March 7, 2008

WiFi vs Mobile Broadband

WiFi is great but increasingly I'm seeing so many people carrying around their notebook computers to be get work done when they're away from the office. What's often missing, however, is a connection to the Internet.

While many hotels, airports and other business locations have WiFi you can expect to pay $10 per day or more for it. If you travel a lot and/or if you are not near a WiFi hotspot - you're going to be without Internet access for much of your travels.

The way to solve this is with wireless broadband - connection to the Internet via a high-speed cellular connection built in to your computer (or using an added PC Card).

Tom Shaughnessy, pictured above, director of business marketing for Sprint, offers some pointers for using wireless broadband.

Sprint, competing with Verizon Wireless and AT&T offer wireless broadband options.

Break free from WiFi hotspots.

WiFi hotspots are becoming increasingly popular, but are usually only available in airports, email cafés, hotels and convention centers, which can be crowded and difficult to work in. Mobile broadband allows users to access the Internet anywhere there is mobile broadband coverage, adding endless possibilities to your choice of work station—from the park outside to your client’s place of business. By utilizing much of the same coverage area as wireless phones, you won’t have to worry about searching for a DSL or cable internet signal. Choose a wireless company that offers an extensive mobile broadband network to ensure you will have the best coverage.

Go wireless throughout your home office.

Entrepreneurs working from home can make any room in their house an office by going wireless with a mobile broadband network. All you need to do is insert a compatible wireless connection card into your USB drive or PCMCIA slot and you’re ready to go. You can also switch between your desktop and laptop using the same card, if you like. Many providers offer various mobile broadband cards, making it easy to find the kind of technology and flexibility you need.

Receive a last minute presentation at an important conference.

When you are on your way to an event, you cannot always wait for final edits or tweaks on a document. Have your colleagues complete and send it to you as you’re en route to the meeting, then you can quickly review it upon arrival. With mobile broadband technology, you can easily access your email while out of the office or colleagues can forward files directly to your wireless device. That way, you can concentrate on client meetings and receive the latest information you need in a timely fashion.

Get information seamlessly on-the-go.

You can’t always take a laptop with you but still need access to important data. Make sure your wireless provider offers smart phones and PDAs that operate on their mobile broadband network. You can access schedules, calendars, email, important documents and even the Internet quickly from the palm of your hand.

Utilize transport time on business trips.

Make the most of your busy day. Mobile broadband cards allow business professionals to stay productive and busy during long commutes, even when traveling through remote areas. You may want to work on a document, do online research, email co-workers or update expenses to make the most out of travel time. Be sure your provider has a large and fast national network to ensure you will have service outside of major cities.

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