A wireless AirCard® provides online access using cellular technology and can be used with laptops or desktops. It offers flexibility and productivity, but can be more expensive than conventional plans. Coverage, price, and plan types are important when shopping for cellular internet. Pay-as-you-go and unlimited plans are available, and the AirCard® should support the latest and fastest technologies and be compatible with older technologies.
A wireless AirCard® is a modem that provides online access using cellular technology over phone lines, cables, fiber optics, or local area networks (LANs). The AirCard® form factor is made to slide into a laptop computer’s ExpressCard or PC Card slot. These wireless modems may also come with a USB adapter or connector for use with desktops or laptops that lack a PC Card slot. Cell phone carriers provide Internet access to subscriber customers, requiring a monthly plan for airtime unlimited or a pay-as-you go account.
Internet access via wireless AirCard® is more expensive than conventional plans, but offers something that standard technologies can’t. Using this technology you can get online wherever cellular service is available. The only restriction is that the area must be covered by your AirCard® carrier, either directly or through roaming contracts.
In practical terms, this increases flexibility, convenience and productivity. Switch to your company’s virtual private network (VPN) from a client location without having to ask the client for LAN access. Use cloud computing services in the field as needed without wasting time traveling to a hotspot. Be productive from the backseat of a taxi, from a train or while waiting for a flight, appointment or other commitment.
A wireless AirCard® can also be the answer to accessing the Internet when traveling for business or pleasure. Keep in touch with the office, family or friends using voice-over-IP services like Skype® and talk as much as you want for free. You can also use free video conversations if your laptop has a webcam. Video conferencing is another free option that is handy wherever online access is available.
AirCards are manufactured by Sierra Wireless® with each mobile operator having their own branded proprietary cards. Before purchasing an AirCard®, choose the carrier that will best meet your needs, then obtain a branded AirCard® for that carrier. In some cases, a laptop may come with a built-in wireless AirCard®. In this case the user will be limited to the use of the carrier associated with the card, unless a second AirCard® is purchased for external use.
Coverage, price, and plan types are the three areas of focus when shopping for cellular internet. Most carriers have contracts with competing carriers to lease the use of their cell towers in order to expand regional, national and international coverage. In some cases, additional charges apply when a customer makes a call from an area covered by a roaming agreement. Be sure to find out in advance if using the wireless AirCard® from such a region will incur roaming charges.
Pay-as-you-go service requires a time period to be purchased upfront, after which the service is available 24/7 until the time period expires. This highly flexible service is very accommodating, providing online access when you really need it without committing a recurring monthly fee.
The smallest block of time is typically a 24-hour period. If you’re away from your home or office and need temporary online access, you can purchase a 24-hour pass on the spot using your wireless AirCard®. It will connect you to the mobile carrier where you can log into your account and use a credit card to purchase the lock. In 24 hours the pass expires, regardless of the time actually spent online during the 24 hours.
Longer blocks are also available for business trips, vacations or other travel plans. Purchase a one-week, two-week, or full-month membership. It’s up to you.
If you’ll be using the wireless AirCard® more often, an unlimited plan is the way to go. Some carriers require a cell phone plan as a prerequisite to qualify for an AirCard® plan. Other carriers offer a discount on the AirCard® plan if cellular service is provided.
When it’s time to choose your wireless AirCard®, look for one that supports the latest and fastest technologies and is backward compatible with older technologies that may still be in use in certain areas or countries. If you will be traveling outside the country, the AirCard® should support tri-band and quad-band frequencies.
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