Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband is the range of wireless broadband technologies that allow mobile phones to receive complete broadband access. When referring to mobile broadband, this can mean several different types of wireless high-speed internet access through a portal, namely a modem, mobile phone, telephone or similar.

Networks standards that can be utilised through use of mobile broadband include GPRS, 3G, WiMAX, LTE UMTS/HSPA, EV-DO and some portable satellite-based systems with the most common devices that provide mobile broadband being phones with data modems, mobiles and notebooks with built-in support for Mobile Broadband, Mobile Internet Devices, USB modems, PC data cards, and USB sticks.

Presently, the most widespread method of delivering mobile broadband is through the global Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of standards. This method includes GSM, EDGE, WCDMA, HSPA and LTE and is responsible for approximately 90 per cent of the global mobile broadband subscribers.

One of the major issues associated with the overall global success and take up of mobile broadband is that mobile phone networks coverage may not be able to reach and sustain the connection speeds that are advertised and expected due to mobile data coverage limitations.

Furthermore, as it is mobile broadband, the success and speed of the mobile phones own network capacity, connectivity, application quality, and the mobiles network operator experience and capability with data traffic can all present major issues in the overall success of mobile broadband.

The Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA) Working Group was establish in 2002 in order to develop the criteria for efficient packet based air interface that is ideally suited for the transport of IP based services. The MBWA aims to create a global launch of cheap, limitless and interoperable multi-vendor mobile broadband wireless access networks that cater for both recreational and business users.

Of course, technological developments in this field are seemingly limitless with mobile phone producers, telecommunication manufacturers, chipset manufacturers and notebook manufacturers all working together to create access of Mobile Broadband technology on notebook computers. Currently you can find all the leading notebook manufacturers are now offering a branch of mobile broadband technology with brands such as Dell, Lenovo (formerly IBM), Fujitsu, HP, Toshiba and Acer.