Pay as you go broadband offers prepaid mobile internet access for temporary or additional connectivity. Users purchase a dongle or card and prepay for desired time blocks, with bandwidth limits and varying prices. It’s available from many cell phone companies and supports various devices.
Pay as you go broadband offers mobile broadband services on a prepaid basis. A subscriber could pay for a single day of use, a week or a month of online access. This service provides temporary connectivity for people who do not require or want a contract for continuous high-speed Internet access. It can also be used in addition to a contracted service, used only when standard service or wireless hotspots are unavailable.
Prepaid broadband offers instant access to the internet from almost anywhere using cell towers. It’s more expensive than many broadband plans, but very affordable. With pay-as-you-go, you can get high-speed Internet access in the back of a cab, on the train, in a park, or anywhere that has cellular service.
To access metered broadband, a user must first purchase a proprietary Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle or PC Card that manages the connection protocols between the computer and the mobile broadband provider. Some laptops come with a built-in mobile broadband card intended for a specific mobile provider. If you choose a different provider, you’ll need a branded dongle or card for that service. Once the device is inserted into the port or slot, simply enter your credentials and prepay for the desired amount of time. Typically, the smallest block allowed is 24 hours, with prices varying by service provider and location.
Bandwidth limits typically apply for purchased time blocks, so familiarize yourself with the deal. A limit limits the amount of data that can be downloaded without incurring additional charges during the prepaid period. If you go over the limit, every megabyte will cost, similar to exceeding your allotted minutes on a cell phone plan. This prevents people who might otherwise engage in excessive downloads from collectively clogging up the cellular network, slowing it down. In most cases, the limit allotted is more than generous.
Many cell phone companies offer pay as you go services. In many cases, you don’t need to have a cellular contract with a specific company to be eligible. Speeds vary widely depending on the provider, network traffic, connection quality, and the user’s location at any given time, but should be commensurate with other low to mid-tier broadband plans. Before choosing a mobile provider, be sure to check coverage maps and roaming capacity. Roaming allows the service provider to use towers owned by competing cell phone providers, expanding the coverage area. If roaming is available, check roaming charges.
Pay-as-you-go broadband will allow you to secure online access in the event of an emergency or when other forms of connectivity are unavailable. It’s also a great option for traveling domestically and internationally. In addition to your laptop, some services support Internet-enabled devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cell phones. Comparisons and reviews of services can be found on websites dedicated to the mobile broadband industry.
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