An AirCard wireless PC provides internet access via cellular technology. Major cell phone carriers offer unlimited or pay-as-you-go plans, with the former costing around $80 per month. The device is carrier-specific and supports the latest technologies. Bandwidth usage is limited and excess usage incurs additional charges.
An AirCard® wireless PC is a cordless modem designed to provide Internet access to a mobile or desktop computer using cellular technology. The AirCard® Wireless PC communicates with cell towers using a login phone number assigned when the user establishes an account. Unlike other forms of Internet access, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) in this case is a mobile phone provider.
All major cell phone carriers offer wireless broadband as an option to a regular cell phone account, while many also offer it as a standalone service. Requires purchase of Wireless PC AirCard®. These devices are manufactured by Sierra Wireless®, branded by carrier. Because each carrier uses its own protocols, a wireless PC AirCard® is not interchangeable between carriers.
There are two types of wireless broadband plans available from cell phone carriers: the unlimited plan and the pay-as-you-go plan. Let’s take a quick look at each.
Unlimited plans are a good buy for companies with field reps or traveling executives. Alternative technologies like Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable are less expensive for the average person, although unlimited cellular broadband might be an option for someone who doesn’t have DSL or cable in their area, but does have cellular service. As of spring 2009, unlimited plans cost about $80 US dollars (USD) per month, although businesses may receive steep discounts for business plans with multiple subscribers.
Consumption plans have no recurring fees, but a one-time fee that allows you to purchase a pass to use your AirCard® Wireless PC as many times as you need until the time period expires. The smallest time increment that can be purchased is usually 24 hours, which can cost around $15 USD, although prices vary. During the 24-hour period the AirCard® wireless PC will have unlimited access to the Internet, but at the end of the period the access will be blocked, regardless of how much or how little the account was used during the activated period. The minutes do not “roll”.
Longer periods are also available for purchases in blocks of one or more weeks, or of one or more months. This can be extremely convenient for business trips or vacations, eliminating the need to worry about patchy access provided by hotels or local hotspots. Using an AirCard® wireless PC, you can go online from the backseat of a tour bus, a train or a client’s office without having to ask for access. The only caveat is that the cellular operator you have chosen for broadband access provides the service in the area.
Larger carriers have roaming agreements with competitors to provide national and international coverage in many cases, but roaming charges may apply, depending on your location. Be sure to read the fine print and ask questions before committing to a carrier. Find a carrier that serves the areas or countries you may travel to, preferably without roaming charges.
It’s also important to choose a wireless PC AirCard® that supports the latest technologies. Cellular architecture continues to evolve from second generation networks to third and fourth generation networks. An AirCard that supports the latest technologies and is also backwards compatible with older technologies will ensure you’re covered wherever you are. For international travel, the AirCard should support tri-band and quad-band frequencies.
Note that unlimited access, purchased monthly or by block of time, does not translate into unlimited bandwidth on cellular networks. Bandwidth is being consumed by large downloads, and the operator terms of service probably limit bandwidth usage. If you need to download extremely large files or otherwise consume large amounts of bandwidth, read your contract carefully, as every megabyte in excess of the allotted amount will incur an additional charge. For the average person, the bandwidth allotted should be more than adequate, but you should still be aware of any limitations to avoid unexpected charges.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
