Mobile Broadband Made Easy
everything you need to know to get online!
a common mobile broadband setup: a Sprint 598U aircard in a Cradlepoint CTR350 router to share the connection, with a Booster Antenna to improve signal
If you're new to mobile broadband (AKA 3G, EVDO, HSPA, 4G, or WiMAX), this is the right place for you to start! This page covers the basics of what you need to use mobile broadband and how 3Gstore can help get you online. If you're interested in learning more about how mobile broadband works, you may want to read this more in-depth article: What is Mobile Broadband?, but if you're ready to cut to the chase and find out what you need to get started, read on!
To get online with mobile broadband, you'll need a few things:
- A carrier (like Sprint,Verizon, CLEAR, or AT&T) to provide service
- A mobile broadband device (AKA "aircard" or "modem") to receive the service (cost varies - with 2-year contract many devices are very affordable or even FREE!)
- A computer with the appropriate port to accept the device/aircard
- Optional: a high-gain antenna to help improve signal (recommended for mobile use or stationary applications where signal is weak)
- Optional: A router to allow you to share the mobile broadband connection with multiple computers
1. The carrier & service:
The first and most important thing to do is check which carrier has the best mobile broadband coverage in the area(s) you're hoping to use the service. For 3G, both Sprint and Verizon have very good nationwide networks but neither has coverage "everywhere", so it is very important to research coverage! AT&T's 3G network is typically strong in most major cities but is not nearly as widespread in rural areas. Sprint and CLEAR also offer 4G WiMAX service in about 30 cities - 4G service is much faster than 3G, but it's not available in nearly as many locations. You can compare Sprint's, Verizon's, CLEAR's and AT&T's coverage at any address or zip code here: 3Gstore.com/coverage.
For 3G service, Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T all charge $59.99/month for 5GB of usage, with per-megabyte overage charges after 5GB. For most users, 5GB is plenty for emailing, surfing the web, and watching the occasional YouTube video. For a better idea of what you can do with 5GB of data, read this article: What Does 5GB Get Me?
For customers who are interested in 4G service, Sprint offers their 3G/4G service for $59.99/month, which includes unlimited 4G usage and 5GB of 3G usage with overages thereafter. CLEAR offers a variety of different 4G-only and 3G/4G plans, too. Since 4G is not available in nearly as many locations as 3G, we typically advise travelers to select either 3G-only or combo 3G/4G service (4G-only service is best for folks who live in a 4G area and only need service at that location).
Sprint and AT&T both require a 2-year contract for their mobile broadband service - just like a cell phone. Verizon has a 2-year contract option as well, but they also will allow you to choose a 1-year or month-to-month contract if you prefer. HOWEVER, going month-to-month or choosing the 1-year contract has a downside: the cost of the modem/aircard itself is much higher. With a 2-year contract, 3Gstore offers Sprint and Verizon modems at very affordable prices, or even free; when signing up for a 2-year contract through 3Gstore you can also get $20 off any antenna, amplifier, and/or router!
If you only need mobile broadband access occasionally (i.e. for vacations, backup use, etc) and don't want to sign up for a 2-year contract, check out our suggestions for temporary/no-contract mobile broadband.
To further compare the three major US mobile broadband carriers, check out this article: Sprint vs Verizon vs AT&T: Which Carrier is "Better"?
2. The mobile broadband device:
The Verizon USB760, Sprint Overdrive, Verizon MiFi, and Sprint 3G C777 are just a few of the various mobile broadband devices available!
Mobile broadband devices come in several form factors including PCMCIA cards (PC Cards), ExpressCards, USB modems, and all-in-one hotspots (like the MiFi or Overdrive). We have performed extensive tests and can confirm that there is NO performance difference between the different form factors - manufacturers simply offer different formats to accommodate the various computers on the market today and the preferences of users.
When purchased with a 2-year contract, modems are very affordable or even free. The cost is much higher ($200-$300) if you purchase a device with no contract.
The device you select will depend on a few factors: which carrier you select, what type of input your computer has (PCMCIA, USB, Express Card), whether or not you want to use a router (not all cards work in all routers), whether you want to be able to use an antenna, and your own personal preference.
3. The antenna/amplifier/repeater
Antennas like the 32" Omni External Antenna (far left), 6" Indoor/Portable Booster Antenna, and 18" Building Mount Antenna (far right) can help with weak 3G signal; adding a Direct Connect Amplifier (center, blue) can help even more.
Wireless carriers have greatly expanded their coverage over the past few years, but there are still many folks that have trouble getting a strong signal, whether it's because of trees, construction, mountains, interference, or simply distance from the tower. Luckily, in many cases you can improve your 3G signal* by using an antenna or amplifier!
An antenna is optional and not required to use mobile broadband, but many people (especially travelers) find that an antenna greatly improves the performance of their 3G service. Most currently available 3G aircards have antenna ports, and there are many different types of antennas that can be directly connected to an aircard to help improve 3G signal. If an antenna alone is not enough to improve signal or if you want to make sure you can get the best 3G signal wherever you go, a powerful direct-connect amplifier can be used in conjunction with an antenna.
If you need to improve the 3G signal to a device that does NOT have an antenna port (like the MiFi), or if you want to improve the signal to multiple cellular devices at the same time (for example, your cell phones and your aircard), you can use a wireless repeater.
*Important note about antennas and amplifiers: There are currently no signal boosting devices available to boost 4G WiMAX signal. If you choose a 3G/4G device from Sprint or CLEAR, you can improve the 3G signal, but NOT the 4G signal.
4. The mobile broadband router
Routers like the CTR350, MBR900, and PHS300 allow you to easily share your mobile broadband connection
When installed on a computer, a mobile broadband device provides connectivity to only that computer. If you want to share that connection with mulitple computers, you can use a mobile broadband router. 3G or 3G/4G routers like the ones sold by 3Gstore work just like a typical cable/DSL router you might have used in the past for a home/office DSL or cable-modem connection, but mobile broadband routers have the unique ability to support cellular modems as their source of internet connectivity. With a router that supports your cellular device, you can plug your USB modem, ExpressCard, or PCMCIA card into the router and instantly create your own WiFi network! Some routers also provide ethernet ports for wired connections (desktop computers, gaming consoles, DVRs, etc).
Why buy from 3Gstore?
The 'long version' is explained best here: "Why Buy From 3Gstore.com?"
Many customers describe their mobile broadband needs as being unique. They tell us the want to outfit a vehicle, or their house/office is in the middle of nowhere, or their company has unique network requirements. The 3G/4G Experts at 3GStore.com have helped thousands of customers put together a solution that suits their exact needs - and we are ready to do the same for you! We can provide you with a complete mobile broadband solution, even if it requires external antennas, amplifiers, or routers. The MOST IMPORTANT factor is that after the sale, our 3G/4G Experts will also be there to support the solution we've sold you.
Most salespeople working in a carrier's store sell phones all day long, but many have never even used a mobile broadband device. They certainly are not likely to have experience with as many devices as we have, nor are they likely to be familiar with what their competition offers. And don't even bother asking them about external antennas, amplifiers or routers!
Our mobile broadband device prices are typically going to be lower than walking into a Sprint or Verizon store (and if you purchase your 2-year service through 3Gstore you'll also be eligible for discounts on antennas and routers), but the biggest difference between buying from us and buying directly from the carrier is that when you buy from us, you get our superior customer support both before and after your purchase.
The bottom line is that we understand mobile broadband. We use EVDO, HSPA, and WiMAX devices and accessories every single day. Our expertise and dedication is unrivaled by any other retail store - just see what our customers have to say!
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