Staying online could now be more possible, especially for people who are always on the go. Internet access is now made more convenient and easier with the advent of third-generation technology, which is massively used currently across the mobile telephone industry. Third generation technology or 3G is known for facilitating Internet connection through mobile phone networks.
If there is no Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) or wired Internet connection in an area, there could be a possibility that there is 3G signal, especially in urban centers. To date, more and more people are using 3G mobile broadband because the technology is getting more popular and is being facilitated by a greater number of mobile carriers across the globe. The technology is carried through cellular data networks, which make it more accessible than any other Internet access forms.
3G access to the Internet is widespread but it is still not ubiquitous. While the service could be available in most urban centers, some carriers are providing the technology across several rural areas. Internet access without 3G could still be possible through cellular data networks through 2G, GPRS, or other earlier mobile network technologies.
To be able to receive and utilize 3G signal for Internet access, there are special devices and handy modems that are used. In many cases, such devices are tied exclusively to particular 3G services of carriers. They are small and are lightweight; some even weigh as light as less than a pound. Because the devices are small, they could be conveniently carried wherever a user goes, whenever.
There are even notebook computers and laptops that are manufactured with built-in cellular or 3G modems. For laptops that do not offer the feature as a standard, the modems could be an optional upgrade. Like in most 3G devices, these built-in modems in several laptop models are also tied to specific 3G services of certain mobile carriers. In most cases, such 3G connection requires entering into one-year or two-year locked-in contracts, with specific monthly fees that average $40.
Some carriers offer 3G Internet access through prepaid schemes. This way, online connectivity is charged per minute, per 30 minutes, or even per hour. Some products offer Internet 3G access on a daily basis. In comparison to regular dial-up, DSL, and other fixed broadband services, Internet access via 3G could still be considered as relatively costly. Mobile carriers assert that it still could not be possible to drop prices due to high technology and operational costs.
Aside from the 3G devices and built-in modems in laptops, 3G Internet access could be facilitated through mobile phones, especially those models that are capable of using 3G and of tethering. Tethering is the process of connecting to the Internet through mobile phones, which serve as practical and actual wireless Internet modems. The data could be connected to the laptop or computer wirelessly or through a special cable. Many users are now using their mobile phones as 3G Internet modems, but the technology could still be considered relatively expensive.
3G as a technology for facilitating Internet access is getting more popular. It is expected that in the coming years, wide and massive use of the technology and intense competition among carriers could help bring down the costs. For now, Internet access via 3G could be useful and reliable for people who need temporary and outdoor connectivity. For heavy users, broadband and wired services could still be more advisable.
