When it comes to Mobile Broadband (i.e. Broadband that functions over the Mobile Phone networks), virtually every major Telco has a product on the market now. Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, 3, Dodo – everyone’s on the bandwagon nowadays. But how do you tell which is the best product for you? There’s a few factors you should consider before signing up to any ISP.
Price
Of course price is always a factor – however it shouldn’t be the only factor to be considered. Cost will vary quite a bit between providers, from Dodo at the bottom end of the cost scale, and Telstra at the top.
Coverage
Different providers have different network coverage – Telstra typically have the greatest network coverage, particularly in more remote areas, where Vodafone, 3 and their resellers (TPG & Dodo for instance resell the Vodafone network, whilst Exetel resell the Optus network). If you need to use your mobile broadband outside a Capital city, it is definately worth investigating various providers network coverage in any areas you’ll be accessing the internet.
Speed
Along much the same lines as the coverage issue discussed above, networks all have different speed levels – Telstra has the fastest average network speed, with Optus & Vodafone having average speeds (in peak periods however the Optus network can tend to slow quite dramatically).
Data/Download Quota
With each mobile broadband plan you will be allotted a download quota – the total amount of data you can download before you will be charged excess or have your speed slowed. Typically, the higher the plan, the higher the quota, and the higher the cost. The amount of data you will require will vary wildly depending on your usage – wether you’re simply checking your email, or if you plan on watching videos on YouTube, or downloading music, etc etc. Typically 500mb is sufficient for basic daily email checking, a little internet browsing, and chatting on Windows Live/Yahoo Messenger. 2+GB is recommended if you intend on downloading any music, or for higher usage levels.
The Verdict
Depending on what you consider most important from a Mobile Broadband connection, we’d recommend the following…
Price – Dodo
Coverage – Telstra
Speed – Telstra
Quota – Optus/Vodafone
