4G Mobile Broadband

Best mobile broadband, but limited coverage right now

Fourth-generation, or 4G, mobile broadband provides connection speeds of about 3 to 5 Mbps -- as fast as wired DSL and cable -- for a comparable price as well. Already 4G wireless networks are in the planning stages for most metro areas. Both Verizon and Clearwire promise that they'll have 4G networks in many areas by the end of 2009, though the current economic situation might delay this.

The standard for 4G hasn't been set yet, so WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and LTE (Long Term Evolution) are competing for dominance. Verizon uses the LTE standard, with plans to develop 4G networks in two cities by the end of 2009, followed by many more soon after. AT&T recently announced it will implement LTE networks by 2011.

Experts say LTE will eventually dominate, because it will enable global broadband access for travelers. Motorola is already rolling out a 4G LTE network in the U.K. The maximum theoretical download speed is also higher: 100 Mbps compared with 70 Mbps for WiMAX. However, LTE networks are not expected to roll out across the United States until 2011 and 2012.

Meanwhile, Intel is backing WiMAX, and Lenovo is already making laptops with WiMAX modems built in. WiMAX also has the lead in developing its 4G network. Clearwire -- a consortium of companies including Sprint, Google and several cable companies -- is already implementing WiMAX.

Clearwire offers Xohm WiMAX service in Baltimore and Clear WiMAX service in Portland, Ore. Clearwire has announced that it will be rebranding Xohm (originally developed by Sprint) as Clear during 2009. WiMAX is also expected to expand to several other metro areas in 2009. Chicago, Atlanta and Las Vegas are scheduled to be first, followed by Charlotte, N.C., Dallas and Ft. Worth, Tex., Honolulu, Seattle and Philadelphia. By the end of 2010, WiMAX is expected to be available in 80 markets in the United States.

Clearwire's monthly charges for home service in Portland, Ore., (*est. $40 per month) rival those of wired cable Internet service. Download speeds are approximately 6 Mbps. When traveling with a USB modem (*est. $30 to $60 per month), speed is limited to 4 Mbps. In Baltimore, Xohm offers a lot of flexibility, such as the ability to pay for a day's use at a time (*est. $5 to $10 per day). Speeds average 2 to 4 Mbps.

With WiMAX, you have to pay for the modem (*est. $80), Express card or USB modem (*est. $60), but monthly charges are reasonable, especially given the six-month promotional rates offered. It's slightly less expensive to use Xohm with a home modem (*est. $35 per month), than when roaming with an Express card or USB modem (*est. $45 per month). Since there's no limit on usage, this is a very good deal compared with most mobile broadband subscriptions. Remember, though, that the service is limited in area, so is not for widespread travel.

Clearwire just announced on March 6 that it will be launching a 4G/3G WiMAX card in the summer of 2009 in cooperation with Sprint. This card will allow users of Clearwire's fixed 4G network to travel using Sprint's 3G network for one subscription price.