Keep in mind that mobile broadband isn't designed to replace home-based wired broadband Internet access. For one thing, usage terms for plans provided by cell phone services forbid certain intensive uses. Mobile broadband can serve as a good backup to wired broadband when the electricity is out or connections are down. Of course, it also gives you Internet access just about anywhere in the United States and Europe.

Experts say to consider these factors in choosing a mobile broadband provider:

  • Double check prices and terms of service. Mobile broadband is a fluid arena with frequent changes, so be sure you're clear on the current plan before you sign up.
  • Do you use Wi-Fi a lot? If so, AT&T and T-Mobile, which include free Wi-Fi with their plans, can save your using up your mobile broadband data usage.
  • Where do you need an Internet connection? Beyond Wi-Fi hotspots, 3G networks provide coverage over much of the United States and Europe. Within a few metro areas -- with many more expected -- 4G networks provide faster connections at lower cost. If you're in a rural area, you may be covered only by a slower network or be connected only by "roaming" in a different network.
  • Ask other users who travel the same areas about their connection reliability and speed. Objective tests find that even within the same city or metro area, results vary dramatically depending on location.
  • Be mindful of usage caps. Most plans from cell phone carriers have a 5 GB cap on monthly bandwidth usage, with slowdowns, extra fees or even service termination incurred if you exceed the limit. The 5 GB limit can be a problem if you use the Internet more than about three hours a day, or stream or download movies and music regularly, making wired broadband a better choice. For ordinary Internet research, however, a 5 GB plan is fine. You could download over 5,000 ordinary web pages a month, or about 166 pages a day. On the other hand, if you only want to check e-mail occasionally on your laptop, consider less expensive options such as the limited plan from AT&T or 24-hour plan from Verizon.
  • Ask about extra fees and taxes. These can easily add another $10 to $20 to the monthly bill.
  • Check terms of trial periods. Some owners report unexpected restocking fees when canceling during the "free" trial period, and Sprint no longer offers a trial period at all.
  • Look for prorated early termination fees. Subscribing to mobile broadband from cell phone providers usually requires a two-year contract, with hefty fees imposed if you cancel before the end (*est. $175 to $200). Ask if the provider prorates these fees.
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