Mobile broadband is a fantastic concept and is one of the fastest growing industries in years. But with more and more people coming to rely on mobile broadband as their primary internet connection method, getting a good strong signal has become ever more important. There are competitive deals out there that are starting to make traditional landline based broadband less attractive, but if you can’t get a good strong signal with your dongle then you may not be able to enjoy the benefits of the deals. To help you take maximum advantage of this great new technology we have compiled a few ‘top-tips’ to help you get a better signal. these simple tips should help when it comes to improving your mobile broadband coverage:
- Network capability
Similar to a mobile phone, different providers can achieve different levels of signal strength in the same area. 3G Mobile Broadband works in a similar fashion to a mobile phone – communicating through the most readily available phone mast on the network - so the broadband coverage all depends on what your provider’s network capability is in your areas. For example, you may find in a rural area that you can access 02 but not Vodafone. Individual providers will publish coverage maps but there’s no sure fire way to know exactly if you will get good reception. The map might show that you are in a strong reception area but if you happen to live in a hollow then you might be disappointed.
All 3G provider networks should be strong in high-population density areas such as the big towns and cities – it is only really when you get out into ‘the sticks’ that the coverage level will vary by network provider. Having said that, each different provider offers different speeds and usage limits, generally speeds are in the region of 1.8Mb to 3.6Mb, although some providers are now claiming to offer up to 7.2Mb. Usage limits are typically around the 1-3Gb mark although one or two do offer greater than a 5Gb download allowance.
- Upgrade your modem firmware
Updating and upgrading your modem’s firmware will allow for improvements in picking up signal. Keeping a fully updated modem is one of the best things you can do with mobile broadband as you will have all the latest updates and tweaks to make sure you’re getting the best possible service.
- Move near a window or upstairs
When using your mobile phone you will tend to get a better signal when at a window or upstairs rather than in the middle of a building. The same logic will apply to mobile broadband, it works better where there are no buildings or you’re not in the centre of it etc. You will find that connecting to the Internet is easier outside although that’s not to say that it’s still won’t get a good connection inside a building. By adopting the same principles of using a mobile phone you can easily understand how to achieve a good connection using mobile internet.
- Signal Boosters
Antennas and boosters are available to increase coverage in your immediate area meaning they would be a good investment if you have struggled for both mobile phone and broadband signal. They do achieve some great results however unfortunately these can be quite costly to purchase and install. Signal boosters enhance the signal strength to your 3G modem by capturing the weak signal through an external aerial antenna that provides input to a 3G 2100MHz broadband amplifier compatible with all high speed 3G networks. As they require the use of a fixed external aerial, signal boosters are only an option to consider if you are having difficulty achieving a good mobile broadband signal in your home or office – they are not really an option for the truly mobile user who wants to improve their 3g mobile broadband signal on the move.
