Mobile broadband reviews fall into 2 categories. Use the jumplist below to get to what you need instantly:
Mobile Broadband Service Reviews
Between postpaid, prepaid and rental providers, there’s an exhaustive list of reviews to choose from unless you already know which carrier you’re checking out. If you don’t already know what provider you’re interested in, check out:
Otherwise browse through the reviews below:
While postpaid carriers have cheaper equipment, monthly plan costs (if used regularly) and better 3G coverage and better 3G speed, they usually have 2 year contracts. Check out individual reviews as well as comprehensive comparisons.
2010 Wireless Broadband Comparison
2009 Wireless Broadband Comparison
2008 Wireless Broadband Comparison
2010 AT&T Wireless Broadband Review
2009 AT&T Wireless Broadband Review
2008 AT&T Wireless Broadband Review
2010 Sprint Mobile Broadband Review
2009 Sprint Mobile Broadband Review
2008 Sprint Mobile Broadband Review
2010 T-Mobile Wireless Internet Review
2009 T-Mobile Wireless Internet Review
2008 T-Mobile Wireless Internet Review
2010 Verizon Mobile Broadband Review
2009 Verizon Mobile Broadband Review
2008 Verizon Mobile Broadband Review
Prepaid mobile broadband providers have no contracts but can more expensive if used long-term and not occasionally. The exception to this rule is Cricket Broadband that is not only cheaper than most post-paid providers but also contract-free.
2010 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Comparison
2009 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Comparison
AT&T Prepaid Mobile Broadband Review
Verizon Prepaid Mobile Broadband Review
Virgin Mobile Broadband Review
2 year mobile broadband contracts aren’t for everyone. Neither is having prepaid wireless broadband hotspots all across the country.
Sometimes, you just need to be able to get online for a couple days while you’re at a business conference, on vacation, or RV’ing across the country on a roadtrip. That’s where mobile broadband rental comes in.
2010 Mobile Broadband Rental Comparison
2009 Mobile Broadband Rental Comparison
With 6 options to choose from, finding the best broadband device is like buying a new or used car. It boils down to your taste for style and functionality.
Not sure what to get or just new to it all?
Learn How To Pick The Best Broadband Device
Otherwise, check out individual mobile broadband device reviews.
Just as how you’ve got 3 types of broadband devices, there are also got 3 kinds of broadband cards:
1. USB Broadband Cards
2. ExpressCards
3. PC Broadband Cards (PCMCIA)
If you don’t have a specific card in mind, it can be a bit much to go through the exhaustive list below. Instead, check out the Broadband Card Comparison for a condensed version.
2010 Broadband Card Comparison
2009 Broadband Card Comparison
2008 Broadband Card Comparison
Sierra USBConnect Lightning 305 AirCard
Sierra Wireless 598U Broadband Card
Novatel Merlin C777 2-in1- ExpressCard/PC Card
Novatel Ovation U760 USB Broadband Card
Novatel S720 PC Broadband Card
Sprint U301 3G / 4G WiMAX Card
Novatel Ovation USB760 Broadband Card
Retired Models:
Alltel
AT&T
- Option GT Ultra
- Option GT Ultra ExpressCard
- Sierra Wireless 881 AirCard
- Sierra Wireless Mercury USB AirCard
Sprint
- Novatel Ovation U727 USB Broadband Card
- Sierra Wireless AC597E ExpressCard
- Novatel EX720 ExpressCard
- Franklin Wireless U680 USB Broadband Card
- Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB AirCard
T-Mobile
Verizon
- Kyocera KPC680 Broadband ExpressCard
- Novatel Wireless USB720 USB Broadband Card
- Novatel Ovation U727 USB Broadband Card
- Novatel Merlin V740 ExpressCard
- UTStarcom PC5750 PC Broadband Card
- UTStarcom UM175 USB Broadband Card
- UM150 Broadband Card
- ZTE AD3700
- Novatel Merlin V740 ExpressCard
Personal Hotspots get mobile broadband via 3G or 4G signals and then broadcast it via WiFi for you and a couple friends to connect to.
3G Netbooks are basically mini laptops that have mobile broadband chips built-in. For you, that means mobile broadband anywhere you’ve got your laptop.
New to the concept?
Check out:
Why Give A Damn About Mobile Broadband Netbooks?
Otherwise, check out the reviews:
Tom says:
Hi, I live in SW Idaho. My carrier is Alltel[Verizon is literally just over the mountain]; I have the choice of either tethering my Quantico phone[current choice]for Internet access with a $30/month Alltel plan[I have a contract for the voice/phone but the tethering is monthly]or using their data plan with aircard or using the Wifi connection at the library. Unfortunately, my card does not have connections for exterior Wifi antenna, so I can’t access Wifi from house[99% of my Internet usage is here at home]. I don’t have DSL, cable, or other choices. If you had to choose a card for an exterior antenna, what would you do? Thanks in advance!