Mobile Broadband Made Easy by EVDOInfo.com

3G mobile broadband technology used by Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, and AT&T allows you to access the internet completely wirelessly - no need for a wired connection or WiFi hotspot! You can read more about what Mobile BroadBand is and how it works in this article: What is EVDO? (Sprint, Verizon and Alltel use EVDO for their 3G mobile broadband; AT&T uses HSPA - but both technologies provide wireless mobile internet), but to cut right to the chase and find out how to get online with mobile broadband, read on!

Q. I want a broadband cellular connection that can provide wireless internet access to my computer wherever I am! What do I need and what does it cost?

To get online, you'll need a few things:

• A carrier (like Sprint,Verizon, or AT&T) to provide service ($59.99/mo with a 5GB allowance and overage charges thereafter)
• 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
  
• A high-gain antenna (optional item but recommended for mobile use)
• A 3G router (optional - necessary if you want to share the mobile broadband connection with multiple computers)

1. The carrier:

The first and most important thing to do is check which carrier has the best coverage in the area(s) you're hoping to use the service. For EVDO, both Sprint and Verizon have very wide 3G networks but neither has coverage "everywhere", so it is very important to research coverage! AT&T's 3G network is very strong in most major cities but is not nearly as widespread in rural areas. You can compare Sprint's, Verizon's, and AT&T's coverage at any zip code here: 3Gstore.com/coverage.

In addition to the coverage maps provided by the carriers, EVDOinfo operates a tool called EVDOMaps that allows actual EVDO users to upload their results from around the country. This is NOT the same as the official coverage maps but provides an excellent "real-world" snapshot of EVDO performance. Please note that these maps only compare EVDO carriers, so AT&T is not represented on EVDOmaps.com.

Sprint, Verizon and AT&T all have national roaming agreements and no roaming charges apply for use in the United States. However, all three DO impose international roaming charges for Canada and Mexico!

To further compare the three carriers, check out this article: Sprint vs Verizon vs AT&T: Which Carrier is "Better"?

2. The mobile broadband device:

Mobile broadband devices come in several form factors including PCMCIA cards (PC Cards), ExpressCards, and USB modems. 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 laptops on the market today. 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), and your own personal preference. To compare the currently available Sprint and Verizon EVDO modems, view this chart: EVDO Device Comparison Chart.

If you only need occassional, backup, or temporary mobile broadband access, tethering your 3G-enabled cell phone may be a more appropriate solution than a dedicated EVDO/HSPA device. Read this article to get more information about how tethering works, what it costs, and the pro's and con's: Tethering: Get the Facts!

3. The antenna/amp/repeater

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 cellular 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 from their 3G service. There are many different types of antennas that are suited to different users, and 3Gstore (our retail "sister site") sells a wide variety of high gain 3G antennas .

4. The 3G / EVDO Router

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 3G router. 3G routers like the ones sold by 3Gstore work just like the average cable/dsl router you might have used in the past for a home/office DSL or cable-modem connection, but 3G 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, PCMCIA card, or even your cell phone into the 3G router and instantly create your own WiFi network! Some routers also provide ethernet ports for wired connections - including gaming consoles.

There are several different 3G routers available and each offers unique features. To view the available routers and compare the differences between them, read this article: Which 3G Router is Right for ME?

Why buy from 3Gstore?

The 'long version' is explained best here: "Why Buy From 3Gstore.com?"

Our mobile broadband device prices are typically going to be lower than walking into a Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T store (and if you purchase your 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.

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 Experts at EVDOinfo.com/3GStore.com have helped thousands of customers put together a solution that suits their exact needs -- and 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 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 or used a phone as a modem. 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 3G routers!

The bottom line is that we understand mobile broadband. We use EVDO and HSPA 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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