutionary technology that allows you to access the Internet wherever you may be, without the use of cumbersome cords and wires. Let's take a closer look at wireless broadband to find out if it might be something that you'd be interested in.

What is Wireless Broadband?

Wireless broadband can be confusing to understand, because we have been using the word "wireless" for quite some time to describe different Internet technologies. First, let's take a look at what isn't meant by "wireless broadband".

What isn't meant by wireless broadband is the small scale Wi-Fi and W-LAN networks that are often set up in homes, offices, and coffee shops. These Internet services are usually delivered by traditional broadband services - such as ADSL or Cable - and then broadcast within a small area via the use of a wireless router. Instead, true wireless broadband is a long-range Internet service that can be picked up anywhere and is transmitted either via satellite or cell phone towers.

Availability

The good news about wireless broadband is that it is widely available to almost everyone. In fact, BigPond estimates that they alone can provide wireless broadband service to 98% of Australia's population. Basically, if you have cell phone reception in your area, then in all likelihood you will be able to access wireless broadband. In addition, there are also satellite Internet providers that can deliver Internet connectivity to virtually any location on Earth.

Pros of Wireless Broadband

Wireless broadband is a revolutionary way to access the Internet. Here are a couple of the greatest benefits.

1. Access the Internet Anywhere: This is probably the single best benefit of wireless broadband service. You'll simply be able to access the Internet in places you never would have dreamed possible. You could be in a boat in the middle of a lake while you check your email on your laptop.
2. Convenience: Without wireless broadband service, you probably need to hunt for a wireless LAN area. Then you need to go through the hassle of connecting and sharing an Internet connection with everyone else. When you have wireless broadband, you'll probably use it even when you are in a traditional wireless zone due to the sheer simplicity and ease of connecting.

Cons of Wireless Broadband

There is no doubt that wireless broadband can change the way you use and think about the Internet. However, there are a few important disadvantages that you should keep in mind.

1. Speed: You'll definitely notice that your speed is quite a bit slower than on other broadband Internet services. Typical maximum download speeds are around 1.4 megabits per second. While this is certainly much faster than old Internet technologies like dial-up, it is a far cry from most modern Internet services.
2. Reliability: If you use a cell phone with any kind of regularity, you have probably become frustrated that your calls sometimes become dropped. You may have also noticed that your service isn't as good when you are inside large buildings or driving through a tunnel. You can expect issues like this to arise with your wireless broadband service, since it is based largely on the same technology.
3. Security: Since your sensitive data will be sent through the air over much longer distances, security can certainly be a concern for some people. You may wish to avoid sending or receiving sensitive documents unless you encrypt them.
4. Cost: As it is a new technology, the cost for wireless broadband can be higher than at-home Internet, particularly on a per GB basis.

Why Choose Wireless Broadband?

If you often have work you need to access when you are away from your Internet connection, then you may already be able to see the instant benefits that a wireless Internet connection could bring you. This is an essential new technology for anyone who conducts a large part of their business or social life online.